Wednesday July 7, 2010

Dear colleague,

Markets Minister to Attend Nabma Conference

It will be a great delight to welcome Andrew Stunell, CLG Minister with responsibility for Markets, to Buxton. He has agreed to speak to the Conference at the opening session on Monday 13th September 2010. Andrew will be announcing some of the results of the work we have been undertaking following the Select Committee Report on Markets. We are hoping to be able to launch all three projects on good practice, management models and business support at the NABMA Conference. Please make sure that there is a good turnout to welcome Andrew and also hear what he has to say about the future of the markets industry. You still have time to make an “early bird” booking for Buxton. We hope that as many delegates as possible will come for the whole Conference but there are facilities for day delegates if you are unable to attend for the three days.

Local Authority Cuts Hit Markets

We have already seen evidence of the impact of local authority cuts. In the last fortnight we have had several resignations from NABMA members. Each member has been contacted and they have made it clear that there is no criticism of the service NABMA provides. Quite the contrary, a number have spoken of their disappointment of not being able to continue in membership of NABMA. In every case the reason for the resignation is the need to make immediate and substantial savings on budgets. It is clear that the next few years are going to be very difficult and at the Management Board in July we will begin the process of considering how NABMA can face the challenge of coping with the serious financial situation in many of our member authorities. It is vital for the future of the markets industry that NABMA continues. If NABMA does not make out the case for local authority markets then no-one else carries the responsibility. The benefits of NABMA membership both in terms of raising the national profile of markets and providing individual services to members is beyond question. All members have been provided with information to support the case for continuing membership of NABMA. If you face difficulties in meeting your membership subscription please talk with the office so that we can consider how to deal with your situation.

Management Models

We have been undertaking a survey over the last 2/3 weeks to ascertain the picture with regard to the management of local authority markets and assess the extent, if any, to which members are considering an alternative management model to local authority and control. We have had an excellent response to the request for information and on the basis of the replies received it seems that few are currently considering an alternative form of management. Of course it is a matter for each member to consider what is best for its own community but it is also right that an opportunity should be taken to review the options and when the CLG project on management models is completed it is important that all our members look at the possibilities that exist in a meaningful way.

Rating of Market Halls

Many members will recall the apprehension at the proposed rating review of approximately 200 market halls. It was feared that the results of the review would lead to substantial increases in rating assessment which would add significantly to the current burdens of operating the markets concerned. Fortunately, on the previous occasion, NABMA managed to persuade the Valuation Office that it was right to pause and consider the implications of the proposal. The Valuation Office agreed to do some preliminary work and circulated a questionnaire to the relevant markets. It seems that the Valuation Office is now in a position to bring forward fresh proposals on the basis of the work that has been undertaken. A meeting is planned for the 9th July 2010 and NABMA members will be given an update immediately after that meeting.

WUWM European Retail Conference in Dublin

The WUWM European Retail Conference held at the end of June was an opportunity for delegates from seven European countries to come together and discuss matters of mutual interest. It was encouraging to note that in terms of our dialogue with Government the UK is far more advanced than any other European country. The bulk of the presentations at the Conference were from UK delegates and other delegates showed considerable admiration of the influence of the national market organisations and the success we had achieved via the All-Party Parliamentary Markets Group and the subsequent work with the CLG Select Committee Report. It almost felt as though we were undertaking missionary work with our European counterparts. Again it is an indication of the progress we have made and the success we currently enjoy. Please do not put these achievements at risk.