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- Markets Minister Rosie Winterton hails UK's favourite markets
Markets Minister Rosie Winterton hails UK's favourite markets
| Published | 28 January 2010 |
|---|
Markets Minister Rosie Winterton congratulated the nation's favourite markets who were recognised at a prestigious awards ceremony today.
Ms Winterton said the winners of the 2010 Market of the Year awards demonstrated how traditional markets could thrive in the 21st century, playing a crucial role in bringing town centres to life.
The Minister said her aim was to see central government, local government and the markets industry starting a markets renaissance by working together on promoting the benefits of different kinds of successful markets. Award winners today varied from Best Small Market (Ipswich) to Best Outdoor Market (Hinckley) to Best Wholesale Market (New Covent Garden).
Ms Winterton announced the Government would shortly be publishing a guide to help councils, traders and managers make their local market a success and take opportunities to ensure they thrive in the future as we move towards economic recovery.
Speaking today at the national Building Better Markets Conference in Birmingham, Rosie Winterton said:
"I know from my own Doncaster market we all enjoy a trip to our local market whether it's to Covent Garden, Hitchin or Hinckley and markets are part of our heritage. The best ones play a crucial role in community life and the local economy. They can draw shoppers to the area, give farmers an outlet for their produce and are a fantastic testing ground for budding entrepreneurs.
"The winners of Markets of the Year 2010 Awards are fantastic examples of how the best innovative markets are thriving. I'm delighted to meet the winners today and congratulate them on their triumph.
"I want all our markets to be just as successful across the UK. With the right commitment from councils, central government and the markets industry markets across the country can help bring town and city centres to life. And that's why I am determined to help the sector meet the challenges of internet shopping and out of town supermarkets and take hold of opportunities as we move towards economic recovery."
The National Association of British Market Authorities awards were presented by television celebrity chef Thomasina Miers with Coventry Market winning the public online vote for Favourite Market.
The other winners, chosen by an expert, panel were: Best Street/Outdoor Market: Hinckley Market, Best Indoor Market Hall: Bolton Market, Best Speciality Market: Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre, Best Private Market: Hitchin Market, Best Small Market: Ipswich Market, Best Wholesale Market: New Covent Garden Market, Best Market Attraction: Nuneaton Town Centre Street Market
NABMA Chief Executive Graham Wilson said:
"NABMA is delighted with the success of the Markets of the Year Competition. We have had a record number of entries and the additional support given to markets, as a result of the government's recent initiative, has helped to encourage more entries. We are also delighted that Rosie Winterton is with us today and is able to recognise the success of the award winning markets."
Ms Winterton became Minister for markets at the end of last year when she announced a new working group bringing together government departments, the markets industry and the Local Government Association markets representative to champion the traditional market.
Today the Minister further announced a new action point for the group to produce recommendations on the best market management models for different areas to help councils understand how to get the best out of their market.
The Minister also called on market managers and traders to be innovative and think about modernising their working practises from extending their opening hours for people working in the day, to introducing chip and pin cards to better signage.
Notes to editors
1. The winners of this year's NABMA 'Market of the Year' competition, sponsored by KPR Midlink, were announced at the Nabma 'Building Better Markets' event at the Council House, Birmingham on 28 January.
2. The judging panel comprised of: Jeremy Bradin of sponsor KPR Midlink; David Preston, NABMA's SLA Manager, Chris Poulter, NABMA's President Elect, Peter Naylor, Editor of Market Trade News and Graham Wilson, NABMA Chief Executive.
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