London Markets are among the oldest and most important markets in the country. It is vitally important that London has a distinct voice in respect of its numerous markets.

The Association of London Markets was originally formed in 1983 and its members were the operators and tenant associations of the six London wholesale markets:

Billingsgate

Borough

New Covent Garden

New Spitalfields

Smithfield

Western International Market

The AoLM exists to promote markets in all their forms and to lobby on behalf of the industry. In London there are over 160 street markets supporting 7,3000 jobs with a combined annual turnover in excess of £430 million.

In 2008 these markets joined forces to hold the first London Markets Symposium at City Hall. The aim was to raise the profile of all markets and to celebrate the vital role they play in the food supply in London. Such was the success of this event that the AoLM was relaunched and extended associate membership to retail markets.

The current Chairman is Jan Lloyd, CEO of Covent Garden Market Authority and the Vice Chairman is Gary Marshall, Chairman of Covent Garden Tenants Association.

The second London Markets Symposium was held in 2010 and focused on how markets can help during the recession. Rosie Boycott, the Mayor’s Food Adviser, chaired the event.