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centenary publication

24 And so the federation the European dimension The NMTF’s involvement with its European umbrella organisation UECA (Union Européenne du Commerce Ambulant) has grown stronger over the years. In 1995 the federation hosted a UECA seminar at head office in Barnsley, and two years later Past President Bill Smith (left) was elected President of the organisation. Through the European body the federation strives to at least monitor, and at best influence, European legislation which directly affects its members. In March of centenary year the federation produced a multi-media presentation on the markets industry for a major conference in Spain on retailing in the urban environment. Organised jointly by the Spanish government and the European Commission, it was attended by more than 600 delegates from all the EU member countries as well as from the United States and Argentina. maintaining links with other organisations THE importance of working with other organisations within the markets industry is not overlooked by the NMTF. In 1995 our initiative led to the founding of the Markets Industry Consortium, a forum in which representatives from the National Association of British Market Authorities, the Institute of Market Officers, the Association of Private Market Operators and the federation could discuss issues of common concern. Unfortunately a lack of funding and constitutional problems led to its demise. Not all was lost, however — a draft national market shoppers’ charter became part of the Great British Market Week campaign, which itself was monitored by a joint committee. Operators throughout the UK have been invited to sign up to the charter. The federation is keen to co-operate with any organisation if it can lead to improvements in the industry generally and in the well-being of its members in particular.


centenary publication
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