NABMA Management Board was delighted at its last meeting to receive the news that NABMA membership for the first time has exceeded 150 members.

The new figures are particularly encouraging as recent new members have outlined the policy framework development, training and range of services as the prime reasons for joining. There has also been significant interest from town and parish councils as through local initiatives and partnership ventures they are playing a more significant role in delivering traditional, farmers’ and specialty markets.

NABMA Chief Executive Graham Wilson welcomed the fast growing membership figures. “It is clear that the profile of NABMA is growing with greater outreach. We represent the market interests from our largest to smallest local authority and it is exciting to see this new interest in markets. We will however not be complacent as we recognize impending changes in local government structures that will present not only opportunities but also threats. For now though we celebrate this landmark statistic and we look to follow up other expressions of interest.”