Harborough Market Traders Back Campaign to be named Best Market Town

Market Harborough has been entered into a national competition looking for Britain’s best high street. A winning entry would see the town receive thousands of pounds for investment. 

The Great British High Street Awards is now in its third year and is a nationwide initiative helping to champion high streets as the cornerstones of the community. 

Of the nine categories available, Market Harborough has been entered into the ‘Market Town’ category which was won by Helmsley in Rydale last year. The submission statement made for the town’s entry was put together by Harborough Chamber of Trade & Commerce, Harborough Market, Sustainable Harborough and Graham Peers, tourism officer for the town. 

Market Harborough’s rebirth has been supported by a strong community spirit from shops, market traders, community organisations, individuals and the council working on separate but linked projects for the good of the town. Campaigners are now looking for the community spirit to help the town win the ‘Best Market Town’ award.

Harborough Market, which is operated by Market Place on behalf of Harborough District Council is delighted to be involved with the campaign. Harborough Market was voted Britain’s Best Small Indoor Market 2016 and is the Leicester Mercury 2016 Retail Business of the Year.

“There is so much to celebrate about our market town, including our award winning market,” said Sairah Butt, Market Place and Harborough Market Manager. “Our traders are proud to work in the town and are delighted to be involved with the campaign.”

Sir Edward Garnier QC MP for Harborough is also backing the campaign “Whilst many once great High Streets have faded away, Market Harborough has a more thriving and vibrant mixture of independent shops, bars, restaurants and quality national chains than ever before,” he explained. “This has been achieved in no small part by local initiatives. These range from bringing and growing lively events in the heart of town – as well as a strong entrepreneurial culture of inspired small business owners attempting to create new consumer experiences in High Street”

Harborough residents and businesses are being urged to show support by using the #GBHighSt hashtag on social media alongside reasons why Market Harborough should be selected. 
“If you are proud to live or work in Harborough, take to Twitter to help the campaign” urged Sairah Butt. “Write what you like about #Harborough, perhaps with a photo of your favourite shop or market stall. However, it’s important to also use #GBHighSt so that the judges will see your comment”. 

“The more comments, the bigger the chance that Harborough will become one of the UK finalists in the category” she added.

The list of finalists will be announced in mid-October, after which the public will crown their favourite.