Memorandum by Mel Hilbrown, Executive
Director of St Albans Enterprise Agency and Director of St Albans
Chamber of Commerce, writing in a personal capacity (MARKETS 03)
1. TRADITIONAL
MARKETS TODAY
1. Last 10 or more years, some markets
have become a shadow of their former lively, bustling selves eg
Roman Road market in Bow London, which in the sixties was a large
bustling market with a great selection of stalls, attracting people
from a reasonable area, and now consists of a very few and down-at-heel
that no-one would travel to visit. This may reflect the state
of the local economy. Products have changed over time but the
core of almost any market remains fresh produce at great prices—often
stock needing clearance—in this sense markets help reduce
waste. It is noticeable that in times of economic downturn in
St Albans we are hearing reports of those who would have never
used the market now buying there. So markets also help those in
deprived areas get better value but also those who may be deprived
in wealthier areas. They are also a superb outlet for small entrepreneurs
who otherwise would not be able to afford a shop-front. So several
important social and environmental functions.
2. I suspect traditional markets are in
decline—see above. Sometimes change in the local economy;
sometimes lack of attention and support. Like any economic activity
there is a vicious and a virtuous spiral. Without action, it is
difficult to stop a decline once it starts; if things look good
the markets will grow—look at the success of Farmers markets
and visiting Continental markets. I suspect types of market are
on the increase. Also the large Sunday markets (in Herts there
is a massive one held at Bovingdon airfield).
3. The above comments would suggest not,
but I do not have any broad view on this.
4. In St Albans there has not been a big
problem for the traditional market from the continental markets.
2. SOCIAL &
ECONOMIC EFFECTS
1. Traditional markets are: i) a community
focal point, creating a vibrant environment. ii) help with footfall
in the City, increasing traffic for other retailers and coffee
shops and cafes iii) an opportunity for local entrepreneurs to
launch/test new ventures iv) a provider of low cost products often
not generally available in the shops v) part of our heritage,
many going back to the Middle Ages. An established market can
be a major attraction, source of pride etc vi) they also involve
walking in the fresh air which is probably a health benefit.
2. Qualities required are a stallholder-friendly
environment/management, a good catchment area in terms of numbers/spending,
a good space to operate on a reasonable scale, good public transport
links, and other local attractions if possible. The issues are
not massively different from those desirable for any retailer.
3. REALISING
THE POTENTIAL
1. I would guess local government support
for markets is variable. There are a number of areas of relevant
support, including security issues, promotional issues and management
issues—because markets are only a minor part of local government
activity, it is easy for the management of this area to become
someone's little fiefdom, where bureaucracy and exercise of control
can take precedence over marketplace objectives and effectiveness.
A market is not essentially that different from a shopping mall
and needs a similar market-oriented focus.
2. I cannot see who else other than local
authorities could operate a local market effectively.
3. I am not aware of any central government
support for traditional markets. They are, however, part of our
heritage and some support/promotion could be useful.
4. I am sure government could use markets
to support social cohesion and health (they are open-air and get
people used to wandering!). They might help regeneration, but
successful markets are more likely to be an outcome of a broad
regeneration package rather than a stimulus for it. They are commercial
entities which must be commercially viable, not some social enterprise.
4. PLANNING &
LICENSING
1. Not sure about impact of local planning.
2. Not sure about licensing regulations
impact.
3. No view on this.
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