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Birmingham’s famous Bull Ring Markets have beaten off scores of other markets around the country to be crowned Best Outdoor Market.

The prestigious accolade has been awarded by the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA), supported by KPR Midlink, which found the Open Market to offer a friendly atmosphere while engaging in food policies like healthy eating and supporting low income families.

Around 30 markets around the country entered the category and a panel of six NABMA judges carried out a detailed assessment coupled with information gained from visits to the various markets.

Graham Wilson, NABMA chief executive, said that while competition was high, the Bull Ring Markets deserved the title.

“We were really impressed that the Open Market did not operate in isolation but as part of the consumer offering in the city, and engaged with food initiatives,” he said.

“It carries the Government’s 5 a day logo, which encourages customers to eat five pieces of fruit and vegetables a day, and also educates children and adults with tours and work experience days.

“Traders accept vouchers supplied to mothers-to-be in exchange for fresh milk, fruit and vegetables, under the NHS Healthy Start Scheme.

“We were delighted to see that these and other initiatives were offered in a friendly atmosphere at the market, and that there was also great relationship between traders and the management.”

Matt Kelly, Head of the Bull Ring Markets, said he was absolutely delighted with the award.

“Winning this award is a credit to all our traders, customers and staff,” he said.

“Our aim at the Bull Ring Markets is to provide affordable fresh food and goods and trading opportunities while also taking a leading role in meeting challenges in relation to educational, environmental and social issues.

“This award shows we are achieving our goals and I would like to thank everyone who works at and uses the markets”

Each year more than 6 million people visit the Bull Ring Markets, which sell everything from fresh food to fabric, phones, crockery, electrical goods, fashion, shoes and cosmetics.

 

Last year they became the first market in the country to be accredited with the prestigious Charter Mark award, the Government's national standard for customer service excellence.

The Markets run a Markets Customer Centre, which offers information and guidance to residents and visitors to the City, and supporting the disabled.  

The Bull Ring Markets are currently pioneering a smart card system with several stakeholders across the West Midlands, including the University of Wolverhampton. It is hoped that the system becomes the model for cashless systems on all markets across the country.

The Indoor Market is open Monday to Saturday, 9am – 5.30pm; the Open Market is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 9am – 5pm, and the Rag Market is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9am – 5pm.

For more information on the Bull Ring Markets visit: www.birmingham.gov.uk/markets.bcc