Market chief to speak in the Commons

THE manager of Warrington’s award-winning market is to speak in the House of Commons next week.
Stephen Pickering (pictured right) has been asked to speak at the launch of a national campaign aimed at using local markets to revitalise town centres and to stimulate small business.
He will be speaking alongside Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles, Ann Cofey MP and Geraldine Carter the president of NABMA (National Association of British Market Authorities).
“Love your local market fortnight” will take place across the country from May 15-29 with many events taking place to celebrate local markets and encouraging people to take a fresh look at their own market.
The campaign organised by Warrington Market is seen as an excellent example of bringing all parts of the community together to celebrate markets and to revitalise the high street.
There will be a series of specialist markets and local events including the Warrington Food Festival on Saturday May 18 and a Teenage Market on Saturday, May 25.
Within the scheduled programme of events there will be lots of opportunities for people to test their business ideas or to make enquiries about how to start up in business.
Among attractions visiting Warrington are Titan the Robot, The Zimmers from Britain’s Got Talent, Dr Who and his Daleks, TV Historian Mark Olly, and many more.
Cllr Mike Hannon, deputy leader of Warrington Borough Council, said: “This is a brilliant opportunity to showcase our local market and we wish Steve the best of luck. We hope this will encourage budding entrepreneurs to look at the market as a fantastic opportunity and great platform for their business.”
Mr Pickering said: “It is a real honour to be asked to speak at the House of Commons especially about Warrington market which is a topic I am extremely passionate about. The most rewarding aspect of my role is being surrounded by so much individual talent from the small businesses that make the market one of the best in the country.”
For further information on how to get involved in any of the special events and test trade ideas and products, contact Paul Blaney at the market office on 01925 632571 or visit the market facebook page.