31st August 2007

GREAT MALVERN TRADERS UNITE

In a recent AGM, the Great Malvern Association of Traders (GMAT) has reformed in an effort to promote and create revenue generation opportunities for members and traders throughout the Great Malvern Town Centre (Priory Ward) and to work towards the removal of any barriers that may unfairly hinder trade within the ward.

The association has been running dormant over recent years, but a crop of new businesses started up in the town and increased competition from the Malvern retail park and market towns such as Ledbury has generated an energy that has led to new and established traders wanting to see the association re-started.

Chairman, Robin Elt, commented, ‘Great Malvern has seen new blood come in and with that an enthusiasm for improving trading conditions in Malvern, raising its profile as a shopping, eating and visitor destination and instil pride’.

The new Committee was voted in during an AGM held on 6th July 2007 at Lyttleton Well with new and established traders taking prominent positions. Since then, the Committee has been busy developing a new constitution for the association, a list of objectives to focus on for the year ahead, a new brand identity and worked with Council Members on up-and-coming events within the town to encourage increased trade in Great Malvern.

Mr Elt continued, ‘Naturally there will be an element of scepticism about renewing the association and whether there will be any impact with this new committee. This is why we are urging traders to come to our next meeting on 13th September and hear the ideas and work that has already been done for Great Malvern. The town has much to be proud of and as a Committee we want to add value for traders, be a voice within the town and generate activities that will benefit our members’ businesses. As one group we can be much stronger than individuals.’

An information pack has been distributed to each trader in Great Malvern detailing all aspects of the new association and encouraging subscription to GMAT which will be on an annual basis. The next GMAT meeting will take place at 6pm on [insert confirmed date] in Lyttleton Well, all Great Malvern traders welcome.

For more information contact:

Chris Marks, GMAT communications officer: info@gmat.uk.com