On 23rd September 2025, the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) celebrated the presentation of the NABMA Market Awards during its Annual Conference and AGM, this year at the Crowne Plaza in Stratford-upon-Avon. The awards are one of the highlights of the NABMA calendar, recognising the individuals, teams, and organisations whose dedication, creativity, and service continue to shape and strengthen markets across the UK. Each award reflects the innovation and commitment that help markets thrive as centres of community life, local enterprise, and cultural identity.
The evening also included a special presentation recognising the retirement of Past NABMA President Mick Barker, who has given years of dedicated service to NABMA and the markets industry – a true leader and friend to the sector.
Here are the winners of the 2025 NABMA Market Awards:
Market Manager of the Year
Large Market Manager of the Year
Damian Patchell, Tower Hamlets
From starting out as a porter to managing 11 street markets and supporting over 600 small businesses, Damian has shown exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment. He has championed local enterprise, created opportunities for a new generation of traders, and ensured that markets are thriving community spaces as well as trading environments.
Small Market Manager of the Year
Mike Elsby, Nantwich Town Council
With 28 years of continuous service, Mike is described as the “beating heart” of his local market. He has steered Nantwich through decades of change with professionalism, compassion, and dedication, ensuring the market remains a trusted anchor for the community.
Market Team of the Year
Large Market Team of the Year
Cambridge Markets Team
Recognised for innovation, inclusivity, and bold initiatives, the Cambridge Markets Team have empowered young traders, integrated AI into communications, overhauled licensing, and championed sustainability. Their efforts have delivered strong financial growth and strengthened the city’s identity as a leading market destination.
Stockton-on-Tees Market Team
Despite being a team of just two, Stockton-on-Tees Markets have excelled through community engagement, professional development, and strategic planning. Their achievements demonstrate that passion and vision can deliver remarkable results, with markets at the heart of community life.
Small Market Team of the Year
Chelmsford Markets Team
Operating thriving indoor and high street markets, Chelmsford’s team have transformed their market into a cultural hub, with art installations, young trader schemes, and community events. Their recognition in local business awards highlights the trust and value placed in them by residents.
Market Achievement Award
Large Market Achievement Award
Greenwich Market
A year of innovation and measurable success has seen Greenwich excel in sustainability, trader development, heritage preservation, and community engagement. The market has introduced a pioneering Business Grading System, modern management practices, and a vibrant year-long events programme.
Wakefield District Markets
Delivering across six local destinations, Wakefield District Markets have invested in major improvements funded by the Shared Prosperity Fund. Their programme of festivals, family events, and high street partnerships has boosted footfall and supported local businesses across the district.
Small Market Achievement Award
Boston Markets
A bold transformation has revitalised Boston Markets, with new Farmers’ and Makers’ Markets bringing record trader numbers and footfall. Replacing traditional stalls with gazebos, investing in digital outreach, and achieving a waiting list for traders, Boston exemplifies innovative small-market success.
Young Market Champion of the Year
Georgia Stevenson, Longsight Market
Bringing fresh energy and a forward-thinking approach, Georgia has quickly become a vital part of the Longsight Market team. Her enthusiasm and innovation are inspiring traders and colleagues alike.
Alfie Wells Martin, Hackney Markets
Described as a one-person engine for youth entrepreneurship, Alfie has supported countless young entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and helped shape Hackney’s “Next Generation Markets” strategy.
Lewis Young, Stockton-on-Tees
With a first-class honours degree in retail, Lewis has applied his expertise to drive growth across Stockton’s markets. From boosting social media to increasing trader numbers and financial performance, his impact has been transformative.
Market Operator of the Year
Calderdale Markets
With a proud history of market leadership, Calderdale have delivered multiple Victorian market halls, new regeneration projects, and innovative temporary solutions to keep trading alive during construction. Their vision and investment secure the long-term future of markets in the borough.
Krys Zasada Award 2025
Nick Kasic, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
NABMA’s highest honour this year goes to Nick Kasic, a passionate supporter of NABMA and respected voice for London markets. From championing Love Your Local Market to representing the industry at parliamentary inquiries, Nick has been a tireless advocate for markets and their role in community life.
Honorary Life Membership
- Colin Wolstenholme, Bradford – 46 years of service, instrumental in delivering Darley Street Market and long-time Chair of the NABMA Wholesale Forum.
- Mike Elsby, Nantwich – Recognised not only as Market Manager of the Year but also for his decades of service and commitment to markets.
- Colin Wilkes MBE, Durham – Former Managing Director of Durham Markets Board, championing local markets for over 30 years.
- Barbara Osborne, Liverpool – 42 years of dedicated service to Liverpool City Council Markets.
- Chris Golds, Tower Hamlets – A devoted public servant whose leadership has supported over 600 traders across 11 markets.
David Preston, Chief Executive of NABMA, said:
“The NABMA Awards highlight the incredible dedication and creativity that continue to drive our industry forward. This year’s winners and honourees demonstrate the resilience, innovation, and community spirit that define the very best of our markets. Their efforts are not only supporting traders and local economies but also ensuring that markets remain vibrant and relevant for generations to come. NABMA is proud to celebrate their achievements and to continue championing the vital role markets play in communities across the UK.”
Congratulations to all our winners, honourees, and nominees!
The full awards image gallery will be available soon.
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 as quotes by the winners for press releases:
Large Market Manager of the Year: Damian Patchell, Tower Hamlets
“From starting out as a porter to overseeing one of the most dynamic and diverse market portfolios in London, Damian’s leadership now supports over 600 small businesses across 11 markets. He has championed local enterprise, created opportunities for a new generation of traders, and developed markets into vital community hubs. His commitment safeguards the legacy of London’s street trading while steering it confidently into the future.”
Small Market Manager of the Year: Mike Elsby, Nantwich Town Council
“With 28 years of continuous service, Mike is described as the beating heart of his local market. Through decades of change, he has shown professionalism, empathy, and extraordinary dedication, keeping markets operating as lifelines during the toughest times and ensuring they remain trusted anchors for the community.”
Large Market Team of the Year: Cambridge Markets Team
“This team has delivered innovation, inclusivity and bold initiatives that have strengthened Cambridge’s reputation as a leading market city. From empowering young people, including those with learning difficulties, to integrating AI in communications and championing sustainability, their work has delivered strong financial growth and measurable social and cultural impact.”
Large Market Team of the Year: Stockton-on-Tees Market Team
“With only two staff members, this team exemplifies excellence and resilience. They have nurtured markets as community spaces beyond commerce, working with charities, town centre managers and local groups. Their commitment to professional development and innovation demonstrates how passion and resourcefulness can transform local markets.”
Small Market Team of the Year: Chelmsford Markets Team
“Chelmsford’s team operates thriving indoor and high street markets that are both bustling and community-focused. They have achieved Real Deal certification, supported young traders, and transformed the market into a cultural hub with art installations, workshops and events. Their recognition in local business awards shows the value and trust placed in them by residents.”
Large Market Achievement Award: Greenwich Market
“Greenwich has combined sustainability, trader support, heritage preservation and community engagement to deliver an exceptional year. From launching a pioneering Business Grading System to running a packed programme of cultural and themed events, the market demonstrates what can be achieved through innovative, community-focused management.”
Large Market Achievement Award: Wakefield District Markets
“With six local destinations steeped in history, Wakefield District Markets have embraced regeneration, securing major government funding to deliver improvements across the borough. Their programme of festivals, family activities and business support has boosted footfall and helped high streets adapt to a changing economy, cementing the role of markets at the heart of each community.”
Small Market Achievement Award: Boston Markets
“Boston’s bold transformation has revitalised its market portfolio. Introducing a new Farmers’ and Makers’ Market has driven record occupancy levels and increased footfall, while replacing traditional stalls with gazebos has created a vibrant shopping environment. A surge in digital engagement has built momentum, and the market now boasts a waiting list for traders.”
Young Market Champion of the Year: Georgia Stevenson, Longsight Market
“Georgia has brought fresh energy and a forward-thinking approach to her market team. Her enthusiasm and commitment to professional development, including gaining the NABMA Diploma in Market Administration, underline her dedication to supporting traders and inspiring colleagues.”
Young Market Champion of the Year: Alfie Wells Martin, Hackney Markets
“Alfie has become a visible champion for youth entrepreneurship and inclusion, supporting young traders from their first pitch to thriving businesses. His work with schools, digital clinics and Hackney’s ‘Next Generation Markets’ strategy has helped establish the borough as a model for youth enterprise in markets.”
Young Market Champion of the Year: Lewis Young, Stockton-on-Tees
“Lewis has applied his academic expertise in retail to transform Stockton’s markets. From boosting social media engagement and growing young trader numbers to increasing stall occupancy and surplus, his methodical approach and data-led strategies are driving real and lasting change.”
Market Operator of the Year: Calderdale Markets
“Calderdale’s proud tradition of markets is supported by a forward-looking operator that combines leadership, investment and community focus. They have successfully managed Victorian market halls, delivered regeneration projects, and ensured continuity through innovative temporary trading solutions. Their vision secures markets as community anchors for generations to come.”
Krys Zasada Award 2025: Nick Kasic, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
“Nick Kasic has long been an influential and respected voice for markets, supporting NABMA and championing London’s street trading. From pioneering Love Your Local Market events to representing the industry at the London Assembly and Treasury Select Committee, Nick’s tireless advocacy has strengthened the voice of markets locally and nationally.”
The NABMA Market Awards 2025 showcase the exceptional talent and dedication driving markets forward, and we are proud to celebrate the achievements of this year’s winners.