International Love Your Local Market campaign launched at Chester Market

Market industry leaders from across Europe and the UK gathered in Chester on Saturday (3 May) to hail the success of the new Market and launch this year’s 'Love Your Local Market' campaign which runs from 17 May to 1 June.

‘Love Your Local Market’ has been celebrated in more than 25 countries around the world for the past 13 years, highlighting the huge contribution markets make to the vibrancy and distinctiveness of towns and cities - creating jobs, supporting small businesses and serving their local communities.

This year over 400 markets in the UK alone will be taking part in the campaign and putting markets centre stage. Markets play a vital and often undervalued role in driving economic growth, in the UK it is estimated more than 50,000* jobs are directly related to market operations, including traders, their staff and local producers and suppliers.

Chester Market, managed by Cheshire West and Chester Council has over 150 traders, staff and support staff delivering the award-winning new market, which has now welcomed three and a half million visitors since opening in November 2022.

Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation, said:

“It has been an honour to be the launch market for this year’s campaign and showcase the wonderful market we have created in Chester. Thank you to the fantastic traders and staff who have made it possible, and to each and every visitor for supporting Chester Market.

“Cheshire West and Chester Council is proud of its markets, and we have ambitious plans to transform the borough’s three other markets in Ellesmere Port, Winsford and Northwich. We believe that every market is unique, and that every market is at the heart of its community.”

National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) President, Councillor Chris Poulter said:

“It is critical that markets are promoted, they are a place of social interaction, part of our shared cultural heritage and are crucial to the distinct identity of a town or area. They provide access to essential affordable goods and have clear environmental and food provenance benefits supporting local growers and producers, lower food miles and less packaging.”

Chairman of the World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM) Retail Group, Jean–Paul Auguste said:

“Visiting Chester has been an inspiring opportunity to see how a local council has transformed its city centre with investment in a new market that serves both residents and visitors and created a thriving social space and has become a must-see destination.”

For more information on the Love Your Local Market campaign see: 

https://loveyourlocalmarket.nabma.com

Love Your Local Market was founded in the UK by the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) when the government set up a review into the future of UK high streets led by well-known broadcaster, Mary Portas.

The acknowledgment of the value of markets featured prominently and were recognised as being important for start-up businesses. The report also encouraged establishing a National Market celebration, and Love Your Local Market was born.

Pictured - Guests from around the UK and Europe attended the Love Your Local Market launch at Chester Market, welcomed by centre, Samantha Dixon MP, The Lord Mayor of Chester, Councillor Sheila Little and Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation.