Minutes of the Market Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of the Market Advisory Committee Meeting held in Council Chamber, Town Hall, Bideford, on Wednesday 25 July 2012 at 6.03 pm
PRESENT:
South Ward:
Councillor D G Brenton
Tenants/Traders
Mrs J Fisher
Mr M Hudson
Mrs L Middleton
Mrs D Standen
Mrs S Wade (Chairman)
IN ATTENDANCE:
Mr R D G Coombes (Market Administrator)
4 x Tenant/Traders
3 x Public
001
ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN
Proposed by Mr Hudson, seconded and
RESOLVED: That Mrs S Wade is appointed Chairman for the year 2012/2013.
(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)
002
ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIRMAN
Proposed by Mrs Wade, seconded and
RESOLVED: That Mrs F Balfour is appointed Vice-Chairman for the year 2012/2013.
(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)
003
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Councillors D C and Mrs M P Fulford (North Ward – Personal) and B Wootton (South Ward – Personal).
004
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest.
005
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD
A member of the Public asked whether a diary had been purchased and its availability to the public. The Market Administrator
advised that one was held in the Town Hall office and replicated on the Town Council web site. The Chairman believed that the
Diary should state Events and include details of maintenance work/programmes. Discussion followed where it was felt clarity and
transparency should be ensured with the ensuing benefit to traders and public; siting of a blackboard providing the information
was also mooted.
006
MINUTES
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 3 May 2012 were approved and signed as a correct record.
(Vote: - For: 5, Against: 0, Abstention: 1.)
The Chairman invited Members who wished to revisit any item to advise her prior to the Agenda for the next meeting being published.
0077 TERMS OF REFERENCE
• Provide recommendations to the Market Management Committee
• All bookings for Events through the Advisory Committee Meetings
o Onto Market Management Committee
• Cannot commit finance until resolved by Market Management Committee
• Provide two way communication with tenant/traders and Market Committees
• Must be open/receptive to all tenant/traders
• When booking Entertainment/groups/participants for the Market Hall/Butcher’s Row must ensure that necessary Public Liability
Insurance/Risk Assessments/Licences are in place
In receiving the Terms of Reference the Members spoke on the Merits of a Constitution, the organisation of Events and how the Advisory
Committee had evolved. Councillor Brenton stressed the need to promote communication between stakeholders. Mrs Middleton highlighted
the need to promote the Market Hall. The Chairman summarised the working relationship between the Town Council, its Market Management
Committee and the Market Tenants and Traders.
008
FARMA/BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Mrs Rosemary Rodgers addressed the Committee on items she had first introduced at the Market Advisory Committee Meeting on 3 May 2012
and had subsequently presented to the Market Management Committee Meeting held on 5 July 2012. She spoke on promoting a Business
Opportunity Event to encourage the take up of stalls by new traders in the Market Hall and the agencies she had contacted from both a
financial and business perspective.
In order to attract funding a unified approach would be needed giving a projected vision for the Market.
North Devon + could offer help with Market Research and provide a link with the Prince’s Trust. Enterprise Clubs, Taster Sessions, Female
only Business Work Shops, Start up and Workshops for existing business people (including current Market Traders) are available. A workshop
to be held in the Autumn could be staged in the Pannier Market.
Mrs Vanessa Saunders, Torridge District Council Special Projects Officer, was keen on the Business Opportunity Event. She had advised that
funding was available for Start Up and indicated that she was open to help both financially and logistically (including the printing of leaflets).
Once the Academic Year recommences she advised contacting the Colleges e.g. Petroc and Bideford. Mrs Saunders felt that the first quarter of the
year (Jan – Mar 2013) would be an excellent time frame to work in and also stated that a Working Group was the best way forward – she indicated
that she would be willing to meet with such a body.
Mrs Maria Bailey representing the Bideford Chamber of Commerce would welcome attendance from a (Market) Councillor at their future meetings and
indeed Pannier Market Traders. (She remarked on the recent attendance of Councillor Howell). Mrs Bailey intimated that the Chamber could offer
mentoring and the sharing of information (re-stating that which she had said at the Full Town Council Meeting of 21 June 2012). She advised that
any application for funding would have to be specific about regeneration projects i.e. roof insulation and water availability in shop/units.
Mrs Rodgers then spoke on FARMA (National Farmers’ Retails & Market Association) with a view to introducing a Farmers Market/produce within the
Market Hall again having been asked by Committee to do this. She advised that the Association represents 700 members which represent 800 retail
outlets in the UK; the Farmers’ Markets in the UK are ploughing £220m back into the local economies – the future is regarded as very good.
She highlighted the importance of certification in generating customer confidence – the cost to traders is ten pounds a month –with the Organiser
being advantaged in building up the numbers; those trading in the Market would be made easily identifiable. Promotion would be vital for the first
time including some editorial. Regulations would need to be drafted. A survey of potential participants would need to be organised including what
produce, where the trader is based and when available. Mentoring would be available (through the Association). Mrs Rodgers stressed the importance
of the process: research, survey and identify.
SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS
Proposed by Mrs Wade, seconded and
RESOLVED: That Standing Orders are suspended in order for Mr M Pearce, a member of the public, to address the Committee.
(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)
Mr Pearce advised that in his executive position within the Chamber of Commerce he was not aware of Mrs Bailey’s offer. He further stated that
in order to benefit from any outstanding 106 monies the Committee would have to work quickly.
Mr Hudson advised that those trading at the Farmers’ Market on the Quay did not wish trade in the Pannier Market. He also believed that cooperatives
of local growers and “food hub project” had indicated an interest in trading in the Pannier Market.
Councillor Brenton spoke on forming a Working Group to address the initiatives raised by Mrs Rodgers; the Market Administrator reiterated the Management
Committee’s resolution (that the Advisory Committee explores the initiatives).
RETURN TO STANDING ORDERS
Proposed by Mrs Wade, seconded and
RESOLVED: That the Meeting return to Standing Orders.
(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)
The Chairman thanked Mrs Rodgers for her hard work and endeavour.
009
FARMA/BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES WORKING GROUP
The Chairman considered the make-up of the Working Group suggesting a councillor, member of the Chamber of Commerce and interested Market Tenants/Traders.
Mrs Standen believed that Mrs Rodgers should be a member. Councillor Brenton agreed that a councillor should be on the Advisory Group and would seek a nominee.
The Chairman, in agreement, spoke on advertising for members; Mr Hudson felt that the Meeting should be open.
Proposed by Mrs Wade, seconded and
RESOLVED: That a Working Group be formed to explore the FARMA/Business Opportunities initiatives.
(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)
010
ANTIQUES MARKET 30 MAY 2012 – REVIEW
The Chairman spoke on the popularity of Antiques Markets and how they drew people into towns; they created a “buzz” with traders wishing to attend.
The Antique Market held on 30 May 2012 saw 300 ticket holders although there were not large numbers in the Town and a free vintage bus service was underutilised –
on the right day it would have been more successful.
The Participants gave positive feedback although they did not record large sales. She spoke on the variance on how word was passed if an event was well received
or not. She believed that looking after traders through helping with their set up and providing refreshments was beneficial. Concern was expressed at the provision
of free beverages on the day and discussion followed regarding understanding of arrangements when the Market Hall is being hired.
The Chairman stated that planning had to be thorough; there was a need for professionalism and the importance of publicity.
The Television element did prove beneficial especially as antiques are “hot” at the moment (the Event should be broadcast in either the first or second week
of September); the screening will again benefit the Town.
Councillor Brenton congratulated the Chairman on the success of the Event.
Mrs Middleton suggested that simple attractive fliers should be widely distributed giving detail on the availability/cost of stalls/hiring of the Market
(to be an agenda item for next meeting).
The Chairman spoke on private business/agencies booking quality events in the Hall - concern was expressed at the cost.
Discussion followed on events, the increased footfall and the success of the recent “Pirate” Event. The Chairman proposed staging a professional event, once a
month on a Saturday moving the “traditional” market to another day - disquiet was voiced; Mrs Middleton suggested that a Sunday Event would merit consideration.
Councillor Brenton left the meeting.
011
WINTER FAIRS
Mrs Fisher felt that late October/early November should be considered. Mr Hudson intimated plans for a Dickensian theme market. Following brief discussion
it was felt that Members should reflect and return to the item at the next Meeting.
012
ISSUES RAISED BY TRADERS
a. Events: Discussion centred on an itinerary of events to be promoted within the Pannier Market Complex. The Market Administrator spoke on the need
for a legitimacy of events i.e. satisfying the criteria laid out in the term of reference for the Advisory Committee and being mindful of the Market Traders,
the management of the floor space with a view to ensuring that commerce was not obstructed citing a complaint received.
Mr Hudson spoke on events scheduled for 4 and 25 August 2012. While the Committee voted in support of 4 August 2012 (Vote: - For: 3, Against: 0, Abstention: 2.)
the Chairman expressed that clarity should be sought by the Market Administrator regarding Event Insurance for the Market Hall. The Market Administrator will
advise the Management Committee Members of the Event intended for 4 August 2012.
b. On-going projects. Mrs Standen summarised a number of the items still being processed from the former Committee. The Chairman stated that the item would
be re-visited at the next Meeting.
c. Mr Hudson spoke on a report compiled by MORE and his wish to present it to the Market Management Committee at the Meeting on 16 August 2012. Mrs Standen
voiced unease at the validity of MORE given that although made up of some Bideford Pannier Market tenants and traders it also included those from outside interests.
She reinforced that the Market Advisory Committee worked exclusively for the Market Management Committee/Bideford Town Council solely for the Market Complex.
The Market Administrator invited Mr Hudson to provide copies which he would pass to the Management Committee Members asking them whether they wished to receive
a presentation, advising Mr Hudson accordingly.
The business of the Meeting having been completed, the Chairman thanked the Members for
their attendance and contributions; the Meeting concluded at 8.00 pm.
