London is to host the second WUWM retail conference next summer, it was revealed last week.

Proposals for the main theme of the one-day event include the image of retail markets and the importance of weekly markets, to emphasise the quality of retail markets across Europe.

The event, which is expected to be held in June 2009, will allow visitors to see how retail markets can be used as a tool for regeneration and the revival of the surrounding areas.

Representatives from the London markets said they would pull together and work with the National Association of British Market Authorities to organise the event.

The conference will be the next step for markets in the capital following the London Markets’ Symposium this month, and will build on their mission to highlight the value of retail and wholesale markets.

A number of other promotional events were proposed at the member meeting in Copenhagen last week.

The idea for an official Europe-wide market day or week was put forward. WUWM secretary general Maria Cavit said it would take between one and two years to organise this. She said: “We could go for an existing market day and extend it out across Europe, but the only country I know of that does that is the Netherlands. If there are any other suggestions, please let me know.

“It could give us the opportunity to invite whole communities to markets, bring in local mayors and highlight the role that markets play.

“We should hold hands with other organisations and move this forward.”

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