John Walker- Chief Executive Award

Calderdale Markets Manager Honoured with Chief Executive’s Award

by Market News

Calderdale Council’s Markets Manager, and long-time NABMA friend, supporter and former consultant, John Walker, has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to local government and the markets industry with the Chief Executive’s Award at the Council’s annual Our Stars ceremony.

Presenting the award, Calderdale Council Chief Executive Robin Tuddenham said:

“John Walker, our Markets Manager, is an absolute legend. It was an honour and a privilege to give him my Chief Executive award for 2025, in recognition of his tenacity and dedication to Calderdale over an outstanding 40-year career at the Council.

“John lives and breathes Calderdale and has developed our markets service in creative, commercial and distinctive ways.

“He is universally respected by our politicians, staff and communities.”

John has led Calderdale’s markets for many years and is well known across the NABMA community for his passion, experience and advocacy for the markets sector.

Commenting on the recognition, John said he was delighted to accept the award but emphasised that his focus remains on continuing to champion markets and the people who make them thrive.

NABMA Chief Executive David Preston said:

“This is a richly deserved honour for someone who has contributed so much not only to Calderdale’s markets but also to the wider markets industry nationally. John’s leadership and commitment have set a fantastic example for others in the profession.”

The Our Stars awards celebrate exceptional contributions from Calderdale Council staff, with the Chief Executive’s Award recognising individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service, innovation and dedication.

Sam and Claire Pugh

Chester Market celebrates three years of success

by Market News

The new Market within Chester Northgate has now welcomed over seven million customers since opening in early November 2022.

Coupled with a host of awards, the new market has helped transform the city centre and become one of the most visited markets in the country, now recognised as a benchmark for new markets under development by other Councils across the country.

The market is also in the running for the title of Britain’s Favourite Market, voting is open to the public at: https://nabma.com/MyFavouriteMarket2026/ until 12th December.

Over the past three years the market’s thirty traders have racked up some impressive statistics, including:

  • The Sandbar Seafood Shack has shucked 19,000 fresh oysters
  • Digby & Champ have sold over 100,000 packs of dog treats 
  • Cheezy Bandits have grated 10 tonnes of mature cheddar cheese
  • Chester Phone Repair have fixed over 2,000 smartphones
  • Lockwood & Co. bar have poured nearly 400,000 pints of draught beer and lager
  • Pop Specs have dispensed over 10,000 pairs of glasses
  • Plus, The Crystal Hut have claimed the title of the biggest single purchase of a £1,500 amethyst geode.

The market has helped nurture many small businesses, including Nicky Groves and Andy Selwood of Cheezy Bandits and Sandwich’d, who were one of the first traders selected to open at the market.

Nicky said: “We went from working in hospitality, meeting, getting married and applying during the Covid lockdown with an idea for our own food stall. We started our own business with Cheezy Bandits and then a year ago opened our second stall with Sandwich’d. The market’s success has enabled us to grow and expand our business and take on more staff, we are so grateful for the support and opportunity, and we like to think we repaid the faith the Council showed in us.”

See more of Nicky and Andy’s story in a short video:

The market has recently welcomed a new trader, Sam Joseph Chocolates, founded by husband-and-wife team of Sam and Claire Pugh selling a wide range of handcrafted chocolates. Both with a background as pastry chefs in hotels and restaurants they shared a passion for chocolate and started their business in 2014. Initially selling via street markets and then at Altrincham Market, they now have a production kitchen in Chester and live locally.

Sam said: “We are delighted to open our stall at Chester Market and join the wonderful community of traders. Using the finest ingredients, our handmade chocolates are a truly indulgent experience, perfect for spoiling yourself or gifting a taste of luxury to someone special.”

Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation, said: “I am incredibly proud of the Council’s achievements in planning and delivering the new Chester Market, it has become an unbelievable success story and exceeded our expectations; huge congratulations to all the traders, staff and customers for helping us create such a magnificent reinvention of a city centre market.”

For more details see www.chester.market

Seven Sisters Market Ribbon Cutting

Seven Sisters Market reopens under management of Market Place

by Market NewsSponsor News

North London’s iconic Seven Sisters Market, has officially reopened after five years of closure.

