Marcus Jones Visits St. Nicholas Market

High Streets minister Marcus Jones visits St. Nicholas Market to launch Love Your Local Market.

To confirm attendance and request an interview please contact Kirsty Stilwell on 0117 3525633 or email kirsty.stilwell@bristol.gov.uk

St Nicholas Market has been chosen to host the national opening of this year’s Love Your Local Market campaign.

As part of the programme of events, High Streets Minister Marcus Jones, will be visiting St Nicks on Tuesday, May 17 for a tour of the market and a chat with local traders.

Love Your Local Market 2016 will see St Nicks holding four special markets for local start-up businesses.

The market, based in the Old City, will be joining over 1,000 other markets across the country offering incentivised pitches.

The scheme is aimed at attracting new local traders to help boost economic activity in Bristol and recognise the importance that the market plays in the heart of the community.

This year there will also be a special food market in collaboration with Bristol Eats.

Started in 2012, following concern about the sustainability of our nation’s high streets, Love Your Local Market participants have staged thousands of events across the country.

This year St Nicholas Market will be holding four Start-up Markets alongside a ‘Best New Business’ competition which is open to all new traders.

The winning applicant will then be entitled to trade free for six weeks on the Friday Nails Market*.

Stacey Bartlett, markets and estates manager for Bristol City Council, said: “We are very pleased to be a part of the national “Love Your Local Market” campaign again this year.

“Not only does it encourage people to visit and get to know their local market but it also provides a fantastic opportunity for prospective traders to give market trading a go at a reduced price before hopefully becoming a regular outdoor trader at St Nicholas Market all year round.”

High Streets Minister Marcus Jones said: “Markets are a vital part of Britain’s bustling high streets and a boost to the economy, which is why I am proud that the Government continues to support this great campaign.

“They are the testbeds for entrepreneurs, allowing new traders – young and old – to start up small businesses in a low-cost and low-risk way, with many famous brands starting in this way.

“As we continue to support our high streets, with the biggest ever cut in business rates in England worth £6.7 billion over the next five years, I encourage local leaders to pledge to do all they can to invest in and support their local markets.”