Posts in category: Basecamp

The National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) is delighted to present another joint event with the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC).This event will be of interest to all NABMA members.Markets are recognised by Government to be one of the top factors that can influence vibrant and vital town centres and, as restrictions ease, more local councils are delivering their local markets and associated events to boost their local economy, tourism and town centre footfall.This event will feature case studies from local councils who operate markets with a license from a principal council and those developing a markets strategy and extending their local market offer. The case studies will also be detailed in the new NABMA publication which will be launched at the event.The virtual event will take place Thursday 2 September, 10:00am – 1:00pm and is completely free.SLCC Members Book Here SLCC | Local Markets, Local Councils and the High Street – Free Webinar – 2 September NABMA Members Book Here NABMA / SLCC Free Event – Markets, the High Street Recovery and Local Councils – NABMA PROGRAMME 9.30 Welcome and IntroductionDavid Preston, NABMA Chief ExecutiveRob, Smith, SLCC Chief Executive  9.40 Parish, Town and Community Council Markets ManualLaunch of updated version on NABMA’s Manual highlighting all the important aspects of market powers and operational issues including relationships with Unitary and District Councils.Graham Wilson, NABMA Legal and Policy Consultant 10.05 Working with a District Council- Forest Row Parish Council illustrate how working with a District Council can bring positive benefits to the quality of a markets service.Sue Young, Markets Manager, Forest Row Parish Council 10.30 Markets making a positive difference- Oswestry Town Council explain the difference between market days and non market days and how market days bring vibrancy, noise and bustle and a real sense of community engagement.Arren Roberts, Town Clerk, Oswestry Town Council 11.00 Break 11.15 Improving The Market Offer- Wisbech Town Council have introduced a number of new and innovative ideas to get people to visit their Market with considerable success. We share their good practice.Terry Jordan, Town Clerk, Wisbech Town Council 11.40 Markets Inspiring A CommunityThe part played by the Salisbury’s Markets for a city recovering from Novichok and Covid.Annie Child, City Clerk, Salisbury Town Council 12.10 Soapbox with speakersQuestions, comments and final thoughts 12.30 Closing remarks.

Good afternoon,Prior to covid we put the stalls up at one of our outdoor markets, which runs on a Tueday and Saturday. This is on County land so no option to have permanent stalls. Stall provision came at a considerable cost and we’d started conversations, following a healthcheck from NABMA, about potentially ceasing this provision and either asking traders to provide their own, or providing gazebos to traders, but without us putting them up.We closed down briefly during the early part of covid and when we returned we stopped providing the stalls due to the proximity of staff having to put them up and down (they were the big, old style stalls with staff having to work closely together).Now we are going through the formal process of deciding what to do into the future and we are looking at the EqIA and the potential removal of the provision and its impact to those with a disability.What I was wondering, has anyone else removed stall provision from their traders and how did they go about it? Did you have similar issues with your public sector duty and EqIA?Did anyone consider removing stalls and then reconsider this option?Any thoughts and feedback on this would be much appreciated.

During our recent Regional Meetings the issue of liability on Markets for Business Rates and VAT was raised and I have therefore asked Graham Wilson, NABMA’s Legal and Policy Officer, to provide an update as below on the current situation. Business Rates are generally applicable on all Markets but if a Market is operated under Street Trading legislation then it is likely that there is no liability for Business Rates because of the statutory framework regulating Street Trading. Indoor Markets are likely to be assessed with the operator being responsible for the communal areas and individual assessments being undertaken in respect of the trading units. Outdoor Markets will normally be subject to a single assessment. In recent years Business Rates liability has been extended to specialist Markets, particularly Christmas Markets. Most of the large scale Christmas Markets have already been subject to Business Rates assessment and it is possible that other Christmas Markets will face Business Rates liability in the future if they are held over an extended period rather than for one or two days. NABMA will be keeping in touch with the Valuation Office to ensure that we are consulted on any future changes. In terms of VAT, it is NABMA’s view, supported by leading counsel, that traditional weekly Markets are not subject to VAT liability but that there is a reason to believe, based on the Tribunal Case (“Craft Carnival”), that VAT is likely to be applicable on specialist Markets. Reference was made earlier to the way Business Rates liability is currently apportioned between large scale Christmas Markets and others. The same approach is likely to be taken with regard to VAT. The same Christmas Markets that have been assessed for Business Rates are likely to attract VAT liability. Other substantial specialist market events like Food Festivals are likely to fall into the same category. However, if you organise your Christmas Market or other specialist market event on a smaller scale, akin to the way that traditional weekly Markets are held, then there might be an argument for these events to be free of VAT. At the moment differences on interpretation exist between NABMA and HMRC and while NABMA has been successful in preserving the position in traditional weekly Markets, it is accepted that determining the VAT position on specialist market events might take another Tribunal or court case to fully understand the implications of the “Craft Carnival” decision. I acknowledge that the advice given by NABMA is only general in nature and I must emphasise that each situation must be judged on its own merits but I hope that the advice provided is of assistance. In addition to the advice and support from Graham Wilson,  NABMA also has access to specialists on both Business Rates and VAT. If you need any further advice please get in touch.  As always, NABMA is grateful to Graham for this comprehensive and practical summary of two complex issues. Yours sincerely, David Preston (BA Hons)Chief ExecutiveThe National Association of British Market Authorities

