A new management team is set to take over the running of Dudley Market after submitting a strong and ambitious bid.

Tudor Markets, which has a vast range of experience in market operations and trader management came out top in a robust tender process. The council challenged market management companies to put forward innovative ways of driving forward business and bringing new trade and new shoppers to the town. 

Tudor firmly believes that it can increase the number of traders whilst ensuring that a wider range of goods are on offer.  A focus on a selection of foods will also be a key feature. 

The team, which already delivers daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal markets for four London councils, has considerable market experience. Directors James Willis and Danny Watson worked their way up from being market traders to operators and contractors with a track record of improvement and innovation, and the pair are excited by the opportunity to bring their shared 50 years experience to Dudley.

Mr Willis will be based in the town, having recently moved into a house in Sedgley. He said:

“We’re really excited to hear that ours was the chosen bid to run Dudley Market. We bring decades of experience with us and we understand the passion, the graft and the pride market traders have for their businesses and their town.

“We will look to meet with the traders as soon as possible to reassure them of our plans to improve the market and increase footfall in the town centre.

“We’re looking forward to working with the existing traders, looking at ways to develop and enhance the market to make Dudley a vibrant place where people want to work and shop.”

Alan Lunt, strategic director for place said:

“Dudley Market is at the heart of Dudley Town centre which is why it was essential that we picked the strongest team to build on the work and investment delivered by Dudley Council.

“We are excited to be working with Tudor Markets whose application really stood out against some very good local competition in the tender process. We’ve had some very positive discussions with the team and we’re looking forward to welcoming them and their ambitious plans to Dudley.”

Tudor Markets will take over management of the market from Dudley Market Traders Ltd from the beginning of July.