A NORTH East market has scooped a national award after being praised for its successful market plan to engage the community and increasing its number of market traders to reach full capacity.

Thornaby Market won Best Small Outdoor Market at the Great British Market Awards and was commended for having ‘a most effective social media platform linking in strongly with the community and local education providers’.

The market, operated by Stockton Borough Council, took away one of the top prizes during a ceremony in Birmingham on Thursday February 3 that was hosted by the National Association of British Market Authorities.

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Judges also commended Thornaby Market’s innovative incentive scheme for increasing its number of traders, many of which are classed as young traders, to achieve a 100 per cent occupancy rate.

The panel was also impressed by the market’s popularity and its market plan that the team is delivering to work with a host of community partners. Thornaby Market continues to work with local schools and charities in the area to provide stalls free of charge for community initiatives.

What have the National Association of British Market Authorities said?

Mick Barker, President of NABMA, said: “The judging panel was particularly impressed with the increasing number of traders as a result of an innovative rental incentive scheme.

“The market is clearly popular in its local community and it demonstrates a market plan that the operator is actively following and delivering very successfully, working effectively with many community partners.”

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Councillor Nigel Cooke, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, said: “I would like to offer a huge congratulations to everyone at Thornaby on this fantastic achievement.

“This award not only highlights the successful partnership between the market and the Thornaby community but it also shows the importance of supporting and guiding traders to adapt and grow their businesses.

“Our traditional markets play an important role in our town centres and it’s fantastic to have the recognition that we are delivering the Our Markets Matter strategy in an effective and successful way.”

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Stockton South MP, Matt Vickers, said: “From stall holders to organisers, a big congratulations are well and truly in order to everyone involved in Thornaby market.

“I’m pleased that Thornaby market’s innovative ideas, strong market plan and contribution to the community have been recognised on a national level. It sets a perfect example to markets locally and nationally about the positive impact traditional markets can have on our town centres.”

Thornaby Market takes place in Thornaby town centre every Thursday.

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