Barnsley Markets Team wins inaugural national award honouring markets champion

Barnsley Markets Team has been named the winner of the inaugural Geraldine Carter Award at the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) Awards 2026.

The prestigious new award was created in memory of Geraldine Carter, a former NABMA President whose passion, leadership and dedication helped shape the organisation into the respected voice of markets across the UK and beyond.

Presented for the first time this year, the Geraldine Carter Award recognises excellence across all aspects of market operation, celebrating teams that demonstrate innovation, partnership working, achievement and a commitment to their communities.

Barnsley Markets Team was chosen for its consistent excellence in market management, customer service, trader engagement and destination development.

At the heart of Barnsley's transformative town centre regeneration programme, the team has played a pivotal role in creating a vibrant, welcoming and commercially successful market that remains a key destination for residents and visitors alike.

Judges praised the team's exceptional commitment to supporting traders, attracting visitors and delivering events and promotional activity that boost footfall and strengthen the local economy. Their proactive approach to trader relationships, focus on customer experience and dedication to maintaining a diverse market offer were recognised as key strengths.

The team's innovation and collaborative working have helped enhance the reputation of Barnsley Markets nationally, with recent successes including a visit from the All-Party Parliamentary Markets Group to see first-hand the impact and success of the town's market.

Councillor Luke Wheat, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Assets said:

"We're incredibly proud that the Barnsley Markets team has been recognised with the very first Geraldine Carter Award.

Our markets sit at the heart of our town centre and this award is a testament to the passion, dedication and professionalism of the team who work tirelessly to support traders, deliver fantastic experiences for visitors and ensure our markets continue to thrive.

To receive an award named after someone who contributed so much to the markets industry makes this achievement even more special. It's fitting recognition for a team that consistently goes above and beyond and plays such an important role in the continued success of Barnsley town centre."

The award was presented by Geraldine Carter's husband, Brian, and daughter, Beverley, at NABMA's annual awards ceremony.

This latest accolade adds to a growing list of national recognition for Barnsley Markets and highlights the important role the market continues to play in supporting local businesses, driving footfall and contributing to the ongoing regeneration of Barnsley town centre.