NABMA represents the interests of local authority markets throughout the country. We also represent the interests of a significant number of private market operators. In the current climate it is important that our members fully understand the contribution made by NABMA to promoting markets and also providing resources for market operators to improve the quality and standards of their market. Nabma’s contribution can be
divided into five sections:
1. National Profile In recent years we have seen unrivalled interest in the markets industry.
We have had an All Party Parliamentary Group for a number of years and this has enabled markets to have a stage at the centre of Government. This APPG is supported by the Markets Alliance which is led by NABMA and comprises of all the operator organisations. We have also established ourselves as a Special Interest Group within
the Local Government Association and in the last six months NABMA has agreed a protocol of working arrangements with the LGA that enables markets to make a meaningful contribution to the central local government agenda. In the same way we have established other protocol arrangements with the National Association of Local Councils to ensure that we have dialogue with the increasing number of local councils that are taking on a market responsibility. Following the Communities and Local Government Select Committee Report on Markets in 2009, a ‘Retail Markets Working Group’ was established within Communities and Local Government. Over the last three years this Working Group has provided an effective conduit between the markets industry and central Government. This has enabled us to influence government policy on a number of important issues including the recent Planning Policy Framework and Mary Portas Report where markets occupied prominent roles in the recommendations made by Government.
2. Research
Over the last ten years we have been responsible for the production of a number of important research documents. In particular we have been keen to see the trends in retail markets and following the “Rhodes” report, which started this process, we have subsequently embarked upon an annual survey of retail markets. The first survey was conducted in 2011 and this will be an annual event starting in April in each year.
We have collaborated with our colleagues in the Markets Alliance to produce a policy framework for markets setting out a number of important policy areas where markets can make a valuable contribution. This was followed by Markets 21 providing the most comprehensive review of retail and wholesale markets that has been produced for many years. In addition to providing statistical information, Markets 21 also provides a wide range of good practice advisory notes. NABMA has also supported research work in the Universities and we have recently seen the conclusion of a markets project by a PhD student at the University of Gloucester, highlighting the trends in food markets. All these research documents, and other material on the markets industry, can be obtained from the NABMA office by emailing: nabma@nabma.com or telephoning: 01691 680713
3. Service toMembers
The provision of a varied menu of services is a vital part of the NABMA offer. We have significantly expanded the range of our services over recent years. Set out below are details of our current offer.
• Networking opportunities through conferences and specialist seminars
• Free health checks for your markets
• Market legal advice
• Retail and Wholesale Forums with visits to markets to share good practice
• A free NABMA Toolkit to improve your market management and plan for the future
• Access to the NABMA Consultancy Services for specialist advice and project planning and management
• NABMA training events on wide ranging subjects leading to the Diploma of Market Administration.
• A range of membership services including template documents, web site, member information request service and job advertising
• Our promotion of Market of the Year
• Membership of the Institute of Place Management
• Interactive forum enabling exchange of views on market issues
4. Tackling the Big Issues
Over the last ten years there have been a number of major issues that have had a potential impact on the markets industry. NABMA is the only local authority organisation that has tackled these issues and set out
below we give examples of the work that NABMA has undertaken.
a. Market Rights Many local authorities still rely on their market rights for controlling car boot sales/private markets within their local authority area. On a number of occasions Government has sought to remove/ curtail the use of market rights and NABMA has argued successfully for their retention.
b. Policy Planning Framework NABMA has secured recognition of markets in the latest Government guidance with encouragement for local authorities to support their local markets.
c. Mary Portas Review Mary Portas was asked to produce recommendations for revitalising the High Street and at the heart of Mary’s proposals is the role of the market. Government has endorsed Mary’s view and we will see the launch of a National Market Day and “Love Your Local Market”. The intention is to offer new start-up opportunities for traders but also gain affection and support for markets among the local community. It is hoped to make National Market Day an annual event.
d. European Services Directive The Directive became part of UK law in late 2009 and potentially, it has significant indications for both markets and street trading. Currently we are waiting for further advice from Government about some of the detailed measures including balance of trade within markets, succession arrangements and market rights. NABMA will be advising on any changes that need to be implemented.
e. Rating of Market Halls Over the last four years there have been major issues in relation to a programme of revised rating assessments in respect of some two hundred market halls. NABMA has been at the forefront of representing the interests of its members securing important concessions.
5. Adding Value to Markets A key element of the NABMA offer is providing resources to add value to markets.
Each year we promote a Market of the Year Competition and over the years this has provided a
tremendous amount of good practice. It has proved a valuable resource in raising the profile of many markets. One of the benefits of NABMA membership is being able to learn from what others are doing. NABMA holds a series of events throughout the year where members can learn what is being done by other market authorities and we provide examples of good practice through information on the NABMA website and through resources such as the NABMA Toolkit. Training is a vital part of the NABMA offer and we are the only organisation that provides bespoke training for Market Officers. We have recently launched the Diploma in Market Administration via the Institute of Place Management and Manchester Metropolitan University. This Diploma would give Market Officers an excellent grounding in all aspects of market matters. NABMA organises various conferences and events throughout the year. We have special events for both local councils and private market operators in addition to a One-Day Conference and our Annual Conference The availability of specialist suppliers is important for all market operators and NABMA has a range of sponsors and trade exhibitors who are available to help members with their particular needs.
NABMA has represented the interests of local authority markets for almost ninety years. We believe that in the current climate the need for NABMA services has never been greater. It is vital that the markets
industry retains a strong voice and this can only be achieved by continuing to support NABMA in the future.
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