Shrewsbury Market Hall sets out stall to win national title
Shrewsbury Market Hall has taken a giant step forward in its quest to be named the best in Britain.
Following a round of public voting, the market hall, in Claremont Street, has been named as a finalist in the Great British Market Awards, run by the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA).
It is up against rivals in Barrow in Furness, Cambridge, Leeds Kirkgate, Norwich and Skipton, to be named Britain's Favourite Market.
The finalists will receive a visit from two members of the judging panel before Christmas to see for themselves why the market is loved by its customers and supporters.
During their visit, the judges will be looking at how the market works with local partners, provides opportunities for new traders and developing businesses, involve young people and drive footfall. They will be speaking to shoppers to find out why Shrewsbury deserves the title.
Each market will also receive a visit by Storecheckers, the mystery shopping organisation, over the coming weeks.
Hilary Paxman, CEO of NABMA and one of the judges, said: "Britain’s Favourite Market is a tough competition to win as it relies on the support of a public vote to get in to the final stage.
"I am delighted for all of the top six markets who have made it into the final part of the competition and I and my fellow judges look forward to visiting them before Christmas to find out for ourselves why they should be deemed as Britain’s Favourite Market 2018."
The winner will be announced at the NABMA One Day Conference in Birmingham on January 25.
