GOVERNMENT RETAIL MARKETS FORUM
The first Forum meeting for almost fifteen months was held earlier this week and it was encouraging to hear that Jake Berry, Minister for High Streets and Markets, is committed to maintaining the government’s links with markets. In addition to providing updates on various NABMA projects there was an opportunity to get government help to clarify the position on VAT. Hopefully the Minister can help in promoting discussion on this issue with HMRC. We also learned that the Future High Street Forum is returning, NABMA has a seat on the Forum, and next month it is likely that an announcement will be made to launch the Great British High Street Awards 2018. We hope to promote some synergy between these awards and the Great British Market Awards.
ALL PARTY PARLIAMENTARY MARKETS GROUP
The next meeting of the APPMG is scheduled for the 20th March at Westminster. This is a chance for us to raise issues with Members of Parliament and maintain a dialogue with government on matters important to the markets industry. All MPs are invited to this meeting. Why not contact your MP and encourage him/her to attend? It will show support for your market and the markets industry generally.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Last year we introduced a new portal on the NABMA website providing a series of answers to frequently asked questions concerning the management and operation of markets. We will shortly be reviewing this resource so if there is a question you would like answered and you feel it might be of general interest please let us know and we will add it to the list.
LOVE YOUR LOCAL MARKET
We are approaching the first 100 markets who have registered for Love Your Local Market fortnight 17th – 31st May. The regional meetings are an opportunity to find out about this year’s theme, ‘Markets:Close to Your Heart’ and share ideas. A reminder that the final date for ordering merchandise is 27th April.