The inaugural meeting of the Association of London Markets this week seems to have put a spring in the industry’s step, with the government’s Select Committee report, due for release next month, hopefully heralding an exciting new era for markets.

The document is expected to identify the need for a markets minister, and the implementation of such a role would be a huge step in the right direction for the industry. Having a minister totally dedicated to markets would simplify matters massively for both wholesale and retail sites when they want to expand or regenerate, as well as clearly putting the emphasis back on a more traditional approach to grocery shopping. Markets offer a wealth of economic and social benefits to the communities in which they operate. Perhaps the government is finally wising up to their intrinsic value.

The public’s sense of affection for local street markets appears to have been rekindled during the recession and, with any luck, this will have a knock-on effect on wholesalers as custom picks up. Of course, it is vital for the markets sector to keep this upward momentum going, even when the recession is over.

Meanwhile, talks over the implementation of a retailer-supplier ombudsman are at risk of collapse this week as the big four continue to dig their heels in and oppose the proposals. No wonder markets are rising in popularity.