National Campaign returns this AutumnBritain’s biggest celebration of markets is back this Autumn and is highlighting the importance of markets at the heart of local communities and economies.The event, which normally takes place in late May, will return from Saturday 16th to Saturday 30th October 2021.Many markets rose to the challenges of the last 18 months by offering new services, online shopping and delivery services and it is clear that a rediscovery of their importance for local communities and our high streets is underway.Love Your Local Market will run across the UK with hundreds of markets taking part. It offers the support of a national campaign, created and supported by NABMA (The National Association of British Market Authorities). The campaign last ran in May 2019 and saw a record year in terms of support, social media and initiatives.The importance of Start-up Business OpportunitiesMany markets use the Love Your Local Market fortnight to offer events and activities as well as consumer offers, but key to the importance of the event are the new trader and stall-holder offers and incentives that many markets offer.As the economy has adapted over the last year, so has the appetite for new small businesses and markets will be offering stall incentives, so people can trial a new business idea at a very low cost. In previous years, the campaign has given over 11,000 people the chance to sample market trading and at least 1,000 new businesses have been created.David Preston, Chief Executive of NABMA, said:“NABMA is rightly proud of Love Your Local Market that was our original initiative and is now celebrated worldwide. It will remain a flagship event in our annual calendar as a wonderful way to promote the widest benefits of markets and to continue to encourage young traders and start-up businesses into our industry.“The pandemic has highlighted, more than ever, that markets are key to thriving communities and future success of our high streets. We hope everyone will use the opportunity to rediscover their own local markets.”To find out more about Love Your Local Market and to sign up to the newsletter visit https://nabma.com/love-your-local-market-2021/

As a reminder below are the NABMA events scheduled for September and October. Please book now. 1. NABMA AGM and Conference 2021 – Rebuilding Markets Our first physical event will be at Stratford upon Avon on Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 October.  A conference flyer and booking form is attached. Online form https://nabma.com/nabma-conference-october-2021-registration/  Please note we are near to filling our first allocation of rooms. We cannot stress how important it is to book as soon as possible as we anticipate that numbers may have to be strictly limited this year. Late bookings may have to be accommodated in neighbouring hotels dependent upon availability and costs may increase. We can now confirm that we are now taking day delegate bookings. The day rate is £100 plus VAT for each day. This does not include the Monday evening dinner.  2. NABMA/ SLCC Free Event – Markets, the High Street Recovery and Local Councils – Book Now The National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) is delighted to present another joint event with the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC).This event will be of interest to all NABMA members.Markets are recognised by Government to be one of the top factors that can influence vibrant and vital town centres and, as restrictions ease, more local councils are delivering their local markets and associated events to boost their local economy, tourism and town centre footfall. This event will feature case studies from local councils who operate markets with a license from a principal council and those developing a markets strategy and extending their local market offer. The case studies will also be detailed in the new NABMA publication which will be launched at the event.The virtual event will take place Thursday 2 September, 10:00am – 1:00pm and is completely free.NABMA Members Book Here NABMA / SLCC Free Event – Markets, the High Street Recovery and Local Councils – NABMA  3. Market Law – Professional Development As a reminder, following expressions of interest NABMA has arranged two Market Law seminars. These interactive events, delivered by Zoom, will be an opportunity for practical help to learn about, and discuss this most interesting aspect of UK law. The course tutor will be Graham Wilson OBE, the NABMA Legal and Policy Consultant and co author of the seventh edition of Pease, Chitty and Cousins: Law of Markets and Fairs. Dates are:  Monday 6 September – 10.00 – 12.30Monday 13 September  – 10.00 – 12.30 Each event will have a charge of £75 plus VAT per delegate.   Each seminar will cover the main legal framework of market law highlighting the history and the current provisions. There will be an opportunity to consider how case law and legislation impact on your local market situation.  Please book at info@nabma.com  Yours sincerely David Preston (BA Hons)Chief ExecutiveThe National Association of British Market Authorities