The market closed in 2020 due to safety concerns. Since then, Places for London, with support from Haringey Council and £2 million of funding from the Mayor of London and TfL, has delivered a temporary market for the traders to return to, while major plans that include the market for the original market site are progressed.

Around 40 indoor and outdoor stalls are now trading, with a new seating area, customer toilets and a community space overseen by the Wards Corner Community Benefit Society. A new route between Suffield Road and Seven Sisters Road also improves access to the station.

The official reopening took place on Saturday 4 October 2025, with MP David Lammy cutting the ribbon alongside Cllr Peray Ahmet, Leader of Haringey Council, traders and partners.

Market Place, NABMA’s headline sponsor, has been appointed to manage the market and will support traders as they settle into their improved home. The market is open seven days a week.

NABMA Chief Executive David Preston said:
“It is fantastic to see Seven Sisters Market return as an important cultural and trading hub for the community. We are delighted that Market Place is playing a key role in helping this unique market thrive again.”

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Preston Markets to Celebrate 150 Years Under Iconic Victorian Canopy

by Market News

Preston Markets is preparing to celebrate an incredible milestone this August—150 years since the construction of its iconic Victorian canopy, which has stood proudly in the city centre since 1875.

Earlier this year, during the Love Your Local Market campaign, Preston proudly announced plans for a two-day Victorian-themed celebration to mark this historic occasion. Now, with the big weekend just around the corner, anticipation is building for what promises to be a spectacular event.

150 Years of Market Heritage

Originally completed in November 1875, the canopy came to life following Preston’s economic boom after the arrival of the railway in 1838. What started as trading on Preston Flag Market soon evolved into a permanent, sheltered home for traders—a structure that has become one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.

Today, the canopy still supports a vibrant market community, providing a bustling space for local businesses and visitors alike. As Councillor Martyn Rawlinson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources at Preston City Council, explains:

“Preston Markets have always been at the heart of Preston and it is fantastic to see them celebrated this way. Marking the 150-year anniversary of the iconic market canopy honours not only the heritage but also the vital role our markets continue to play in Preston’s future.”

A Victorian Festival Weekend – 15 & 16 August 2025

The anniversary celebrations will take place on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 August, transforming Preston Markets into a vibrant, Victorian-era spectacle.

Visitors can look forward to:

  • Penny-farthing riders and Victorian strongmen
  • Stilt walkers, magicians and traditional performers
  • Punch and Judy shows and heritage tours
  • A Victorian costume competition on Saturday with prizes for the best-dressed attendees

Whether you’re stopping by for an hour or planning to make a full day of it, there’ll be entertainment and nostalgia for the whole family.

Mural Unveiling by Local Artist Shawn Sharpe

To kick off the festivities, a special mural unveiling will take place at 10am on Friday 15 August inside the Market Hall. Created by celebrated local artist Shawn Sharpe, the artwork has been specially commissioned to honour 150 years of Preston’s market history.

“As someone from Preston, this project means a lot to me,” said Sharpe. “I’ve been coming to the market since I was a kid, and I still shop here regularly. Creating something that celebrates its 150-year history is an honour.”

The mural will become a permanent feature in the Market Hall, serving as a lasting tribute to the generations of traders, shoppers, and community members who’ve shaped the market over the decades.

With a rich legacy and a future full of promise, Preston Markets invites everyone to join in the celebration and be part of this special moment in the city’s history.

For full event details and updates, visit Preston Markets website or follow them on social media.

Chester Market 5 millionth customer 2

Chester Market Celebrates its 5 millionth customer

by Market News

Since opening just over two years ago, Chester’s new market has now welcomed its five millionth customer. Opened by Cheshire West and Chester Council as its key anchor tenant in the Northgate Development Phase 1 scheme in November 2022, the market has attracted record numbers of visitors, massively outstripping the footfall of its predecessor and transforming the city centre. The five millionth customers were Aoife and Gustavo from Manchester who were visiting the market for the second time this year and received £200 in vouchers to spend in the market, plus some market merchandise and the newly launched Monopoly game’s Chester Edition.

Read the full story on New Chester Market’s website here: https://newchester.market/chester-market-celebrates-its-five-millionth-customer/