Felixstowe Chamber advises traders that Continental Market has been organised by SCDC
 

Felixstowe Chamber of Trade & Commerce would like to advise that the Continental Market which will be present in Hamilton Road on 20^th August 2010 for three days has been organised by Suffolk Coastal District Council.

The chamber, it’s members or local traders whom the market may effect were not consulted or advised at any stage of the planning of the market.  The chamber was only made aware of the event by reading an article in a local Felixstowe publication.

Peter Dawes, Chairman comments; ‘Disappointingly we were not advised or consulted about this event.  Consequently we are unable to inform the local traders until now.  Although a ‘well advertised’ market of this nature can increase visitors to the town we do not believe that this is the right time for traders.  With the extensive work within Hamilton Road over recent months to provide a shared space area coupled with the economic downturn our members have been advising that this has had a negative impact on their trade.  Although we fully support the improvements in Hamilton Road we sympathise with the difficulties being experienced and are working hard to assist our local businesses to get through these difficult times.  Our advice to traders for the period that the market visits is to capitalise on the opportunities; distributing flyers on the day, tailoring window displays, providing special offers or advertising products and services outside premises.’

Felixstowe Chamber rejects claims that it does not have enough resources to host markets in the town as they have in previous years but states that it has listened to feedback from traders; that they would like to have events in the town which compliment their businesses and improve trade, preferably not selling products which compete with their own.  The chamber is planning to host a number of events in 2011 upon the completion of the shared space project and will work closely with traders to ensure the correct mix is achieved.  All events will be advertised well in advance.  The chamber is also working closely with the Shared Space members and Lion’s to host a ‘Big Launch’ event on 20^th November to celebrate the completion of the work in Hamilton Road and Christmas Lights ‘switch on’.

Peter Dawes comments ‘I make a plea to all visitors and residents in the town to shop locally. We must support our local traders and bespoke businesses to ensure their survival.  If we want a varied choice when we shop in the future then we might have to pay a little bit more to secure this’.

Enquiries for the Continental Market can be directed to Clare Baker, Suffolk Coastal District Council 01394 274379

Chamber enquiries:  info@felixstowechamber.co.uk  07879 428861

Story By: Louise Berrill

Date : 03-08-2010