Issue - meetings

Arising from a report of the Chief Executive and Director of Growth, the Economy Policy Development Group had recommended that trade on the normal retail market be encouraged to encompass all goods and produce found on a Farmers’ Market and promote it as part of the offer of Tiverton Pannier Market.

Arising from a report of the Chief Executive and Director of Growth, the Economy Policy Development Group had recommended that trade on the normal retail market be encouraged to encompass all goods and produce found on a Farmers’ Market and promote it as part of the offer of Tiverton Pannier Market. (Option 4)

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration outlined the contents of the report stating that the PDG had considered a feasibility study on the establishment of a Farmers Market in Tiverton, they had reflected on the opportunities for Tiverton and various options available.

The Market Manager informed the meeting that there was some concern with  regard to the number of traders and the footfall within the market area. He had various ideas for promotional events but considered it necessary to find out what the people of Tiverton and its visitors wanted from the venue.

Consideration was given to:

·         The options available within the feasibility study

·         The need for local produce from local traders to form part of the established market days

·         Musical attractions and livestock

·         Specific markets in various parts of the country that were thriving

RESOLVED that the recommendations of the Policy Development Group be approved.

(Proposed by Cllr R J Chesterton and seconded by Cllr C R Slade)

Notes: 

(i)        Cllr R L Stanley declared a personal interest as a cousin traded on a market in East Anglia;

(ii)       *Report previously copy attached to minutes.

To receive a report from the Town Centre and Market Manager providing Members with information on the feasibility of holding a ‘Farmers Market’ in the Tiverton Market, to appreciate the implications and to consider which option should be adopted.

The Group had before it a report * from the Town Centre and Market Manager providing Members with information on the feasibility of holding a ‘Farmers Market’ in Tiverton Market and to appreciate the implications and to decide which option should be adopted.

The officer outlined the contents of the report which included the following:

·         The need to analyse the customer base, footfall within the town and local demographics.

·         Ascertain whether there was a desire for a Farmers Market. What publicity would be needed and how to attract customers.

·         Other questions that needed answering included:

o   What would be the best day of the week to hold it on?

o   Mid week or weekend?

o   How would traders be recruited?

o   When would restocking take place?

o   How ‘local’ is ‘local’?

o   Should there be more encouragement to trade farmers produce at the normal market?

·         Resources were very limited.

·         A number of options were available ranging from doing nothing to sourcing a private operator.

Discussion took place regarding:

·         The need to avoid competition with other Farmers Markets in other towns within the district. The Cullompton Framers Market had declined in recent years and any competition with Tiverton would not be beneficial. Days and times of any potential new markets would need to be a crucial consideration so as to avoid clashes.

·         Quality produce would be a key factor in attracting customers.

·         There was a general consensus that Sunday was not a good day to hold a market.

·         Promotion and publicity costs.

·         The potential benefits of using social media as an advertising tool.

·         Possible missed opportunities to work with Cullompton and Crediton by inviting them to the British Street Foods Awards on Sunday 21^st May.

·         A minimum number of traders in the region of 12 to 15 would be needed to make a venture viable.

RECOMMENDED to the Cabinet that trade on the normal retail market be encouraged to encompass all goods and produce found on a Farmers’ Market and promote it as part of the offer of Tiverton Pannier Market.

(Proposed by Cllr Mrs N Woollatt and seconded by Cllr F J Rosamond)

Note:  (i) * Report previously circulated, copy attached to the signed minutes.

(ii) Cllr S Flaws requested that his vote against the decision be recorded.