New partnership to champion local markets

A new Greater Manchester Markets’ Partnership has been launched in Bury towards positioning markets as vital economic drivers for town centres, helping to develop skills, nurture entrepreneurs, and grow local businesses.

The partnership includes all 10 Greater Manchester local authorities, with leadership responsibilities shared across Bury, Bolton, Trafford, Manchester and Stockport. The National Association of British Markets (NABMA), the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF), and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority are also key stakeholders in the new partnership.

To launch the partnership, an audience of 50 professionals gathered at the Fusilier Museum in Moss Street, with invitees hearing from a variety of speakers:

• Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, Leader of Bury Council and Cabinet Member for Sustainable, Inclusive Growth
• David Catterall, Consultant NABMA
• Joe Harrison, Chief Executive of NMTF
• Elaine Morgan, GMCA Principal of Strategy Reform
• Peter Entwiste, Senior Manager at Bolton Market

The closing speech on ‘pride of place’ was delivered by James Frith, MP for Bury North.

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, Leader of Bury Council and Cabinet Member for Sustainable, Inclusive Growth, said: “Markets are vital to local economies and sit at the heart of thriving communities.

“In Bury, we’ve always championed the role of our markets, but this new partnership opens the door to something bigger – connecting markets and people across Greater Manchester, to share ideas and tackle challenges together.

“By joining forces, we can drive market growth hand-in-hand with town centre regeneration, creating destinations that are sustainable, inclusive, and ready for the future.”

The Greater Manchester Markets’ Partnership is a collaborative alliance of the ten Greater Manchester councils, united in supporting a dynamic and expanding network of markets across Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan.

Joe Harrison, Chief Executive of NMTF, said: “Our ambition is clear - to make markets central to Greater Manchester’s growth story.

“By championing small businesses and young traders, driving sustainability and digital transformation, and aligning with town centre regeneration, we’re building markets that deliver opportunity and inclusivity.

“Ten market communities, one friendly welcome - that’s the future we’re creating.”

After the launch event, attendees had the opportunity to tour the £33m Bury Market regeneration scheme due for completion during summer 2026. Involving enhancements to the outdoor market and construction of a new flexi hall, the scheme is set to bring new life and energy into the town centre, bolstering the market and making it better and stronger.

Councillor Charlotte Morris, Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said: "Markets bring people together, unite communities, and create opportunity. This partnership is about strengthening and widening those connections, making sure markets stay at the centre of local life and economic growth."

The next partnership meeting will be held in January 2026, when partners will begin to discuss:

• Growing the partnership to include more voices, to ensure Greater Manchester’s markets reflect the needs of communities.
• How to use data, resources, and local insight to strengthen markets and secure their role in regional growth.
• Working with the High Street Task Force to measure the social and economic value of markets, to support future investment opportunities.