President Chris Rosling-Josephs welcomed 160 delegates from across the UK who were gathered at the Council House, Birmingham for NABMA’s annual one day conference on Thursday 25 January 2018.
The theme of the event was Markets Through Partnerships and there were case studies in successful collaboration including Cambridge BID and Cambridge Market on lessons learned in delivering successful night markets and cinema events.
Speakers included Simon Quinn from the Institute of Place Management. Manchester Metropolitan University who presented recently released research by the newly formed BID Foundation. Tina Jadav from the Greater London Authority spoke about the new London Markets Board and the opportunities presented by a regional co-operation.
The National Market Traders Federation (NMTF) Chief Executive, Joe Harrison outlined the way forward for the organisation and plans for partnerships in the year ahead. There was an update on The Northgate project, bringing economic regeneration to Chester, by Karen Bates, Cheshire West and Chester Markets Manager.
There was also a summary of recently commissioned research into the impact of Christmas Markets on tourism in towns, presented by the Local Government Association, carried out by NABMA Market Place.
In a presentation by Jim Fitzpatrick MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Markets, delegates were encouraged to lobby their MPS to help drive support for markets up the political agenda at Westminster.
All the presentations from the day are available here will soon be available.
A highlight of the day was the Great British Market Awards sponsored by KPR Midlink and presented by Channel 4, Extreme Cake Makers’ Mollie Robbins. Shrewsbury Market Hall scooped the title, Britain’s Favourite Market and provided an interesting insight into their successful partnership working with Shropshire Council and the Shrewsbury BID. A full list of winners is available here
A market place of exhibitors showcased a range of products and services including conference sponsors, Blachere Illumination.