Thursday May 5, 2011

Dear colleague,

Retail Market Research

All members should by now have received a copy of a survey form asking for help in identifying trends on retail markets over the last twelve months. It is vital that this survey form is completed and returned to the NABMA office as soon as possible as we are keen to have information that we can share with Government at the next meeting of the DCLG Working Group scheduled for late June or July. If you have any queries about the survey please contact Krys Zasada – NABMA Policy Development Manager. kryszasada@googlemail.com

European Services Directive

Members will now have had an update on the implications of the Government’s devised interpretation of the Directive. In terms of market rights the advice remains the same that members can continue to follow a market rights policy subject to having taken into account the implications of the Directive. NABMA has already given advice on what procedures need to be followed together with provision of a draft report that can be used to justify the continuance of a market rights policy. If any further information is required please contact nabma@nabma.com

Nabma's New Website

They are hoping to go live with the new website by the middle of June 2011. One of the key features of the new website will be an interactive forum. We intend to test the working of this new facility during May so that we can get maximum benefit when the new website goes live. Watch out for further announcements during May about the format of the new website.

Easter Markets

With glorious weather over the Easter period in many parts of the country, NABMA received a number of reports of successful Easter markets and events. Congratulations to all market operators who made special efforts over this period. If you have any news or photographs that you can share with NABMA, please let us know and we will include details on the NABMA website.