Tomorrow’s Market 2.0

Pioneering research and advisory programme setting out how Local Authorities can deliver resilient street markets that maximise their social and environmental impact

Tomorrow’s Market 2.0 is a research and advisory programme commissioned by the GLA to respond to the long-term challenges faced by London’s Street Markets that were accelerated by COVID-19 as part of the GLA’s streets and covered markets programme. The programme, delivered during the pandemic ‘lockdown’, aimed to build resilient markets that are inclusive, diverse and support economic recovery and wider Borough and city strategic aims as well as building a London Street Markets network.

Gort Scott, working with Abdul Elias, undertook wide-ranging engagement with the London Markets Board, Association of London Markets and the London Street Trading Benchmarking Group and the wider markets network. This allowed us to understand key issues and best-practice as well as promoting collaboration and shared learning across London’s Street Markets.

We delivered holistic market strategy advice to Local Authorities through 1:1 Workshops, Seminars culminating in a Market Strategy ‘How-To Guide’.

Our popular series of online seminars for market managers and traders presented best practice and promoted discussion to test thinking and advice on key issues facing street markets. Specialists were invited to share their experience at the themed seminars which included:

1: Selling your market: market identity, offer and marketing.
2: Activating your market and high street: events and programming.
3: Enhancing your market: public realm design, logistics and infrastructure.
4: Business incubation and support for markets.
5: The market as an exemplar for sustainability and the circular economy.
6: Markets legislation.

Our 1-2-1 workshops with Local Authorities and their design teams undertaking market strategies and projects, gave specific and focused advice aiming to deliver the best holistic long-term outcomes.

The How-To Guide draws together the depth of knowledge from engagement, seminars and 1-2-1’s and provides clear guidance on how to develop a holistic market strategy and a trader incubation model.