Group earns award for its work to support market town

Malton CIC, which also works on the Food Lovers Markets, has taken the Business and Economy Award in recognition of what organisers Action for Market Towns (AMT) called “its innovative approach in creating the successful Food Lovers Markets”.

Action for Market Towns is a national group which champions small towns throughout the country.

Set up only one year ago, Malton CIC is a not-for-profit organisation which supports community-led projects which benefit the businesses and residents of Malton and Norton.

It operates the two-hour free parking in Malton’s Market Place which ensures visitors can enjoy choosing the excellent goods and services available locally, and has recently piloted two Food Lovers Markets – the subject of the AMT award.

The Food Lovers Markets, endorsed by famed Italian chef, Antonio Carluccio, feature top local producers, cookery demos from local chefs and a themed Tasting Table, with each event so far having attracted over 2,500 visitors.

With two more markets to be held in 2012 and with the aim for them to become monthly in 2013, Malton CIC hopes the initiative will encourage people to shop locally in the town on a regular basis, rather than travelling elsewhere.

Director of Malton CIC, Tom Naylor-Leyland, said: “We are working to build the local economy by promoting Malton as a foodie destination and it is fantastic to receive this award from Action for Market Towns in recognition of our work.”

Mayor of Malton, Coun Jason Fitzgerald-Smith, said “The Food Lovers Markets are wonderful as they highlight all that is special about Malton. From the top-quality local producers, the redecorated and reinvigorated venue of the Milton Rooms in the heart of Malton, to all the local people who turn up to support the markets and the town’s unique shops, I believe Malton is proving that our market town has a place in today’s society. Free parking in the town centre is one of the best benefits the CIC provides – it is essential in order to keep local, family businesses thriving.”