The history of how Stafford became a market town is a little unclear. Throughout Medieval times, the county town of Staffordshire, which is situated in the West Midlands between Wolverhampton and Stoke-on- Trent was important for the trading of wool and cloth. Market History Weekly markets took place on Saturday on the Market Square and…
A summer of fun is continuing at Scarborough Market Hall while the building gets a £2.7m transformation. The programme of activities continues during July to ensure there is always something happening down at the market. The theme will be summer festivals, with celebrations planned to mark American Independence on 4th July and then Seafest from…
Family traders on a longstanding stall at Birmingham’s famous rag market are reassuring customers that it’s business as usual while major plans for the site’s redevelopment are progressed. The markets at the heart of the city centre stand to be completely revitalised as part of the £500million Birmingham Smithfield regeneration project, but Donna Price of…
Wolverhampton market has recently undergone quite a transformation. Following a substantial regeneration programme, the indoor and outdoor markets have become one. There has been a market in Wolverhampton for around 800 years, with a royal charter being granted by King Henry III in 1254 to hold one each Wednesday. The city prospered and became well…
Romford market is steeped in tradition and a market has been held in the east London town for over 750 years. The market is owned and operated by the London Borough of Havering and as part of a Town Centre Development programme, the council have invested £2.6m, a large proportion of which will go specifically…
The eerie wail of a genuine Second World War air raid siren will urge people to head to Scarborough Market Hall on Armed Forces Day. And those who have responded quickest to the call of the siren could be in line to win some free shopping vouchers to spend at the market. The market is…
Christmas gets earlier every year according to popular legend – and it’s true in Worcester, with bookings open now for stalls, entertainment and coaches at the ever popular Victorian Christmas Fayre. 2016 will be the 24th anniversary of this huge event and new data from Worcester-based company, The Research Solution has shown just what a major…
A month of June celebrations gets under way at Scarborough Market Hall this weekend. As the town celebrates the Queen’s 90th birthday, traders are doing their bit to join in the party. For example, Horsley’s and Nockels butchers are preparing special value barbecue packs for people to enjoy on Saturday. Then later in the month…
My article this week takes us 18 miles east of Chester, to the characterful streets of Northwich. Despite it’s unique architecture, Northwich has suffered from a lack of footfall as the impact of online and out-of-town shopping has sucked trade away from the town centre. Like many struggling towns, it soon became clear that Northwich…
The collapse of UK High Street chain BHS and the threat to 11,000 staff and their pensions has launched no less than four enquiries. Firstly, The Government Insolvency service is investigating whether Directors acted improperly. Secondly and thirdly the House of Commons Business Committee and the Work and Pensions Committee are worried about employee rights…