Friday January 7, 2011

Dear colleague,

Happy New Year

The end of 2010 proved to be very challenging for market operators. A number of Christmas Markets had to be cancelled or were badly disrupted but there were some good news stories with Christmas Markets attracting many shoppers to town centres and also providing increased footfall for other traders.

Market of the Year

Entries for this year’s competition have now closed although you still have a last minute opportunity to register on-line votes for “Britain’s Favourite Market”. Voting for this ends on the 14th January 2011 so a last minute push might make all the difference in securing the result for your market.

Streets in Action

Entries for this year’s competition have now closed although you still have a last minute opportunity to register on-line votes for “Britain’s Favourite Market”. Voting for this ends on the 14th January 2011 so a last minute push might make all the difference in securing the result for your market.www.nabma.com.

Ratings of Market Halls

The rating lists in respect of the market halls include on the first list will be changed on or around the 10th January 2011. Hopefully everyone has had an opportunity to discuss proposals in detail with the Local Valuation Office and the appropriate billing arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth transition of the new arrangements. Those markets included on the second list should receive the relevant information shortly and it is important to emphasize the need for meaningful local dialogue to ensure that all the relevant information is taken into account.

Pease & Chitty-Law of Markets and Fairs

No market office should be without the text book on market law. A new edition of Pease & Chitty is due to be published later in the year. NABMA has been asked to contribute towards this publication. Hopefully we will be able to secure discounts for NABMA members. Further details will be announced shortly.