The National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) is leading a campaign to develop a national policy framework for markets.
A seminar, Showcasing Markets, in Birmingham last week threw up a series of priorities for NABMA to chew on.
NABMA chief executive Graham Wilson said: “[Our] first survey of retail markets gave a clear indication of the contribution made by markets to the retail economy. The policy framework is intended to build on the findings of that survey and provide a platform to demonstrate how markets relate to key national and local policy issues, particularly in respect of food and community sustainability.”
The seminar’s Great Debate centred on the role of the retail sector and its likely development over the next few years and there was an acknowledgement that a policy framework for markets cannot be drawn up in isolation.
“It is predicted that we shall see a significant increase in overall retail capacity and markets have to consider what contribution, if any, they are going to make to this situation,” said Wilson.
“If a policy framework is to be relevant then its development has to be shared with other key stakeholders and the attitude to the general retail sector is important in determining the future of markets. There was debate on how markets should view the general retail sector and a very definite view from at least one panel member that markets should not regard other retailers as the enemy,” he added.
Members of the panel also spoke about the need for tenants to have full involvement and for recognition of the diversity of markets and their wider community role.
A meeting at Manchester Town Hall on March 1 will begin the process in earnest: “At the end of the day, the purpose is to ensure that markets matter,” Wilson said.
“The intention is to get wider acknowledgement at both government and local authority level of the value of markets. By doing this we help in protecting the future of markets. It is hoped that the work on the policy framework will be completed by the early summer and this will be followed by a parliamentary launch and local publicity.”
