Borough Market’s disenfranchised former traders could make a sensational return to the global attraction.
Changes at the top of the London market, run by a charitable trust, could help broker a deal for the vendors’ return.
The dispute between Borough Market and the traders arose because many began trading at Maltby Street as well as Borough late last year before they departed the Southwark site in May. Fresh produce wholesalers EA Sugarman and A&W Bourne had already left in March after issues over rates.
Managing director Glenis Regan has left her post, while the trust’s chairman Peter Wilkinson, whose term was due to end next April, stepped down last week.
Regan has been replaced by Keith Davis, who “brings with him a wealth of experience as a highly respected leader and manager, with over 20 years’ senior level experience in local government, including roles at chief executive and executive director level”, according to a statement released by the market.
Until the formal process of electing a new chair has taken place, Donald Hyslop will carry out the role of chair and David Lyon will act as vice-chairman.
FPJ understands that the departed traders - dubbed the Maltby Eight - have been in talks with past and present market management on learning of Regan’s departure.
A source close to the market said: “The traders did not act angelically but the Maltby Street issue was the straw that broke the camel’s back. The way in which [the traders] were told to leave by Glenis and her team was far from satisfactory.”
The news comes as the future of the Southwark site remains unclear. Network Rail is due to finish work in the area next year, but there are eight new trading spaces up for grabs. Interest from wholesalers in the pitches is said to be strong.
Wilkinson said: “I have been fortunate to have been in the service of Borough Market for five years - as a trustee, vice-chair and chairman - and in this time I am proud to have played my part in helping to safely steer the market through challenging economic times and major construction works on the market site.
“Five years is quite a commitment and I feel that, now there is a vision in place for the market... I can return my focus to my other charitable involvements and to my business interests.”
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