Posts in category: Basecamp

afternoon,we are after a computer software for free or paid to design a map/market layout for our weekly markets and events. we need the ability to produce layouts to send to traders etcwhat software do other markets use?thank you

It is time for your NABMA membership renewal for 2022/23.  In the months to come, with various government strategies, then we recognise that markets will continue to have a major role to play in helping communities and the high street recover. NABMA will continue to support you with information, guidance, lobbying and provide networking and professional development opportunities. Without doubt the last two years have been the most difficult in the long and proud tradition of markets across the UK. Despite the various lockdowns, and the many operational changes that have needed to be made within our industry, then all market officers, market teams, traders and customers must be recognised for the amazing delivery of an essential market service that has been at the heart of so many communities. NABMA has been proud to support the industry through this most difficult time. For more information please view Annual Report 2021. NABMA itself has made unprecedented change in the way it provides services. Many services have moved to digital platforms. Our legal and advice services have operated 7 days a week throughout the pandemic. We have introduced a new website with a comprehensive Members Area with many template documents. Despite the many pressures we were delighted that our two national conferences were able to take place with excellent attendances. Our question at this time of membership renewal is – are you making best use of your NABMA membership? Check out the comprehensive range of services available to you Member Support 2021-2022. On the national platform we have been involved in regular meetings with government departments and the High Street Sector Leaders Group and worked with various Universities in their research looking to the future of the industry. NABMA has also led on the relaunch of the All Party Parliamentary Markets Group that is an important conduit for the industry to Westminster. The above is just a summary reminder of the NABMA support to our members. As you receive your membership renewal we sincerely trust that you will recognise the value of our many services and the learning and networking opportunities that we provide that bring the NABMA family together.   As we come out of the pandemic then NABMA looks forward to continuing to support our members,  and being the voice for an industry that will have such an important influence in the recovery of high street and local communities. Yours sincerely David Preston (BA Hons)Chief ExecutiveThe National Association of British Market Authorities

NABMA has been approached by Catherine Brice,  Head of Westminster Markets, Growth Planning and Housing. Catherine advises that “Westminster and Tower Hamlets are working together to restore some of our borough’s traditional barrows in our markets by working with Heritage of London Trust, who have previously delivered a similar project at Brixton.   Following our initial investigations we have managed to secure an initial funding pot of £15k from the Heritage of London Trust for a project to restore 20 barrows. We would love to make this a bigger project and pitch for additional funding streams that may be available to support us, and are therefore looking to loop in some of our partner London Boroughs. We have already explored some possible links in Islington.  If you could promote this opportunity to Partner London Boroughs who have traditional barrows in their markets to see if they would be interested in taking part I would be grateful.  If anyone is interested do contact either myself cbrice@westminster.gov.uk  or Alastair Moir – Alastair.Moir@towerhamlets.gov.uk” Yours sincerely David Preston (BA Hons)Chief ExecutiveThe National Association of British Market Authorities

Hi, I was just wondering if any markets adjust their timings in the winter.We are service planning for the upcoming year and this was something that came up. Traders have asked that we think about shortening our timings for the winter months and I wondered if this was something any other outdoor markets do?

Hi,Does anyone have a Letting Policy i could have a look at please?ThanksNeilneil.sunlay@hullcc.gov.uk

Hi all Leicester Market may be getting slightly closer to a redevelopment – hurrah!! I’m just looking at the logistics of temporary moving the market and looking for advise from those that have been through or going through this process.1. Where did you move your market too, distance from the original site.2. What did you house the traders in, was it like for like?3. Did you offer any discounted rent?4. Any recommendations of suppliers of temporary units/kiosks/containers.5. Anything else I’ve not thought off.A direct email would be really appreciated sonya.spink@leicester.gov.uk  Thanks Sonya

NABMA has been approached by Watford Borough Council, as below, who are looking to engage with market providers seeking discussions with interested parties about the future delivery of their market services.  The Council stress that they are not unhappy with the current arrangements in place but the contract is due for re tender and they wish to ensure a fair procurement process is carried out that may provide the Council with options and competition. “We are looking to engage with all market providers who can deliver market operator services on behalf of the council.  The market has a covered section where traders have 12 month licences and an on street market where we have temporary day traders and the gazebos are put out daily. More information can be found on our website at www.watfordmarket.co.ukFacebook @watfordtownmarket.com and on Instagram @watfordtownmarket We are at pre procurement market engagement stage so much of the rest of the service is open to discussion e.g. length of contract term, inclusion of facilities management, opening days/times, speciality markets, events, the future… We are at this stage looking for a list of providers who we can talk to and conduct soft market testing to build up a list of contractors who we can invite to bid during the procurement phase and to understand the interest which may be out there”. If you have an interest in this matter please contactLaura Allan, Contract Manager (Waste, Recycling and Watford Market), Community and Environmental Services Laura.Allan@watford.gov.uk 01923 278496

With the demise of MACCS, does anyone have any recommendations for operational software to cover trader database management, bookings, etc?  The more user-friendly the better!  Many thanks!

We have a number of traders who have started to ask to store equipment such as gazebos on our site in order to reduce the weight they are carrying in their vans. We have a number of cupboards that we have allowed them to use for a small fee but do not have any formal agreements in place. We feel that it would be a good idea to formalise the arrangement by issuing a storage licence. Does anyone here have experience with this sort of agreement or a proforma we could use?

At the Birmingham Conference last month a presentation was delivered by Chris Royle Commercial Rating, Valuation Office Agency. As a follow up the VOA have provided the below that may be helpful to NABMA members;“We took away from your conference a strong sense the markets were innovating, developing and seeking to meet their potential in the post Covid World.  On Rating of markets, we have started the Revaluation valuation phase internally, and we have a small team on the task at the moment. Your members have been on the whole helpful in returning information requested, and this will help us to make the valuations of markets for 2023 as accurate as possible.  Generally speaking, we expect the overall value of markets in our rating lists to reduce for 2023; there are other factors that may mean your members do not see the full benefit of reduced figures in rate bills, which depends on factors like the Uniform Business Rate (UBR), which is outside our control and will not be set for a good while yet. Similarly, transitional arrangements, if introduced this Reval (they have for every Reval since 1990), work in both directions: they have always (to date) ‘phased up’ increases and ‘phased down’ decreases. Again, such reliefs and arrangements are outside our control.  The main action you should take is to encourage your members to supply information when requested (on our form VO 6028) and provide all relevant facts and details when making any ‘Checks’ and ‘Challenges’ against figures in the 2017 Rating Lists for whatever reason”. The VOA have also offered to extend their dialogue with NABMA on this matter. If you therefore have some general issues then please let NABMA know and we will pass them on to Chris Royle and his team. Yours sincerely David Preston (BA Hons)Chief ExecutiveThe National Association of British Market Authorities