Monday December 13, 2010

Dear colleague,

Christmas Greetings

Christmas is always a busy time for markets but it was sad to read that a number of markets had been badly affected by the extreme weather conditions. Hopefully the situation will improve before Christmas but the adverse weather will add to the difficulties that many market operators face in organising their markets over the next few weeks. There is no doubt that many people will be leaving 2010 with apprehension. There is uncertainty about jobs, there is uncertainty about resources and there is uncertainty, in some places, whether the markets will continue. While NABMA does not have any magical formulae to make problems disappear what we do offer is a range of services to help support market operators and market staff in difficult times. We will shortly be publishing “Supporting Market Operators” and there will be lots of information about what NABMA can do to meet the challenges that many of you will face in 2011. There have been a number of significant achievements in 2010 and we hope that the work we have done with Government will continue into 2011. Having Government support for markets does make a difference and it is clear that in 2010 we have enjoyed an increased profile with the support that Government has given to us. Thank you for all your support in 2010. On behalf of everyone at NABMA can I wish you a Happy and Prosperous Christmas and New Year. We will be there for you in 2011.

European Services Directive

Several months ago we were advised by BIS that they were taking advice on whether retailing was covered by the Directive. Based on information given at a recent meeting with Government officials it appears that BIS has now come to the conclusion that retailing is included within the definition and this means that the Directive will have wider implications for street trading and market trading generally. BIS has indicated that the need to clarify the impact of the Directive has largely been responsible for the delay in publishing the results of the Consultation on Pedlars and Street Trading. It is expected that advice on both the Directive and the Consultation on Pedlars and Street Trading will be published before Christmas. NABMA will be providing further advice in due course.

Market of the Year & "Streets in Action"

There is still time to get your application in for Market of the Year 2011. If you have entered before and not been successful in winning the competition this might just be your year. In past years the competition has been close in a number of classes so please do not be discouraged if you have failed to win the competition previously. Also if you have won previously why not submit another entry. The distinction of winning Market of the Year on more than one occasion will bring added recognition to your market. The awards will be presented at the “Streets in Action” seminar on the 27th January 2011 at the Council House, Birmingham. A detailed programme for this event has recently been published and it promises to be a highlight of the NABMA year. You can still get discounts on a delegate fee if you register by the 31st December 2010.

Working with Government

We are waiting to hear whether we have got Government approval to continue the relationship we have established through the CLG Retail Working Group. The last meeting of the Working Group on the 30th November 2010 reviewed the progress we had made and submitted a case to Ministers for retaining the Group. Letters of support have been sent to Andrew Stunell MP, Minister for Markets, by Ann Coffey, Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Markets Group and Chris Poulter, NABMA President. If you can add your support to encouraging Andrew Stunell to approve the continuance of the Retail Markets Working Group please ask your MP or Council Leader to write a letter to Andrew Stunell.

Benchmarking

There was a good attendance at the meeting organised by Andy Ward in October to discuss a revised format for benchmarking. Andy is hoping to finalise some proposals early in the New Year so please watch this space for further details.

Rating of Market Halls

While work has almost been completed on the first list of market halls it is understood that work with regard to a second list will be started shortly after Christmas. NABMA has already circulated details of the markets included in the second list to all members but if you have any doubts about whether your market is included please contact the NABMA office.