Traders and market organisers are being urged to apply online to join the directories which list established or newly launched markets and the details of individual stallholders.
Both listings are available on the South Cambridgeshire District Council website and dovetail with the Council’s new Street Trading Policy, which came into effect on March 1, 2022. The policy aims to ensure the same standards apply to street vendors across the district whilst the needs of local residents are considered and shoppers are protected in relation to food hygiene, safety and other important areas.
To expand the district’s offering, the Council has visited existing markets to explore how they are run and who by, gather data and gauge the mood for the establishment and expansion of more markets across South Cambridgeshire in a post-Covid landscape. Its new markets toolkit will help anyone thinking about setting up a market in their village, while the online trader directory will act as a platform to connect traders with local markets and other like-minded businesses.
The Council also plans to work with all parishes, community organisations and many local businesses wishing to begin a market of their own. Enquiries on this subject should be emailed to the Council using businesssupportkeyprojects@scambs.gov.uk
Lead Cabinet Member for Economic Development (Responsible for Business Support, Skills, Infrastructure and Transport), Cllr Peter McDonald said: “We are committed to helping to grow the local economy and this is more crucial than ever as we recover from the pandemic. It is important to recognise that markets are much more than simply stalls, produce and traders. They are community cornerstones often propping up social experiences and are generally the heart of local commerce. Successful community markets can propel emerging businesses forward whilst also feeding money back into our local communities.
“Throughout South Cambridgeshire, there are several established markets running (many of which can be found on Visit South Cambs at https://visitsouthcambs.co.uk/see-do/markets), but we believe there is scope for many more. Whether it be artisan products on offer, an array of street food trucks or an eco-product focused market, we want to hear from potential market organisers around the district - let us know if you want to start a new market and ask how South Cambridgeshire District Council can help!”
For details of the markets online toolkit and the markets and stallholders directories, see https://www.scambs.gov.uk/business/south-cambridgeshire-markets
