UK wide award for artisan market which is at heart of the community

A mix of local producers, artists and crafters each with their own story to tell, linked by a shared passion for what they do. With its unique product range and an authentic atmosphere, the Market is now a major attraction at various events and locations across the Causeway Coast and Glens all year round.

As it prepares to take to the road again in 2020, organisers are celebrating major success at the recent Great British Market Awards (GBMA) where they received the very fitting accolade of the UK’s Best Community Market for the second time in recent years. The annual awards celebrate excellence in the markets sector and Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market is (naturally) very proud of its latest achievement.

Manager Shauna McFall was in Birmingham on January 30 to collect the trophy, and she says the entire market family have an important role to play: “This award is testament to the dedication of our traders, staff, volunteers who have contributed so much to ensure the market’s ongoing growth and development. Since our early days in 2012, we have persevered and worked hard to build the market in to a valuable asset which benefits our artisan producers, local communities and our visitors. It is very special for all of us that we won the ‘community’ category again as this is ultimately what we are all about.”

As a not-for-profit social enterprise, Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market aims to make a positive difference. Recent research carried out by the market’s Project Manager for Strategy and Impact, Melanie Brown, highlights its social and economic benefits for both traders and the wider community.

Shauna said: “We have always believed that the market could play an important role in the community, and our research is proving that this is the case. We are greatly encouraged by our findings, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took part in our surveys. This type of information is invaluable to us as we look to the future, and I have no doubt that 2020 will mark another exciting chapter in our story.”

While work on the market’s future strategic plans continues, research has shown that:

94% of respondents felt that the market brought people together

88% said the market had improved the reputation of their area.

98% of traders said the market helped to develop their business.

97% said it had improved the financial viability of their business.

As well as providing an important trading platform and putting producers in direct contact with potential customers, the market can offer a range of benefits for local artisans. One aspect of this is its ‘Make It To Market’ programme which is aimed at Northern Ireland makers with a market-ready artisan product. Participants can avail of free trading pitches, workshops and advice to encourage them to develop their business idea. The initiative was successfully rolled out in 2019, and organisers hope to run it again later this year.

Coming up, traders are looking forward to the start of another busy trading season, starting off on St Patrick’s Day with a visit to Broughshane. After this, the market will be popping up in a range of locations including Limavady, Ballymoney, Benone, Ballycastle and Cushendun.

To find out more go to www.naturallynorthcoastandglens.co.uk or follow @naturallynorthcoastandglens on Facebook or@naturallyNCG on Twitter.