Vote for your Islington Market Trader of the Year 2018!

The award is a chance for you to show your appreciation for your favourite trader – someone who goes the extra mile, or always provides service with a smile. It is also a chance for Islington to shine the light on its amazing markets and the important role they have in our local communities.

Last year’s joint winners were Serpil Erce, who runs Sunny Olives at Whitecross Street Market, and Dave Jackson, who runs a popular fruit stall at Chapel Market.

Serpil said: “We were over the moon to have won Market Trader of the Year last year for the second time. We also won in 2009! I think customers voted for us as we provide healthy fresh and nutritious food to our customers with a smile. I encourage everyone to vote in this year’s competition!”

Dave said: “My family have run this stall for generations. I’ve really enjoyed feeling recognised and appreciated by the community my family have served.”

Islington’s Market Trader of the Year 2018 is open to traders directly licensed by Islington Council at one of the five main council-run markets – Camden Passage, Chapel Market, Exmouth Market, Whitecross Street and Archway – and a few other sites around the borough.

The winning trader will receive £150 off their stall rent, and the person who nominates them will win £50 to spend at that trader’s stall.

Cllr Asima Shaikh, Islington Council’s executive member for economic development, said: “Islington Council wants to support our markets and street traders. We have a new markets development officer whose job is to help Islington keep its markets thriving and firmly steeped in history. Our street markets are the lifeblood of our local communities; supporting the high street and social infrastructure, and they are incredibly important to us.

“We want to celebrate and recognise the service they provide and our Market Trader of the Year competition is a great way for local people to get involved. So, I encourage everyone to get nominating!”

You can vote by either sending your nomination, the name of the market they operate in, and the reason why you think they should win to lovemarkets@islington.gov.uk. Or you can pick up an entry form from some market traders and post it to Street Trading, Islington Council, 222 Upper Street, N1 1XR.

The competition closes on 10 November 2018 and the winner will be announced in early December.