Tuesday May 4, 2010

Dear colleague,

A New Financial Year

Last year we had record membership levels which reflected the increased interest in markets and the demand for Nabma services. In the first few weeks of April I have been nervously watching membership renewals acknowledging that for many of our members this is going to be a very difficult year. So far the news is encouraging with seventy five renewals which is the best return in five years but we still have a long way to go. Nabma, like any other organisation, has had to be mindful of the difficult economic position and we are doing our very best to help our members by retaining the same levels of membership subscription rates and offering improved services wherever possible. We have made sure that all our members are aware of the benefits of Nabma membership and if you need to justify the cost of your membership subscription to your local authority/company please do not hesitate to contact the office for any further information. Given the work we are doing with Government to promote the markets industry it is vital that we can speak with a strong voice. The greater our membership then the greater our ability to influence Government in achieving real and meaningful outcomes for the markets industry.

Market Champions

You should have now received your invitation to Nabma’s Annual Conference at Buxton. Details are provided of the programme and we hope, in the next few weeks, to be announcing additional speakers. At the time of writing this report we do not know who the next ‘Markets Minister’ is going to be but CLG have already put the date of the Conference in the diary with the intention of briefing the Minister on attendance. There are early bird discounts and an added bonus this year with any bookings received before the 31st July going into a draw with the potential of winning a luxury weekend break provided by Barceló. If you only attend one Markets Conference this year then it has to be the Nabma Conference. Please make sure you are there and show the strength of the market operators throughout the United Kingdom.

Markets and the Economic Test

From the 1st April all local authorities are required to undertake an economic assessment of their areas and as part of the work we have been doing with CLG we have emphasised the need for markets to be specifically covered in this assessment taking account of the wide range of community benefits that flow from the provision of markets. CLG have now informed us that the guidance produced in respect of the issues to be considered by each local authority now makes specific reference to markets. This is another encouraging development for the markets industry. Market managers should ensure that they are involved with the work being done by their local authority with regard to the economic assessment. For details of the guidance and the reference to markets please click here.

Local Markets Seminar - Markets, Government & Devolution

We are delighted with the response we are receiving to the Local Councils Seminar on the 4th June at Shrewsbury. While the event is directed at Local Councils it may also be of interest to District Councils/Unitary Councils who are considering partnership arrangements with Local Councils. Recently Nabma was asked to provide a template of a Memorandum of Understanding between a District Council and a Local Council regarding the operation of markets in their area. Both the District and the Local Council are keen market providers but they were anxious to work together for their mutual benefit. Nabma was able to assist with the provision of a Memorandum of Understanding covering the relevant issues.

Retail Forum

It was a pity that more members did not attend the recent Retail Forum at Spalding. We were delighted to be the guests of South Holland Council and the event was held a few days before the famous Spalding Bulb Festival. We had an excellent presentation from Barry Bradley of South Holland and also an update of the survey undertaken by Malcolm Veigas which showed some very encouraging signs for the market industry in 2010.