Sudbury Market recognised with national award after recent rejuvenation doubles trader numbers

The recent rejuvenation of a town centre market, with roots stretching back over 1,000 years, has been recognised with a national award.

Sudbury Market was honoured at the 2024 National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) Awards, after doubling its trader numbers since rebounding from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Trading every Thursday and Saturday, the event received the small market achievement Award, with NABMA describing it as a ‘symbol of the town’s growth and community spirit’.

Rachel Price, business manager at Sudbury Town Council, said the accolade was testament to the hard work and dedication of the council’s team to ‘rebuild the reputation and vitality of Sudbury market’.

“A few years ago, our market was suffering from lack of new trader interest despite the continued loyalty of our regular traders and customers,” she said. “We knew we had to expand our offer.

“After introducing a new trader incentive, working on our promotion and raising the profile of Sudbury market, we have started to attract quality new traders and, critically, keeping them.

“Sudbury market is now averaging 18 traders on a Thursday and more than 20 traders on a Saturday – doubling where we were a couple of years ago.”

Rachel cited two former market traders, The Barista Shed and Aunty Ree’s Cookies – who have since established permanent shops in Sudbury – as examples of the market being ‘a great testing ground for new businesses’.

In addition, she emphasised the town council’s focus on a ‘reduce-reuse-recycle’ ethos in its waste management at the market.

This includes using fruit and vegetable waste for animal feed and composting and re-purposing plastic and wooden crates for use by the town’s floral contractor, The Garden Nursery.

NABMA also highlighted Sudbury Market’s ‘renewed focus on sustainability’ in its award commendation.

David Preston, chief executive of NABMA, said: “Sudbury’s market has made an incredible turnaround, overcoming low trader interest and attendance.

“By focusing on sustainability and actively listening to traders and customers, the market has become a vibrant part of the town’s culture, doubling its trader numbers and enhancing its profile.”

Alongside the twice-weekly market, Sudbury stages monthly Green Sunday events on Market Hill, centred around eco-focused vendors, and it also held its first ever street food festival this year.

Rachel added: “We are grateful to our regular traders, some of whom have been with us for over 30 years, who are the backbone of Sudbury market.

“We cannot stress the importance that this consistency and quality of produce and service brings.

“We are constantly working to make Sudbury market the best it can be and learn from past mistakes. We want to continue to grow and strive for a vibrant and diverse traditional street market.

“A successful market relies on a few key elements – dedicated traders, passionate operators and loyal customers, so a huge thank you to everyone who has played their part in this milestone for Sudbury market. Let’s keep growing.”

Any trader interested in a pitch at the market can learn more at sudbury-tc.gov.uk/market.