£300,000 investment in West Suffolk Markets bearing fruit

29 Oct 2025

A £300,000 three-year investment in an initiative to boost West Suffolk markets and town centres is already bearing fruit – just a year since it began.

While there is still work to do on some market days West Suffolk as a whole has seen a 12 per cent rise in pitches occupied and one market has even doubled – comparing 2024 figures with 2025.

The initiative followed a cross-party review of markets, including hearing evidence from expert witnesses, traders and the public.

The recommendations included establishing more event and specialist markets to help support the local high streets and recognise how shopping habits had changed. Which is why since June 2024 there have been 43 events and Maker Markets totalling 1,649 pitches.

The changes have included:

• 12 per cent increase in number of pitches occupied, including makers, regular and event markets, across West Suffolk (July to September 2024 inclusive compared to July to September 2025) – 13 per cent in pitch occupation for regular markets for same period and 10 per cent for Makers Markets and events
• 20 per cent increase in product categories
• waiting list of 12 for Bury St Edmunds market – this was 15 but three now have stalls on the market. Traders on the waiting list are being encouraged to also try other West Suffolk markets
• a total of 55 new traders have started trading in our markets this year which, after adjusting for traders who have stopped attending, is a net increase of 45
• 35 young people took part at events in Bury St Edmunds and Haverhill
• four traders engaged in receiving business support as part of a new approach to engaging with traders to listen to their needs and concerns
• increased marketing promotion and reach – including 97 per cent increase in reach for social media with posts about the market
• increased engagement with community groups who attend the markets.

Cllr Indy Wijenayaka, Cabinet Member for Growth for West Suffolk Council, said: “Following the markets review we put our money where our mouth is and our investment of £300,000 over three years is already bearing fruit. With a range of initiatives, dedicated staff and support we have seen an overall increase in pitches of 12 per cent, new products and a more vibrant offer. This has been based on trader, expert and public feedback to help deliver thriving markets offering a range of goods and experiences. But we know there is more to do and with any trial there will be some things that will work and others that won’t over the next two years. But already the direction of travel is positive.

“The main aim remains to support thriving markets and town centres that are evolving to meet the changing needs and shopping habits of our residents. But what is vital is for people to continue to use their markets and town centres and encourage others to do so. We welcome feedback to our market team on further improvements that can be made.”

The development plan has brought further rigour to recording and measuring the market on a week by week basis. This is to ensure there is accurate baseline information and measurement – recognising that due to issues such as weather, illness or even time of year that numbers of traders can vary from week to week and market to market.

Looking at the first year of figures, the Market Development Plan is making a difference, with more and new markets and traders as a whole across the district.

As part of the new data gathering, the council has detailed statistics from July last year to September this year. We use this to look at the overall trends, comparing the days least affected by weather or other issues to give the most robust baseline (July to September). The first data shows the number of stalls on West Suffolk markets has increased by 12 per cent, including Makers Markets and event markets and 13 per cent for normal regular markets (see notes to editors).

West Suffolk Council’s market team can be contacted at markets@westsuffolk.gov.uk.

 

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