Delegates from eight European countries gathered at London’s Barbican to take part in the NABMA/WUWM Retail Conference. Supported by a range of NABMA sponsors the event was opened by Jim Fitzpatrick, Minister of Food, Farming and Environment. Mr. Fitzpatrick spoke about the value of markets and urged local authorities to invest in markets. He was particularly keen to emphasise the food links that exist in relation to markets and he also highlighted the Government’s encouragement for local authorities to support their markets. Although Mr. Fitzpatrick had only been in post a couple of weeks he had been keen to attend the Conference and show Government support for UK markets. He welcomed the visit to London by the European Retail Group and he acknowledged the substantial contribution that markets make across Europe. Jean-Paul Auguste, Chairman of the European Retail Group, thanked Mr. Fitzpatrick for his support and indicated the importance of Government support for the work that was being carried out.