Notes from Market Forum Meeting

Thursday 12May, 2016

Present:

Mayor Tessa Bates – STC

Cllr Maurice Howse – SDC

Cllr Jenny Fradgley – STC

Cllr Tony Jefferson – SDC

Pat Matjaszek – SDC

John McInnes – Geraud

Hannah Robson (Clerk)

Matt Steel – Geraud

Sarah Summers– STC

Dave Webb – SDC

26. Apologies

There were no apologies.

27.Minutes of 7 April 2016

The minutes were approved.

28.Matters Arising from the minutes

There were no matters arising from the minutes.

29.Concerns from a Trader about Waterside UpMarket

Councillor Jenny Fradgley informed the forum members that the owner of the Baguette Bargehad contacted her regarding his concerns about the Waterside UpMarket.

His concerns are summarised as:

  • The retrospective planning application, was it discussed thoroughly?
  • Connectivity from Sheep Street to the Recreation Ground; it’s quite a cluttered area;
  • The amount of ‘clutter’ at the end of the market by Bridgefoot and the access around his business;
  • After speaking to a representative from Carluccio’s, they both agree that because of the solid backs to the stalls, there is nothing for people to look at whilst they are having coffee. It was suggested that transparent backs are used on the stalls so that people can look through them and see what’s happening on the Bancroft;
  • The set up vehicles park close to the canal;
  • He pays business rates and is having to increase staff rates, therefore is concerned about a ‘level playing field’.

John confirmed that there is a cap on food stalls (2) and Geraud are a BID member so pay the levy too. John is happy to visit the owner and discuss his concerns in person.

30.Geraud’s National Operations Manager

The forum members where introduced to Matt Steel, the National Operations Manager, who will attend forum meetings with John.

31.Information Outstanding from the Market Operator

FARMA Registration – John has left messages but has been unsuccessful in talking to a representative. He will check to see whether Phil Lamb has been able to correspond with them. It was highlighted that there is a form that can be completed on the FARMA website, which may be the easiest route for contact.

Business continuity, accounts and service agreement – it was agreed that these can be discussed in person with Phil Lamb without the need for solicitors.

32.General Update from Market Operator

Market Committee–letters to the traders are going out this weekend, asking for nominations to be on the Market Committee and voting will occur the following week. It is anticipated that the committee will be set up for June.

Open Market Meeting – this will prove difficult to arrange with all the various traders so it was thought easier to have the Market Committee and union representative.

NABMA Award – nominations will be put forward, most likely the UpMarket and Farmers Market. The list of categories is published in September.

Love Your Local Market – this will be promoted at the markets on 21, 26, 27 and 28 May. Money will be raised for a local charity, which was agreed to be the Shakespeare Hospice.

Toilets – the Thatched Tavern have agreed to provide facilities for the traders.

Incident on Waterside – on 17 April three stalls were affected by a ‘mini cyclone’. Fortunately no one was seriously hurt but the traders affected were shaken and left early. There was minimal stock damage but the iron work to one of the flower beds requires minor repair.

33.Any other business

The NABMA conference is at Stratford-upon-Avon on 18-20 September. A representative will attend and Geraud will look into a showcase market.

34.Next Meetings

13 October 10:30am.

Meeting closed at 11:12am