NABMA Annual Conference 2017

Stratford-upon-Avon was again the setting for this year’s industry conference. We report on the conference highlights; including speakers, the prestigious awards and the changeover of Chief Executive.

One of the highlights of the NABMA Annual Conference is the Blanchere Illuminations Gala Awards Dinner, which celebrates the people that have made significant contribution to the industry. There was a record number of entrants across all categories and Graham Wilson, who presented the awards, commented that the quality of the entrants made the judging decision particularly difficult this year.

Here are the worthy recipients…

Market Manager of the Year – John Walker, Calderdale Council

Market Manager of the Year – John Walker, Calderdale Council

Graham commented: “The quality and range of the endorsements received is staggeringly impressive, which bodes well for the future of the markets industry; so it has been a difficult decision to reach.

But this man is one of the cornerstones of the markets industry, someone who has had an especially keen interest in ensuring the well-running of markets for over 30 years and who has managed one of the north’s metropolitan markets portfolios for over 13 years.

His successes have been in creating initiatives for bringing young people into markets, creating linkages for partnering and supporting community organisations, in regenerating market infrastructure and in constantly facilitating others through management of the Nabma Forum and in his significant assessment role for the Diploma in Market Administration. Nabma, Calderdale Metropolitan Council and the markets industry have much to thank him for.”

Market Team of the Year – Cambridge Market,
l-r Tim Jones, Dan Ritchie, Colin Joyce and Luiz Breda.

Market Team of the Year – Cambridge Market, headed by Dan Ritchie

All four members of the team now have the Diploma in Markets Administration, and representatives always try to attend industry conferences, roadshows and events.

Hilary Paxman, Chief Executive of NABMA said: “Cambridge Market is a very worthy winner of the NABMA Market Team of the Year Award 2017. The team of just four people has been working together since 2014, and during that time have delivered new initiatives, including trader support, improved communications and worked closely with other partners in the city, including the BID and Visit Cambridge. They have also increased the number of markets, including a series of night markets and amazing Love Your Local Market events, meeting the needs of the city and its visitors. We are delighted to recognise their work and achievements in this way”.

Commenting after the event, Rosy Moore, Executive Councillor with responsibility for markets, said: “Cambridge’s markets and their many fantastic traders have a special place in the life of the city, providing a vibrant commercial environment for small businesses and a valuable resource for residents and visitors alike. I’m delighted that this national recognition reflects the efforts of the Markets team to boost the profile of our markets, help the traders flourish, and introduce innovative new ways of working.”

Market Innovation of the Year – Fleetwood Market.

Market Innovation of the Year – Fleetwood Market. Manager, Julian Brent

Wyre Market’s Fleetwood Market introduced a new website which incorporates the first market in the country to have its own online shop for its traders – The Fleetwood Market Auction. Working with the local branch of Citizens Advice, they created a business hub where traders will receive free training on how to sell their wares online.

Young Market Champion of the Year

This year it was decided to award two young market champions – Luke Matthews from Saffron Walden and Lucy Bye, Kirklees.

Luke Matthews

Luke Matthews – Saffron Walden

Lisa Courtney, Town Clerk at Saffron Walden Town Council commented: “Luke is a key member of the Operations Team at the Town Council. He has a can-do attitude and is ready and willing to take up new challenges and step up to the plate at times of need. Due to staff absences, Luke has found himself stepping up and covering the market over the past few months and he has done so with positivity, enthusiasm and always a smile. He is a great asset to the Town Council team and makes a considerable difference to the smooth operation and functionality of all of our services, especially more recently, in the market as he has covered these duties.

Lucy Bye –Kirklees Council

Lucy Bye – Kirklees Council

In September 2012, Lucy approached the markets team with an ambition to help young people get started in business, which led to an initiative giving young people a week of free trading in the Market Hall, identifying that markets would be ideal for new start-ups and test trading.
In 2013, she secured funds to deliver three large youth markets, approaching a number of educational establishments to recruit young people, and creating a network of people passionate about youth enterprise. The first Alternative Market took place in November 2014 and its success continued throughout 2015. In January 2016, NABMA awarded the Small Specialist Market award to the Alternative Market. Since winning the award, Lucy has continued to secure retail space for young stallholders and continued to fly the flag for youth enterprise and markets.

Special Market Team Awards – Borough Market, London and Glasgow Wholesale Market

Two dreadful events this year put the markets industry in to the spotlight for the wrong reasons. NABMA wanted to recognise the special efforts that Borough Market made following the heinous terrorist attack that took place on its market and Glasgow Wholesale Market for resuming trading just 24 hours after a devastating fire ripped through the site.

Colin Wolstenholme

Krys Zasada Award for Outstanding Contribution to Markets – Colin Wolstenholme, Bradford Markets

Sponsored by Manchester City Council, in memory of Krys Zasada, this award is made to the person that NABMA believes has done much to promote the markets industry. This is the highest award that NABMA presents and is determined by the association’s President. Colin Wolstenholme, Markets Manager at Bradford Council was this year’s recipient.

NABMA Life Membership Awards

There were four recipients this year; Alan Ottey – Town Centre and Market Manager at Mid Devon District Council; David Worrall – Assistant GM Bolton Markets; Peter Turvey – London Street Trading and Legislation and Tony Sproston District Markets Manager, Manchester.

NABMA Appreciation Awards – Allan Hartwell, Market Place and Joe Harrison, NMTF

In recognition of the continued support and working partnerships established with NABMA.