Julien puts the case for markets

JULIEN Lewis . . . vowing to raise federation’s profile

THE President of the National Market Traders’ Federation has vowed to raise its profile.

Julien Lewis (53), from Scouthead, who will hold the post for the next three years, plans a wide-ranging, fact-finding study, visiting the federation’s 33,000 members across the UK.

Mr Lewis has a proud family tradition in market trading — his stalls called Jules sell bedding and curtains at Stockport and Ashton markets.

The business was originally started by his father, Frederick, 70 years ago.

He said: “Market traders have a very important role to play in their communities.

“They provide a good quality, family-friendly service selling top goods.

“The bad weather at the beginning of the year hit our business hard but, I am glad to say, there has been a significant return of customers coming back to markets.

“Markets offer a realistic alternative to supermarket shopping.

“Our biggest problem is getting over the fact to the public that markets offer a personal service backed by good quality local products at excellent prices.”

He added: “I am determined to raise our profile and alter people’s perceptions. I am aiming to safeguard our interests.”

Mr Lewis will join the all-party Parliamentary Markets group, chaired by Stockport MP Ann Coffey, who he will meet in two weeks time.