A MAN who has supported independent retailers in Durham city for three decades will be made an MBE.

Colin Wilkes has been a director of Durham Markets Company since 1990 and its managing director since 1996.

He was part of the team which oversaw the major refurbishment of the Market Hall and the move from three to six day trading in 1996.

Not only has he ensured that the Market Hall and its traders thrive and move with the times, he has helped draw in crowds with a series of events in the city.

He was a co-founder of Durham Christmas Festival in 1997, a founder member and chairman of Durham City Forum, the forerunner to Durham BID and instrumental in the introduction of Durham Pointers.

He has increased the use of the Market Hall as a community base introducing the gents’ breakfast, student plays and performances, and has worked with other organisations to help organise events including Chinese New Year celebrations, a nostalgia day, classic car and bike shows and Full Moon street food markets.

Mr Wilkes is awarded an MBE for services to independent businesses in Durham and the North East, and promotion of the City of Durham.

He said: “I am both very proud and humbled to receive this honour, particularly as it relates to my two great passions, that is local independent businesses and Durham City, which I have been fortunate to combine during the 30 years I have worked for Durham Markets Company in the City Centre.”

Frank Nicholson, former non-executive chairman of Durham Markets Company, said: “Colin’s dedication to small businesses in the North East is remarkable, and has helped not only to take the Market Hall from strength to strength, but has seen Durham Christmas Festival and numerous other events become annual ‘must-visit’ days in Durham’s calendar.

"This award is a truly fitting recognition of years of making a real difference.”

Mark Wilson, owner of Durham City Watches in Durham Market Hall, said: “Thanks to Colin’s unwavering support for small businesses like mine, I’ve been in a position to grow my business and really realise its potential.

"Being part of Durham Market Hall means being somewhere where independent businesses can thrive, and that’s due in no small part to Colin’s drive and dedication, and his ‘can do’ attitude.

"All the traders are thrilled that Colin has received this award.”