Relaunch of Dudley Market

As you may well have read in the August issue of MTN, Dudley Market was recently taken over by London Market specialists, Tudor Markets. Kirsty went to the launch day on 2 September to meet some of the traders, old and new

It was a sunny Saturday in September; Black Country Radio had their roadshow in full swing, children clambered aboard the carousel and families lingered at the top of the market to see the scheduled entertainment, which included local dance acts and star turn Wagner (The 2010 X Factor contestant, not the German composer!)

There was a buzz about the market and after a rather unsettled few months, the traders seemed to be settling in to the new management regime and were pleased with the response for new traders at the market. The normally empty middle section had been filled with new traders, several of whom were young entrepreneurs and existing traders were benefiting from the market promotion. By the time I got to the event at around 11.00am, Trader of the Month (a new initiative set up by Tudor Markets) A&R Bennet, had virtually sold out of fruit and vegetables.

Stuart Connelly, Head of Visitor Economy and Cultural Services, Dudley MBC commented:

“The Council has been very impressed with the efforts made by Tudor Markets since they took over the management of Dudley Market in July this year. We have seen an increase in new traders, a wider range of goods on offer, and in terms of presentation, a more visually pleasing market. The feedback from traders has been positive and we look forward to supporting Tudor Markets as they continue to build on their impressive start to managing Dudley Market.”

Sue, son Aaron and Husband Mike of Lick the Spoon. The day I visited was their fourth week of trading. Sue’s chocolate cake is legendary with her son’s football team so decided to trial selling cakes on the market and is now a permanent trader. “The management and traders have been really good and given me lots of help and advice”

Dave Stevens runs cosmetics stalls throughout the region and trades at Dudley three days a week. He used to trade at Dudley ten years ago and was invited back. He commented: “I’m building up some good customers here. The new managers have done a good job with the market”

Lauren (21) makes her own jewellery and decided to see if she could make it work at the market. She was considering offering ‘have a go’ workshops for children

Arcade Bakers, as the name suggests, have a shop in the Arcade in Dudley but also trade every day at the market except for Wednesday. Linda, who took on the stall commented: “I want Dudley and the market to thrive”

This stall was trading for the first time at the relaunch selling vegetable and chicken curries with rice, pakoras, samosas and bhajis and a selection of cakes – all homemade. Trade was a little slow, but by bringing the girl out to the customers with a selection of snacks, promoting that they were just £1, they were soon selling

Kelly (19) and Alice (16) are sisters and trade at the market usually just on a Friday. They are new traders to the market and Oh my Soap is now their full-time business. Kelly’s boyfriend is a former trader so she knows the pros and cons of market trading

Nancy is a crafter and makes the jewellery and soft furnishings herself. She used to work on the bakery stall so is familiar with trading on markets. She is due to open Nancy’s Knicks and Bits, specialising in lingerie for the larger lady. Initially this will be on Saturdays whilst she continues to work to pay her bills, but she intends for it to be her full-time profession. “I’m so excited, I can’t wait to get my stall up and running”

Dudley Market is a big space to fill and talking to James, he has some great plans for the market. It is well supported by the community – the four fruit and vegetable stalls, one on each corner, are indicative of this. What Tudor Markets has already achieved in a small space of time is very good, but it will need continual investment (not necessarily financial) to not only grow, but stabilise. James plans to bring more hot food to a central area of the market and is always on the look-out for new traders. Benefits include six days trading opportunities in a busy, pedestrian High Street, with good footfall. Stalls are fixed and all weather, with electricity supplied as standard. There are incentives available for new traders, so, if you have a commodity that you think would enhance Dudley Market even further,

please visit www.tudormarkets.com/markets/dudley/

Arcade Bakers, as the name suggests, have a shop in the Arcade in Dudley but also trade every day at the market except for Wednesday
Dave Stevens runs cosmetics stalls throughout the region and trades at Dudley three days a week

Kelly (19) and Alice (16) are sisters and trade at the market usually just on a Friday. They are new traders to the market and Oh my Soap is now their full-time business
MD Tudor Markets, James Willis
Lauren (21) makes her own jewellery and decided to see if she could make it work at the market
Nancy is a crafter and makes the jewellery and soft furnishings herself
Sue, son Aaron and Husband Mike of Lick the Spoon
This stall was trading for the first time at the relaunch selling vegetable and chicken curries with rice, pakoras, samosas and bhajis and a selection of cakes – all homemade
Wagner presented A&R Bennet with their Trader of the Month certificate and trophy