Three years ago, the BID received a small amount of funding through Mayor of London scheme to deliver something sustainable and activating for our High Street which complemented our partnership work with ‘Go Green Scheme/Green Enterprise Partnership’. We submitted a BID for this funding with a view to creating a sustainable market to encourage footfall, interest, support our High Street businesses but also to provide a platform for local #Sutton based small business and home businesses an operating platform that was affordable, regular and supported.
Working with Ibento Events, themselves a small Sutton based business to deliver these markets on a monthly basis. At first it was very hit and miss. We had an average of around 13/14 stalls, offered a crafting activity hosted by one of our Sutton based artists/community groups for FREE but the spend was between £5-8.50 per head, and traders were disappointed with the revenue generated.
But we persevered. Consistency paid of and by the end of year one, our Markets consistency was beginning to pay off with higher per person spend and increased footfall. After the funding period, the BID made the decision to continue to support the Market moving forward. Whilst we fund the license for trading, traders pay for their places at a nominal rate through Ibento. However, if one of our Levy members chose to take a stall for promotion or trading activities, this would be free of charge.
After the first year we noted a few changes to the northend of the High Street and after having to cancel a couple of markets, further consideration over the weather which meant we needed to think of a different plan and location to be able to continue consistently. Works began on Argos building which restricted the space for our ever growing number of business gazebos. The weather too became difficult to predict and so we needed to consider a winter option inside one of our High Street premises.
We moved the market to operate nearer the top of the High Street at Trinity Square until such time as works completed. We also, during winter months, moved our market inside St Nicholas Centre, ground floor which meant it could operate all year round.
Over the years the market has grown substantially to consistently between 20 – 30 and above stalls every single month, per person spend of around £25-£35 and increased regular footfall. The market has opened out further to not just sustainable but also Sutton based small businesses offering a diverse mix of pre prepared food, sauces, toys, up-cycled and recycled goods. Every pound spend at the market goes directly back into Sutton economy.
Our market is always a feature at our events including STEAM, UKS Strongest Man, Christmas, Easter, and other events. Offering an additional events based platform for these businesses above and beyond a regular market pitch.
We are really proud to have developed this market and are always interested in hearing from Sutton local small and sustainable businesses who may be interested in taking a stall. So please do get in touch by clicking here. You will be redirected to an email with Ibento Events our market coordinator who can provide you with further details.
If you are a levy paying member of our district please contact the BID directly around taking a stall by clicking here.
To find out when the next Northend Market will be, click on our Whats On page here.
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