Posts in category: Basecamp

The Prime Minister has announced “temporary and precautionary” measures following the emergence of the Omicron variant in the UK. It is intended that these measures will be reviewed in three weeks. Included in these measures is a requirement that face covering will be compulsory in shops from Tuesday. This requirement encompasses Indoor Market Halls and therefore NABMA members will need to be ready to implement this requirement and provide appropriate signage encouraging everyone, both traders and general public, to comply.  Hopefully everyone will respond positively to this requirement but, as when the requirement was previously compulsory, we do not suggest market officers get into confrontational situations with members of the public about compliance. Encouragement through signage and other promotional means is the way forward and if there are issues of concern the police should be the first point of contact.There is greater responsibility for traders and NABMA encourages members to require compliance as part of the requirements of traders letting arrangements.  In the light of the new measures, and to keep everyone as safe as possible, it might also be worthwhile ensuring that Markets continue to have adequate hand wash facilities available and you encourage everyone to observe social distancing. The Prime Minister’s announcement also makes it clear that hospitality settings will be exempt so, pending receipt of further guidance, we are assuming that the face masks do not need to be worn in Market cafes and food areas. NABMA is seeking further clarification on the position of Open Markets and particularly Christmas Markets. While outdoor trading is regarded as being currently exempt from the new measures NABMA is aware that, when these measures were previously introduced, Open Markets were highlighted as places where crowds gathered and as such should be treated in the same context as shops.

Yesterday afternoon (23rd November 2021), the APPMG met by Zoom and specific questions were tabled by NABMA, supported by NMTF, highlighting various matters including the omission of markets in the government ‘Build Back Better High Street’ strategy. The debate focussed around how can the APPMG secure a better connectivity for markets, particularly in relation to levelling up, to have recognition in present and future government initiatives, consultation and policy? Discussion also took place around seeking support for national campaigns in 2022 of NABMA and NMTF in respect of Love Your Local Market and the Young Traders Market campaign with the recognition of the value of markets to promote up start up business.  The APPMG was also asked to question the Treasury on the ongoing situation regarding business rates and the inequitable situation that continues between public and private sector operated markets. NABMA is pleased at the recognition by MP’s in attendance of the frustration of the industry at the lack of meaningful government support provided throughout the pandemic and the issues still evident.  The APPMG fully acknowledged the wide ranging agenda that markets can meet in supporting government policy and the levelling up agenda and have therefore agreed to request a meeting for NABMA and NMTF with Neil O’Brien MP, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Levelling Up, The Union and Constitution) with direct responsibilities for high streets, towns, commercial property and community assets in England. It is hoped that this meeting will be arranged very quickly looking at an agenda that will include developing a strategy for markets, funding and an action plan of mutual support. Yours sincerelyDavid Preston (BA Hons)Chief ExecutiveThe National Association of British Market Authorities

NABMA is delighted to announce that delegates can book now for our popular, and often over subscribed, One Day Conference for 2022. Our conference flyer is attached. The date –  Thursday 3 February 2022 The theme – Markets in a Changing High Street The venue – The Macdonald Burlington Hotel, Birmingham Our Sponsor – Blachere Illumination UK As markets continue to rebuild then we look at the challenges and opportunities being faced by the high street. We ask the questions as to where do markets fit in the new levelling up agenda and focus on many of the agendas that markets can support and deliver. The conference will also host the awards ceremony for the Great British Market Awards 2022. In 2022, we move to a new venue that is immediately adjacent to Birmingham New Street Station. As always, attractive discounts are available for early bookings but numbers will be strictly limited and early booking is essential.https://nabma.com/conferencefeb22/ Yours sincerelyDavid Preston (BA Hons)Chief Executive

As you know NABMA has worked hard over many years to protect the market rights of our members. In recent weeks, following discussions with a number of members, an important issue has arisen which I feel needs bringing to members attention. Market rights can be exercised by anyone in receipt of market powers and generally market powers are of equal status (although it is necessary to do a formal assessment before coming to a final view). This is important particularly where District/ Unitary Councils hold market rights and there are Parish/ Town Councils within their area also holding market rights. A recent issue raised with NABMA concerned a District Council, currently not a NABMA member, that sought to restrict a Town Council exercising its market rights. The District Council was wrongly seeking to assert that the Town Council could only hold market events and license other markets with the approval of the District Council. Where a situation exists that different Councils in the same area hold market rights NABMA would urge that consultation takes place to establish a policy that recognises that each authority has the benefit of market rights and they work together for their mutual benefit. The situation can arise where the organiser of a market event is faced with applying to two authorities for permission to hold a market event and that could potentially lead to two different outcomes. That would potentially undermine the credibility and status of market rights. Market rights can continue to make a important contribution to ensuring that the number and quality of events in an area are maintained at the right level but to do this effectively authorities enjoying market rights must respect the market rights of others and seek to work constructively with them. If any further help or information is required please contact NABMA. Yours sincerely David Preston (BA Hons)Chief ExecutiveThe National Association of British Market Authorities

