AWARD WNNING MARKET
Town’s artisan market wins recognition
C
astle Artisan Market’s success has been recognised at a national awards ceremony. Newcastle-under-Lyme’s Castle Artisan Market has been awarded a ‘Highly Commended’ in the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) awards. The results of the Great British Market Awards were announced at a prestigious event in Birmingham and included Newcastle’s Castle Artisan Market in the Highly Commended list. Newcastle’s Cabinet member for finance, town centres and growth, councillor Stephen Sweeney, said: “This is fabulous news. We have been delighted 22 Newcastle Life Issue 34
events genuine attractions for shoppers, residents and families. “Bringing shoppers in to Newcastle also benefits the rest of the town, small independent businesses and our local economy. It’s fantastic.” The criteria used for judging the hundreds of markets, up and down the UK, included providing evidence of new initiatives and success in attracting new traders; supporting new business start-ups and young with the resurgence of the market entrepreneurs; the effective in Newcastle over the last few use of social media and years, despite the pandemic. evidence to show that the “It’s been amazing. People market supports the town. have flocked in to the event In Newcastle-under-Lyme markets in particular and records have shown that there recognition for the artisan were more than 5,000 new or market in this way is superb. unique visitors to the town “It has been clear for some centre when the Castle time that residents and visitors Artisan Market was hosted. alike really appreciate the variety The average ‘stay’ at the and quality of the event markets market was almost three and to have this national hours. recognition, with experienced Data gathered by the town market experts judging centre BID shows that footfall Newcastle to be alongside the also moves from the market very best in the UK feels very around the town centre, good indeed.” supporting local business, and Cllr Sweeney added: “I that more businesses in congratulate the markets staff Newcastle open their doors on and all those stallholders who the days that the Castle work so hard to make the market Artisan Market is held.
