Council's boost for Market forces
Market traders are to be handed a package of measures to support them though the recession and help attract more stall holders and customers to Mansfield's historic market.
Last week Mansfield District Council announced plans to slash market rents throughout March to help existing stall holders and attract new traders.
Now, following discussions with market stall holders last month, the Council has announced further support for traders with effect from the beginning of April. The package includes:
- Free car parking for market traders in two town centre car parks
- Rent free days when bad weather makes it impossible to trade
- Rent free days for traders who suffer bereavement, giving time to attend a funeral or make arrangements without the added concern of loss of income
- The appointment of a new Markets Officer dedicated solely to supporting and developing the market
- The Make your Mark in Markets promotion which gives new and existing market traders the chance to win six month's free trading and £1,000 towards stock by impressing judges with their business ideas
- New events and promotions to attract more customers to the market
New figures show that the number of traders on Mansfield Market has increased for the first time in a number of years.
From 1 April to 31 December last year, the number of stall holders increased by 3% compared to 2008.
Mansfield District Council hopes that the package of support for traders will help to boost year end figures further and ensure that growth is maintained in 2010.
Councillor Kate Allsop, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration at Mansfield District Council said: "The increase in the number of stall holders over the last 12 months show that the spiral of decline the market had been suffering for many years is being reversed. Now we need to build on that.
"Footfall figures in Mansfield town centre have remained healthy during the recession which should make Mansfield a more popular place to trade because the number of potential customers remains high.
"We hope this latest package of support for stall holders will encourage more traders to come to Mansfield and in turn, even more visitors to give market shopping a try."
Meanwhile stall holders are also being encouraged to take part in a Council review of how the market can be revitalised further in the future. It is hoped that the review can lead to further new initiatives to benefit traders and shoppers.
Further detail on the package of support for Market Traders is as follows:
Free car parking for traders: Free parking is available in the Victoria Street and Robin Hood Line car parks and a valid pass, issued by the Council. must be displayed in the vehicle.
Bereavement Concession: In the event of the loss of a close family member, sibling, parent or partner the Council will allow 2 days rent free per annum to enable the trader to attend the funeral or make arrangements without the added concern of loss of income. Notification to the council can be done verbally.
Inclement Weather Concession: Each trader will be entitled to 3 days per annum, per day that they trade, for inclement weather. There will be no retainer charged for these days. Traders will need to notify the Council verbally on the day that they are unable to trade as a result of the weather.
Make your Mark in Markets promotion: The annual Make Your Mark in the Markets competition is run by Enterprise UK. The competition aims to provide fledgling traders with first hand experience of the markets to help turn their business ideas into reality, with minimal start up costs. Eighty markets from across the UK have already signed up and committed free space to the 2010 competition, including Mansfield Market.