Ref: PR 2512
Date: 09/02/2010

A Castleford butcher has been named the Wakefield district Market Trader of the Year 2009.

Bill Armstrong, who manages Woody’s Butchers in the Market Hall, beat off stiff opposition to take the title.

The competition was run for the first time this year. It was launched by Wakefield Council to acknowledge the contribution that market traders make to their communities.

Customers nominated their favourite traders and a winner was then chosen for six of the district’s markets.

The six were then visited by mystery shoppers who tested their customer service skills and checked the quality of their stall displays.

Bill received his title and a large banner for his stall from Cllr David Dagger on Monday (Feb 8). He also wins £250 of rent.

Cllr Dagger, deputy portfolio holder with responsibility for markets, said: “The judges had difficult decisions to make when choosing the finalists and all of those traders scored well in the mystery shopping. However, we decided that Bill was the overall winner and I am delighted to present him with his prize. His customer service skills were described as excellent and his cheerfulness was commented on.”

Other district market winners were:

• Ossett Market Trader of the Year 2009 - Lorraine Ramsden - KofiKart
• Normanton Market Trader of the Year 2009 - Richard Cable
• Wakefield Market Trader of the Year 2009 - Mark Venables
• South Elmsall Market Trader of the Year 2009 - Joyce Kellock
• Pontefract Market Trader of the Year 2009 - Denise Warner

Ends