Evidence of NABMA’s closer working relationship with ATCM was demonstrated recently with ATCM support for the Policy Framework research. ATCM have committed £5,000 to supporting the work that will be undertaken in 2008 and this was warmly welcomed by NABMA as growing evidence of the closer working relationship with NABMA.

In addition, NABMA will be taking part in a series of regional forums with ATCM promoting issues relevant to town centres and markets. This will also be supported by NMTF and it is hoped that NABMA and NMTF will put together a “road show” that will be taken around the U.K. to each ATCM region.

Further details of the programme are currently being worked out but it is envisaged that the road shows will start in April 2008 and be held in various locations over the next twelve months.

NABMA’s Chief Executive Graham Wilson welcomed this initiative. “The ATCM support is welcomed and an indication that town centre managers are taking an increasingly responsible role for markets. It is therefore important that NABMA and NMTF help to create a better understanding of market issues. It is also vitally important that market managers and town centre managers work together.”