On 25th September 2024, the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) hosted the much-anticipated presentation of the NABMA Market Awards at their Annual Conference in Harrogate. These prestigious awards celebrate the dedication, innovation, and service of individuals and teams who contribute to the success of the UK’s vibrant market industry. Sponsored by Blachere Illumination, the awards acknowledge the outstanding work that continues to elevate our markets and communities.
Here are the winners and those Highly Commended for the 2024 NABMA Market Awards:
Market Manager of the Year
Large Market Manager of the Year
Rachid Ghalaine of Greenwich Market
Recognised for his 23 years of dedicated service, Rachid’s strategic initiatives, community collaborations, and work with young traders have cemented Greenwich Market as a vital hub of creativity and local engagement.
Small Market Manager of the Year
Gail Bates of Market Harborough
Despite being relatively new to the industry, Gail has led a significant revamp of her historic market, creating a thriving and community-centred marketplace with exciting events like the Comedy Festival and Young Trader Markets.
Highly Commended:
- Stewart Cannon of Crewe Market
- Emma Beard of New Spitalfields Market
- Tim Palliser of Oxford Outdoor Market
Market Team of the Year
Large Market Team of the Year
Barnsley Markets Team
The Barnsley Markets Team has been pivotal in maintaining and growing their market, bringing in new traders, celebrating a market charter anniversary, and creating a vibrant community atmosphere.
Small Market Team of the Year
Ruddington Village Market Team
A unique, volunteer-driven market that has become a monthly highlight for its community, offering support for young entrepreneurs and providing an exceptional market experience.
Highly Commended:
- Bath Green Park Station Market Team
- Cirencester Market Team
- Bolton Market Team
Market Achievement Award
Large Market Achievement Award
Hackney Markets Shop Fronts and Street Trading Service
Hackney’s markets have led the way with a pioneering zero-plastic initiative, significantly reducing environmental impact and achieving an impressive 89% recycling rate.
Small Market Achievement Award
Sudbury Town Council
Sudbury has revitalised its market, with trader numbers doubling and a renewed focus on sustainability. The market has become a symbol of the town’s growth and community spirit.
Highly Commended:
- Bath Christmas Market
Young Market Champion of the Year
Andreja White of Errol Sunday Market Team
Andreja has made a remarkable impact in just two years, leading a 400% increase in online engagement and launching initiatives that support young traders and performers.
Highly Commended:
- Sally Jones of Wakefield District Markets
NABMA Special Achievement Award
Simon Baynes
This year’s NABMA Special Achievement Award is presented to Simon Baynes, MP for Clwyd South. Simon has been a strong advocate for markets, leading the All Party Parliamentary Markets Group and championing the role of markets in community life. His work ensured that markets received significant recognition in Parliament, including a 10 Minute Rule Bill highlighting their importance. NABMA thanks Simon for his dedication to the market industry.
Krys Zasada Award 2024
Patricia Lennon of the Real Deal Campaign
The Krys Zasada Award is NABMA’s highest honour, and this year it goes to Patricia Lennon for her leadership of the Real Deal Campaign. The Real Deal Campaign has been vital in maintaining the integrity of UK markets by promoting honest, safe trading environments. It focuses on protecting consumers and ensuring that counterfeit or unsafe goods are not sold in markets, making them trustworthy spaces for shoppers and traders alike. Patricia’s work has fostered partnerships between trading standards officers, market operators, and the Police, creating a nationwide effort to keep markets safe and transparent.
Lifetime Achievement Awards (Honorary Life Membership)
Adrian Harrison
Adrian Harrison has been a stalwart of the market industry for over three decades. From his early days as a sole trader at Leighton Buzzard Market to becoming the Market Manager, Adrian has been a loyal supporter of NABMA and the market industry at large. His dedication to the National Young Traders Market and Love Your Local Market initiatives, combined with his years of service, makes him a well-deserved recipient of this recognition. Adrian is set to retire this Christmas, and NABMA wishes him well in his future.
Deborah Carpenter
With over 40 years in the markets industry, Debbie Carpenter’s influence has spanned some of the most well-known markets in London, including Roman Road and Brick Lane. Her leadership in public health initiatives, retail improvements, and active participation in international market conferences showcases her long-standing dedication to the industry. NABMA is proud to award her Honorary Life Membership for her extensive contributions.
The Chief Executive of NABMA, David Preston, said:
“The NABMA Awards continue to be a testament to the innovation, dedication, and excellence that defines our markets. Each year, the calibre of our nominees and winners reflects the outstanding efforts within our industry. This year’s recipients are setting new standards, driving their markets forward with visionary leadership and community engagement. NABMA remains committed to supporting and celebrating the achievements of our members, and we look forward to seeing the continued growth and success of markets across the country.”
Congratulations to all our winners, Highly Commended recipients, and nominees!
Full Citations for Each Winner:
The following are the full citations for each award winner, provided by NABMA CEO David Preston. These citations can also be used by the winners for press releases:
- Large Market Manager of the Year: Rachid Ghalaine, Greenwich Market
“Rachid’s dedication, spanning over two decades, has transformed Greenwich Market into a beacon of local artistry and entrepreneurship. His work with Young Enterprise has introduced 125 new traders in just 12 months, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of market talent. His leadership is a testament to the power of markets in strengthening community bonds.” - Small Market Manager of the Year: Gail Bates, Market Harborough
“Gail has brought fresh energy to Market Harborough, overseeing a much-needed revamp and introducing dynamic events that have revitalised the market. Her hands-on approach with traders and the local community has made the market flourish, becoming a focal point for events and future growth.” - Large Market Team of the Year: Barnsley Markets Team
“The Barnsley Markets Team exemplifies the strength of teamwork in driving market success. By blending tradition with modern retail strategies, they have created a thriving market space that honours its heritage while fostering new growth. Their efforts in attracting new traders and engaging the community have been outstanding.” - Small Market Team of the Year: Ruddington Village Market Team
“The Ruddington Village Market Team has built a remarkable community-driven market that supports young entrepreneurs through mentorship and guidance. Their commitment to creating an engaging and sustainable market experience is a fantastic example of grassroots market innovation.” - Large Market Achievement Award: Hackney Markets Shop Fronts and Street Trading Service
“Hackney’s groundbreaking zero-plastic initiative has set a new standard for sustainability in markets. Eliminating single-use plastics, the team has inspired traders and customers alike to adopt eco-friendly practices, significantly reducing waste and setting a high bar for future market operations.” - Small Market Achievement Award: Sudbury Town Council
“Sudbury’s market has made an incredible turnaround, overcoming low trader interest and attendance. By focusing on sustainability and actively listening to traders and customers, the market has become a vibrant part of the town’s culture, doubling its trader numbers and enhancing its profile.” - Young Market Champion of the Year: Andreja White, Errol Sunday Market Team
“Andreja’s achievements in just two years are remarkable. She has revitalised the market’s online presence, increased footfall, and successfully attracted new, young traders. Her vision for the future, including a Youth Market in 2025, promises even greater things to come.”
These citations, authored by David Preston, NABMA CEO, serve as both a recognition of excellence and as quotes for winners to use in their press communications.
The NABMA Market Awards 2024 are a celebration of the exceptional work being done in markets across the UK, and we are proud to honour this year’s winners.