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Testing the market
Published 23.07.2007 11:03
Spelthorne Council is to invite expressions of interest to run markets in the Borough.

At present, the Staines Market is currently held on every Wednesday and Saturday in the pedestrianised centre of Staines.

Hughmark International, under licence has run it, for a number of years. However, there has been no market testing for some years and the Council now intends to demonstrate that it is getting best value.

The Council intends to invite tenderers to put forward options for the management of Staines Market while, at the same time, suggesting options for potential other markets within the Borough if these should prove to be viable and offer value for money.

The benefit for the Council is to receive the best financial outcome and be sure that the management arrangements meet the Council’s requirements for efficiency, good value and also encourage people to come into the area.

The proposal is for the contact to be for five years with a possible further two-year extension. It is hoped that the contract would start during the first half of 2008. Operators will be asked to submit ideas for possible additional markets in Staines as well as elsewhere in the Borough.

The following is an indicative timetable :
July 2007
Contract, Specification and invitation to tender prepared and ready for Spelthorne Council Executive approval
July – August 2007  
Tender advertised and initial short listing
September 2007
Full tenders to be received
October 2007 – April 2008
Final evaluation and contract agreed
October 2007
Tender approval to SBC Executive
November – March 2008
Statutory process for additional markets (if applicable)

Councillor Gerry Forsbrey, Portfolio Holder for the Environment commented:

“It is time we tested the market and invited some expressions of interest. Markets are extremely popular, both here and in other Boroughs and we need to be sure that we are running ours efficiently and cost effectively and provide the range which will encourage people to visit the area”.