Haborough Market beats tough competition to win Best Independent Retailer Award in glamourous ceremony

Market Place were thrilled to collect the title of ‘Independent Retailer of the Year’ for their work with Harborough Market at the stylish Niche Magazine awards ceremony in Leicestershire on Friday 25^th September.  Since its re-opening in 2014 under the management of Market Place, Harborough Market Hall has fast secured its place in the heart of the community, representing hundreds of local independent businesses each week.

 

The Market fought off stiff competition at the ceremony awards, which were designed and created by Niche Magazine to celebrate those businesses in Leicestershire that go the extra mile in terms of excellence, customer service and innovation. The judges noted that their decision to award the title of ‘Best Independent Retailer’ to Harborough Market was in recognition of the wonderful business opportunities it offers for local independent retailers.

The lavish ceremony, which had a James Bond theme, saw the coming together of the crème de la crème of business professionals in the area, each one hopeful of leaving with a prize. With twelve categories ranging from ‘Business Woman and Man of the Year’, to ‘Best New Business’, Harborough Market were delighted to be awarded ‘Best Independent Retailer‘ by the panel of judges made up of business men and women in the area.

Nick Rhodes, CEO of Market Place, the company who manage Harborough Market said:

‘The traders at Harborough Market and their diverse offer are the special ingredients that make the Market so distinct. We have spent a lot of time and effort in making sure the formula to create a successful daily market was right, so we are delighted our efforts have been recognised by the business community. Partnership working with the local authority has made a significant and positive impact on the market offering for the town of Market Harborough.’

The refurbished Market hall offers businesses the opportunity to develop exceptional relationships with customers, adding to the personal value offered. There is a fantastic range of themed weekdays including a Vintage and Retro market each Wednesday, the Craft market on a Thursday and an Antiques Market on Sundays. Just some of the high quality products found daily at the market include fresh fish, vegetables, fruit, cheeses, meats, made to order cakes, Turkish lanterns, jewellery,furniture and much more, all provided by specialist local businesses.

Cllr Phil King, deputy leader of Harborough District Council, said:

“This award is a fantastic achievement which recognises how much Harborough Market has improved since its redevelopment, with the excellent shopping experience, and quality food, now on offer. I’d like to heartily congratulate our market traders, Market Place Europe and all at the district council for this award, as well as thank the tens of thousands of customers who visit the Market each week to make it the success it has become."

Market Place recently took part in a Department for Communities and Local Government commissioned study into the economic impact of markets, showing spending of approx. £17.81 per visit. The findings of the report when applied to Harborough Market suggest customer spend at over £1 million per month across all traders, a testament to all the hard work which goes on behind the scenes. 

Sairah Butt, a dedicated member of the Market Place team, manages Harborough Market on the ground. Sairah has overseen the improvement in quality, services and visitor experience which have been central to making the Market the success it has become today.

Nick Rhodes (l) and Sairah Butt (c) are delighted with th award