Tuesday December 6, 2011

Dear colleague,

Merry Christmas from NABMA

Christmas sees many of our members providing some wonderful Christmas markets.  They demonstrate some of the best features of our markets industry.

This year has been a tough one for many people in the markets industry.  We have faced the impact of the economic recession and in local government we have seen swinging budget cuts that have impacted on the provision of market services.

Nevertheless the markets industry remains strong and continues to make a significant contribution to local communities.

A few weeks ago I visited a local authority market and was told that the market no longer makes a significant contribution to the general budget.  It is no longer a “cash cow” for the rest of the authority.  This means that people are questioning the value of the market service.  NABMA has always maintained that markets have to be seen much more than an income generator.  They have to be seen for their overall value to the local community by giving new start opportunities, creating a focal point for people to meet and to provide opportunities for tourism and regeneration.  In 2012 we need to make sure that the real value of markets is properly understood.

On behalf of everyone at NABMA, and associated with the organisation, can I take the opportunity of wishing all our members a very happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year.

Market of the Year Competition

You don’t have long to enter for the KPR Midlink 2012 Market of the Year competition.  Don’t leave it while the last moment to get your entry submitted and also make sure that you’ve got your stakeholders involved in voting for Britain’s Favourite Market.  Let’s make the 2012 competition a real celebration of what’s best in the markets industry.

A Changing High Street

You will have received the programme for NABMA’s One-Day Conference on the 26th January 2012 at Birmingham Council House.  We are delighted that this year we are also being joined not only by ATCM but the LGA.  This is an important time for the markets industry as we see the results of a number of Government initiatives affecting the High Street.  We are also going to have an opportunity of hearing about a number of market projects.  Again NABMA is reducing the price for delegates at this event.  We aim to give the very best value to our members.  Information and application forms can be found on the NABMA website at www.nabma.com

Diploma in Market Adminstration

Everyone has received a copy of the application form to take part in the Diploma course starting in 2012.  NABMA’s Management Board has made available £3k for bursaries to support students taking the Diploma.  We want to know by the end of the year what the level of demand is for the Diploma course.  If you want any further information please contact Dennis Wardle, NABMA’s Training Officer, but if you want to get a professional qualification that will help your career in markets, please sign up for a Diploma.

NABMA/NMTF Roadshows

Thank you to everyone who volunteered to host a roadshow.  We had a really excellent response.  Hopefully in the next month we will be finalising a shortlist of venues with our colleagues in the NMTF.  It is proposed that these roadshows will be run in late February and March and hopefully it will provide an opportunity to meet more of our members and also possibly attract some non members who might be interested in the services offered by NABMA.   Watch out for further details in due course.