The trucks/trollies that were previously used to transport the stalls from our depot to the market (a few hundred feet away) are quite old now and in need of repair, however, considering their age there are probably better (and more environmentally friendly) options out there now.  Do you have any recommendations for this and who you may have used previously to supply these?  Thanks, Karen (St Albans)

Now is the time to book your place on one of the two specialist diploma courses offered by NABMA. Training and Development of your market team is essential to your success and this is why NABMA offer bespoke training and qualifications. Delivered in collaboration with the Institute of Place Management (part of Manchester Metropolitan University), this is the leading professional qualification for market managers. Lectures take place ONLINE over 3 months starting in February 2022 with 3 written assessments. Successful completion leads to a level 4 NVQ qualification. The Diploma in Market Administration The Diploma covers three key areas of Market Management: Communications, Law & Operations. The London Diploma in Markets and Street Trading Administration The new London Diploma is endorsed by the London Markets Board and delivered in collaboration with the Institute of Place Management (part of Manchester Metropolitan University).  The London diploma includes additional emphasis on London Street Trading Law, implementation, operation and appeal systems. Enrolment on a Nabma Diploma also includes associate membership of the IPM. Register your interest as soon as possible, or alternatively complete the attached application form to ensure your place is secured. One of the major strengths of these courses is the wide variety of backgrounds and experience held by the officers attending.  The mixture continues to include both experienced officers and those who are new to the industry that require fast track training.  New officers to the industry have the valuable opportunity to network with more experienced colleagues, and build contacts that will be invaluable in the future. Further information of dates/times of lectures are attached to this email.    The course handbook can be downloaded from the Nabma website here:  https://nabma.com/training-development/ Please email our Professional Development Consultant – Steve Pickering at diploma@nabma.com or contact him at 07756 326022 to register your interest. We look forward to hearing from you.

Across the UK, councils are taking urgent action in their local areas with partners and local communities to combat the negative impacts of climate change and to deliver net zero carbon by 2050. At forthcoming events we intend that the levelling up and build back greener programmes will form part of our discussions. Leading into 2022, NABMA is keen to research how local climate change strategies will impact on markets and to hear of planned, or initiatives already in place.  We are aware of indoor markets that have been fitted with commercial solar panels and other markets working to lower emissions and reduce fossil fuel reliance.  What is the change agenda in your markets? What initiatives do you have planned and are markets a key player in your local strategies? Please tell us your plans so that we can promote and share the good practice that we know is underway in our industry. Yours sincerely David Preston Chief ExecutiveThe National Association of British Market Authorities

I am pulling together some information for a meeting which is being held tonight in which Members are looking at the market delivery options.  Sorry for the short notice.Could you let me know if your Council offers assistance, either directly or through 3rd party, to erect and dismantle Traders own gazebos?If this is not provided, could you let me know how issues are addressed in relation to trading opportunities for people who may have difficulty doing this themselves, either because they are a single trader or have different physical abilities?Members are also interested in whether consideration has been given to changing the market operator – either moving from direct-Council delivery to contracted service, contracted service to direct-Council delivery, Joint Venture/Trader Co-operative, etc.  If this is something that your authority has given consideration to in the last 2 years could you let me know what options were considered and (if possible) the decision and why this was selected?Finally does anybody know of any Frameworks that include Market Operators that we may be able to access if this is the chosen route?I would appreciate any responses, even if they are just brief.  Thank you.

Good morningI’m preparing a paper regarding the provision, installation and de-rig of gazebo’s on a daily basis and would appreciate some input from you if any of your markets operate on this basis. Specifically I would like to know:If outsourced, how much are you charged and on what basis ie. day rate/per stall. If in house, what is the cost of staffing and do the same staff install and take down given the start/finish times may be more than 12 hours apart? How many staff are employed to do this?Many thanksCharlie

Since Friday, NABMA has been in regular contact with two companies that have been in discussions with the administrator dealing with the sad termination of trading for the above.Frustratingly, despite best ongoing efforts we understand that no take over arrangements have been agreed to date.As we previously notified then we have been in contact with three sources that have indicated they may be able to assist members affected by this matter and provide some sort of help and support package. Two are commercial companies and the other is an operator that has designed an in house arrangement.As a reminder then each of the below is prepared to have a conversation with the individual operator to see what support may be possible.Marketti – Derek StewartMobile 07949 083474Email derek@paysme.co.ukWebsite Marketti Edge IT Systems – Chris Edgee-mail chris@edgeitsystems.com mobile  07970 931174Website EDGE IT Systems Limited – IT Support, IT SolutionsSteven Hadfield – Markets & Business Development Manager, Tameside MBCemail steven.hadfield@tameside.gov.uk Tel. 0161 342 5389Mobile. 07790882739Again, please use Basecamp to share your decisions and actions in this matter. NABMA will continue to work behind the scenes to try and connect and support the various interests in this matter.