Shoppers and traders at Shrewsbury’s Indoor Market Hall are delighted after the retail venue was highly commended in a national competition.
The National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) launched its annual Market of the Year awards in December and the results were announced at an awards ceremony in Birmingham on January 27.
Shrewsbury’s Indoor Market Hall entered into the category for Britain’s Favourite Market award, for which 60 markets applied.
The winning market was Accrington which NABMA said had “invested in modernising and energy saving.”
It is the first time Shrewsbury Market Hall has been entered for the awards, which were launched in 2005.
Mike Cox, Outdoor Recreation & Assets Manager for Shrewsbury Town Council, which manages the canopied section of the market, said: “It is a fantastic result to be highly commended in a national competition when we were up against areas of the country with much larger populations than Shrewsbury, especially as this is our first time entering.
“Our staff and traders work hard to make the market the best it can be so this is a testament to all their hard work. It was recognised that Shrewsbury had entered an excellent presentation containing many innovative ideas.”
Kate Gittins, Site Facilities Manager at the market added: “It just goes to show that markets continue to be a vitally important part of the retail offer in this country. Here at Shrewsbury Market Hall we are proud to provide fresh, quality produce, an outlet for locally sourced food and a hub for art and culture.
“Special thanks must go to all of our loyal customers who voted for us to win Britain’s Favourite Market and we hope to make you all proud by scooping first place next year!”
The NABMA awards have attracted attention from celebrities, including chef Antony Worrall Thompson. Mr Worrall Thompson said: “I believe that markets are a vitally important component within the food chain. They provide fresh produce, an outlet for locally sourced food and I am proud to have been a long standing supporter and regular user.”
Other categories in the NABMA awards included; Best Street/Outdoor Market, Best Wholesale Market, Best Indoor Market Hall, Best Small Market (no more than 50 stalls), Best speciality Market and Best Private Market. NABMA is the country’s leading markets organisation.
Membership is open to any organisation which has control of retail, wholesale, livestock markets, public abattoirs and pleasure fairs.
For further information contact Suzi Wilkinson, Marketing & Promotions Officer on: 01743 257654 or email suzi.wilkinson-stc@shropshire.gov.uk