Posted in document archives - Market Management Minutes

Minutes of the Market Advisory Committee Meeting

BIDEFORD TOWN COUNCIL

Minutes of the Market Advisory Committee Meeting
held in Council Chamber, Town Hall, Bideford, on
Thursday 5 January 2012 at 6.03 pm

PRESENT:
North Ward:

Councillor Mrs E A Brenton
Councillor D C Fulford
Councillor Mrs M P Fulford

South Ward:

Councillor D G Brenton
Councillor S G Inch (Deputy Town Mayor)
Councillor R I Wootton

Tenants/Traders

Mrs J Fisher
Mrs R Rogers
Mrs D Standen (Chairman)
Mrs S Wade

IN ATTENDANCE:

Councillor M Langmead
Mr R D G Coombes (Market Administrator)
3 x Public

016 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

No apologies were received.

014 MINUTES

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 1 December 2011 were approved and signed as a correct record.

(Vote: - For: 10, Against: 0)

015 ISSUES RAISED BY TRADERS

a. Advertising Leaflet.  The Chairman spoke of the need to produce a new leaflet for the coming year.  Recent Market photographs where available and could be included alongside previously used examples. Mrs Wade spoke on the importance of the leaflet, suggesting an itinerary of future events would be advantageous and spoke on (self help) distribution. The Market Administrator advised that there was £2,000.00 available in the Budget. Discussion followed with a view to producing a generic leaflet in sufficient numbers for a year, to be distributed before the Easter break. Mrs Wade agreed to investigate the creation of a leaflet, including the cost of production/distribution and advise the Members at the next Meeting to be held on 2 February 2012.  The Market Administrator and Chairman would also contact the Link magazine who had produced the last leaflet.

b. Events in the Market Hall (Easter, August, Christmas).  The Chairman reflected on the past successes in the Market and spoke on the need to invite local groups and schools to use the Market Hall on a trading day.  Councillor Mrs Brenton suggested a Voluntary Fair where groups that benefit the local community could present their organisations indicating that TVS would be an ideal vehicle to begin the administration.  She further advised that the Bideford 500 had organised an event that found itself in the centre of Mill Street that so easily could have been accommodated in the Pannier Market Hall.  The Market Administrator intimated that the Bideford 500 had, indeed, discussed holding an event, at the Market in the future.  Mrs Rogers asked whether the Hall was being advertised for hire; to date only the Boxing Club had indicated a wish to stage an event.  Mrs Wade spoke on an initiative at Hatherleigh Market where a trader had organised a number of highly successful Antique Days.  The Chairman suggested that food tasting (a taste of Devon) events could be considered.

c.  Initiatives to attract new traders/tenants.  Councillor Brenton, Mrs Standen and Mrs Rogers intimated that they would target those traders that either traded at Farmers’ Markets or indicated a willingness to invite them to consider trading in the covered Market Hall.  Mrs Rogers wondered whether it was viable to advertise for purveyors of fresh fish to take on Unit 5 in Butcher’s Row.  Councillor Brenton highlighted the difficulties in selling perishable items intimating his belief that an opportunity existed to negotiate favourable terms, with Torridge District Council,  car parking provision for traders in the Honestone Street Car Park.  He believed also that given the need to “re-generate” the Market, North Devon + should be approached to provide specialist knowledge and application to promote and help realise the potential of the Market.  The Market Administrator agreed to contact the Chief Executive with a view to a presentation at the next Meeting.

Mrs Wade stated that a starting point in promoting the Market should begin with the question, “why go to the Market?”  The benefits need to be highlighted; future plans with specific dates promoted.  Both she and Councillor Mrs Brenton expressed the need for a diary to record the calendar of events.  The Market Administrator stated the Market element of the Council website will be updated and details of initiatives will be highlighted.

The Market Administrator advised that there was no provision in the budget for offering loyal and committed traders a gratis month.  With the Winter rate reduction and maintenance costs the Members had to be mindful of the Market’s finances.  Nonetheless, the potential to provide incentives for both present and potential traders existed.

A willingness to hold an Easter Egg hunt running up to Easter and the staging of an Arts, Craft and Collectables Market during the break met with enthusiasm.  The Chairman and Market Administrator will report back to the Committee at the next Meeting.

Mrs Wade advised that Public Notices could be posted targeting specific goods and wares.  Further, it was felt that an interview could be staged between a local paper and a Committee member with a view to promoting the opportunities that the Market presented to all stakeholders.

The business of the Meeting having been completed, the Chairman thanked the Members for
their attendance and contributions; the Meeting concluded at 7.12 pm.

Signature of Town Mayor:……………………………………  Date:……………………...........

Signature of Chairman:………………………………..............  Date:……………………….......