Market traders get back to business as lockdown easing measures begin in England
Posted: Mon 1st Jun 2020
Some of England's outdoor markets are reopening this week as the government's measures for relaxing coronavirus restrictions begin.
Small traders are setting up their stalls again as they are now permitted to trade if they can follow the government's safety guidance. The National Market Traders Federation has also launched a guide to how small businesses can trade safely.
Among those returning to business is Barnsley Market, which can trace its origins back to 1249. Food has been on sale during the lockdown but the market has expanded its range of stalls today.
Barnsley Council is supporting traders with grants and no rent to pay until October. Appearing on Wake Up To Money on BBC 5 Live alongside Enterprise Nation founder Emma Jones on Monday, Maria Cotton from Barnsley Council said there has been an increase in footfall to the essential food stalls. Around 7,000 visited the market at the beginning of April which rose to 13,000 on 23 May.
"We're hoping over the next two weeks we'll see that sort of gradual increase so that it allows us to adapt and respond to the numbers as they grow," she added.
"We know it's going to be a challenging return back to normal and we need to all pull together to make sure that it's a success for the traders, the market and the wider town centre."
Barnsley Council has several safety measures in place including 'social distancing champions' on hand to advise people and making sure queues for the market don't impact on other queues for physical shops that are open.
Other markets reopening include:
Maidstone Market reopens on Saturday 13 June. Traders including a specialist coffee and tea producer, cupcakes, farm produce, bakery, street food and flowers. The market is offering free stalls for eight sessions to Kent producers and sellers. Email for more information.
Leeds Kirkgate Market has been open during the lockdown for essential shopping but the full outdoor market is now open. The council has waived stakeholder fees and traders have been spread out across the market to allow for social distancing.
Bonny Street Market in Blackpool has reopened. It trades seven days a week.
Ely in Cambridgeshire has been home to markets for over 800 years and stalls make a return on Thursdays and Saturdays starting on 11 June.
Camden Market, a 45-year-old large market in north London, has reopened today. A one way system is in force with hand sanitiser across the market site.
The street food market at Finzels Reach in Bristol returns on 5 June. Various safety measures are in place include social distancing, a reduced number of stalls, regulated queuing and contactless payments. The market has provided a user guide for customers.
Rotherham Outdoor Market is now open from Monday to Saturday for general retail and second hand goods.
Durham County Council is reopening its nine outdoor markets including the market in Barnard Castle, the town at the centre of the recent Dominic Cummings controversy.
The Creake Abbey Farmers' Market in Norfolk returns on 4 June with 45 stalls. Social distancing is in place and customers are encouraged to pre-order products in advance.
Are you a market trader who's back in business? We'd love to hear from you! Email Dan.
The latest coronavirus support information
We are keeping you updated on the latest information on how to access the government's coronavirus business support here. You can also find advice and ask a question on Enterprise Nation's coronavirus business advice hub. Follow Enterprise Nation on Twitter too for updates.