Groupe Geraud has always operated within a framework similar to “Best Value” and is therefore quite familiar with the concept. The entire operational system of the Groupe is geared to the idea that not only must we commit to Best Value at the tender stage but that we must deliver Best Value.
TUPE
The Company espouses the principles of TUPE and has a Local Government Superannuation Scheme ‘mirror’ into which employees can be transferred should they so wish. The Company is happy to accept the transfer of all personnel willing to continue working on market activities.
Joint Working
We commit to joint working to develop and implement harmonious working relationships with market traders, other retailers, the local authority and other interested parties to develop strategies and organise the better use of common resources. In this respect a close working arrangement is being forged with NABMA, NMTF and the ATCM. Geraud Markets (UK) Limited is a corporate member of the ATCM.
Consultation
To respond to the changing needs and expectations of customers, it is essential that effective consultation processes are established. Customer surveys, focus groups and regular dialogue with partners are a key element in this process.
Training and Development
In order to sustain the service it is imperative those steps are taken to develop responsible and committed staff through support, training and career development. It is also important to work with traders on developing training and development opportunities for them and their staff.
Quality Standards
External, objective quality standards are a way of demonstrating performance. Investors in People, Charter Marks and the ISO series are all recognised standards which we are committed to.
Market Research
It is vital that resources are put into research to establish trends in retail markets and also trends in the areas in which markets are located and the areas they serve. This should warn at the earliest opportunity of changing circumstances that may impact upon the market service.
Leisure and Tourism
There is a clear opportunity to further develop the link between certain market activities and the leisure tourism industry. Partnerships can be formed to provide specialist markets linked to particular themed and historical events.
Food Hygiene Legislation
It also seems likely that with the introduction of the Food Standards Agency there will be a more widespread requirement for the licensing of all food businesses. The recommendations contained within the Markets and Fairs Sector Industry Guide to Good Hygiene Practice will be closely followed to ensure the safe handling of vulnerable and high risk foodstuffs.
Waste Management
The introduction of the landfill tax and packaging waste regulations make it essential that strategies to reduce waste and increase recycling/recovery are implemented quickly.
Crime and Disorder Bill
This places a statutory duty on local authorities to produce in partnership with the Police and the community, annual Community Safety Action Plans. There needs to be joint working with the local authority in drawing up such plans particularly in respect of any CCTV systems, two way radio links and public safety issues in markets.
Local Agenda 21
Issues such as linking local food production (including organic food), distribution and sale, thereby contributing to a reduction in ‘food miles’; reducing energy consumption and taking action to identify and overcome local ‘food deserts’ can help towards better overall environmental stewardship.
Farmers’ Markets
The work undertaken by Geraud Markets (UK) Limited in the world of Farmers’ Markets has been extensive from holding workshops on behalf of the NFU to being nominated to work with the Countryside Alliance in promoting and organising significant parts of British Food Fortnight. Within the core contracts our policy of integration rather than specialisation and segregation has offered real benefits to its existing markets both in terms of a much broader customer profile and significant improvements in quality both in product offer and display.
Promotion and Publicityotion and Publicity
To establish, with the traders, a dedicated promotion and publicity strategy and joint working committee. Traders will have some ownership of the initiative and therefore a more committed interest, as they will be contributing to the promotion both financially and in determining how the promotion budget will be used.
The promotion strategy will be designed to have sustainability, and will be geared towards: -
Raising the profile of markets
Raising consumer awareness to the benefits of markets
Attracting new businesses to the market
Broadening the consumer profile
Customer Care and After Care
Develop and introduce a series of initiatives that will improve Customer Relations, provide Customer Service Points and develop Customer Care and After Care Facilities. This will increase consumer confidence and help to broaden the customer profile and will include developing and managing a Customer Charter in line with that agreed and recommended by the representative national bodies.
Future Management
The management of Markets is a specialist discipline and the technical and logistical resources offered by Geraud Markets (UK) Limited and the Geraud Group of companies are, we believe, unique within the UK.
The human resource skills within the Company are comprehensive and extensive and we will implement quality management systems through our commitment to accreditation of the ISO9001 and Investors in People programmes, which will ensure a fully qualified and experienced on site management team at each and every market.
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