As a reminder, following expressions of interest NABMA has arranged two Market Law seminars. These interactive events, delivered by Zoom, will be an opportunity for practical help to learn about, and discuss this most interesting aspect of UK law. The course tutor will be Graham Wilson OBE, the NABMA Legal and Policy Consultant and co author of the seventh edition of Pease, Chitty and Cousins: Law of Markets and Fairs Dates are:  Monday 6 September – 10.00 – 12.30Monday 13 September  – 10.00 – 12.30 Each event will have a charge of £75 plus VAT per delegate.   Each seminar will cover the main legal framework of market law highlighting the history and the current provisions. There will be an opportunity to consider how case law and legislation impact on your local market situation.  From examining what actually constitutes a market to establishing and operating a market the seminar will cover day to day management issues and relationships with traders and other stakeholders. We will consider in particular how market powers have evolved and how they can be used in a practical way. We will also look at the relationship between Parish and District/Unitary Councils where they each share market powers. Importantly there will be time for you to raise your individual queries and get help in resolving issues that impact on the running of your market. To book then please email info@nabma.com and express your preferred date.

A few days ago we provided information on the revised Welcome Back fund suggesting that opportunities may exist for operators to make bids for activities associated with markets. Newark Town Council has advised us that they have secured a substantial grant from the Fund. They pointed out the restrictions that they encountered that include no capital purchases; no item over £35k without full Govt/ EU procurement etc; and that spend has to be made before the end of financial year. Their successful bid has procured a programme of street entertainment, music, additional flowers and a new Xmas Tree. In terms of any planned bids then please look towards our NABMA sponsors to see what assistance they may be able to provide. NABMA Sponsors and Links These include Market Place for events allan@mpel.co.uk and Blachere Illumination k.owen@blachere-illumination.co.uk for festive lighting, illumination of feature buildings etc. Yours sincerely David Preston (BA Hons)Chief ExecutiveThe National Association of British Market Authorities

Hi, I am about to review the fees and charges for Wolverhampton retail markets. I would be grateful if any operator within the region could share their fees and any incentives with me? Please email to Joanne.till@wolverhampton.gov.uk  and should anyone wish to see mine please also send an email to the address 😊 thanks in advance

A market-testing exercise is being conducted by the Leeds Market team for the future provision of specialist Wednesday Outdoor Market events.Presently the Wednesday specialist market is an Asian themed market event but the Leeds Market team would welcome this theme and other event concepts from operators.At this stage it is not an invitation to tender but Leeds Markets are trying to assess the reaction if it goes to full tender.If there is sufficient interest then the opportunity may then be commissioned through a formal tendering process.Please visit the procurement website for further details.If you are interested in operating your own weekly Wednesday specialist market/event at Leeds Outdoor market please go to www.yortender.co.uk and search for ‘Licensed market operator for Leeds outdoor market ’ (reference DN561461) for further details of a Market Sounding Exercise the Leeds Market team are undertaking – or contact Chris Ashby in the Market team on 07891 271783.

NABMA is reminding members of the revised Guidance dated August 2021 in respect of the Welcome Back Fund.  Welcome_Back_Fund_Guidance_v3.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk) The Fund is structured to help local authorities and partners to deliver activities supported through the Welcome Back Fund. This funding builds on the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund announced in May 2020. NABMA is again disappointed at the lack of reference to markets but close scrutiny of the guidance does offer opportunity for creative bids to be submitted. NABMA is particularly pleased at the reference to Parish and Town Councils, that as an association we have been lobbying on behalf of, recognising the number of local councils now involved in delivering market and event activities. The fund can be used by local authorities to: • Boost the look and feel of their high streets by investing in street planting, parks, green spaces, and seating areas to make high streets welcoming. • Run publicity campaigns and prepare to hold events that will boost footfall and encourage people back into the high streets and thereby supporting local businesses. • Install and refresh signage and communications on how people can stay safe and help prevent the spread of COVID-19. • Improve green spaces on high streets and town centres by planting flowers or removing graffiti.  MHCLG expects local authorities to engage with stakeholders including local businesses, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), Destination Management Organisations (DMO), town and parish councils. Where appropriate, MHCLG encourages local authorities to enter into suitable delivery partnership arrangements with town and parish councils to improve delivery outcomes for communities and high streets. Of particular interest to NABMA members may be the section around providing support to promote a safe public environment for a local area’s visitor economy. It states “The local authority will want to effectively support and promote the safe and successful reopening of the public environment for local trade and tourism. To boost the look and feel of their high streets, local authorities may invest in activities to make high streets welcoming and promote the visitor economy. This includes but is not limited to: • Placed based marketing, for example, supporting safe celebration events on high streets and in local towns. • Marshals. • Public space maintenance. • Maintenance of public conveniences (toilets) including new temporary facilities (toilets) provision. • Beautification activities including graffiti removal. • Non-permanent public realm adaptations. • Activities that future proof the high street. • Improvement of green spaces and provision of outdoor seating areas” NABMA will be pleased to hear of any bids to the Fund for market enhancement measures and will be prepared to providing supporting references as needed. Yours sincerely David Preston (BA Hons)Chief ExecutiveThe National Association of British Market Authorities