Stratford markets contract awarded to Geraud UK Ltd

Geraud UK Ltd has been awarded the contract to run the markets in Stratford-upon-Avon.

After a vigorous and robust tendering exercise the contract was awarded jointly by Stratford-on-Avon District Council and Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council to run the markets for 5 years.

From 1 October 2012 Geraud will take over the running of all the Stratford markets on Rother Street, Henley Street and Waterside.

Cllr Diane Walden, Chairman of Stratford Town Council's Market Forum: “The tender exercise was a very robust process overseen by NABMA (National Association of British Market Authorities). The Town Council and the District Council worked in unison throughout the tender process.  Whilst both Councils would prefer to source locally, this is not always possible and the Councils are confident that the chosen market operator will provide the best market package for Stratford-upon-Avon at this present time.  We have valued the relationship the Town Council has had with Sketts over almost 50 years and wish them all the success for the future."

Cllr Maurice Howse, Enterprise, Housing & Revenues Portfolio says: “The town markets are an integral part of our community and heritage and the District Council together with the Town Council are committed to ensure that excellent market provision for the town is maintained and that the markets go from strength to strength.  I look forward to a new design and some exciting developments over the coming months."

On Friday 5^th October 2012, Geraud UK Ltd will assume responsibility for the management of Stratford-upon-Avon's markets portfolio which includes the historic Rother Market as well as Farmers, Craft, Christmas and other speciality markets.

Geraud UK Ltd is the UK arm of Europe's largest private sector market operator and specialises in the development and regeneration of markets in association with the public sector. The company currently manages in excess of 1,200 markets each week through 600 contracts with 300 local authorities throughout the UK and Europe.

Chief Executive, Andy Burnett, stated: “The company remains in the private ownership of the founder's descendants who very much consider the regeneration of local community markets to be our core business. We are proud of the fact that some of our contracts have continued for the entire 130 years of the company's existence."

Mr Burnett continued, “We are very excited by the prospects for Stratford-upon Avon's markets. We are particularly encouraged by the level of support we have received from existing traders. We look forward to working with them and have no doubt that with their continued co-operation, we can bring about a renaissance in the markets' fortunes and return them to their rightful place at the heart of the town's leisure and retail offers.

Initially, we plan to invest in new top of the range 'pop-up' marquees which have proven extremely popular with traders on our other markets. They are attractive, flexible and the vibrant blue and yellow colour scheme will immediately improve the aesthetics of the market."

In addition to the regular weekly street markets, a programme of speciality markets is planned. The first of these will be the extended Christmas Market offer which had previously been held on Bridge Street. As this location is no longer available, for the very first time, a 13 day Christmas Market based around 40 wooden chalets will be held on Henley Street between 8^th and 20^th December.

Andy Burnett believes the Christmas Market will develop into the highlight of the festive season and grow into one of the most important events in the town's annual calendar of activities.

“The interest from would-be traders in Stratford-upon-Avon has been amazing," said Mr Burnett, “Although we're committed to retaining the existing traders so it's not until we've had time to assess where the gaps in commodities lie that we'll be recruiting new traders. By enhancing the offer of the existing traders with carefully selected additional commodities, we are confident that we can create a vibrant, successful and sustainable market offer for residents and visitors to the town."