Exeter Cathedral is to become the new owner of Exeter’s Independent Market, starting in April.
Exeter Independent Market was originally set up by business-funded body InExeter last year, with the aim of activating the city and celebrating its cultural identity. The market took place on Exeter Cathedral Green every month, from April through to September.
InExeter has passed on ownership of the market in a move to focus on its core objective of supporting levy-paying businesses. As Nicola Wheeler, Chief Executive at InExeter explains:
“As the Business Improvement District, we are proud to have initiated various markets in the city and are now transitioning their management back to the city’s businesses. The market scene in Exeter has flourished in recent years, fostering a robust network of traders and providing vital support to micro-businesses.
“The Exeter Independent Market, a showcase of the Southwest’s finest, seamlessly integrates with other markets organised by the Cathedral. We are thrilled that the market will remain in its current location on Cathedral Green.”
For Exeter Cathedral, Exeter Independent Market will now become part of its wider mission to support all the communities of Devon. Catherine Escott, Chief Operating Officer at Exeter Cathedral, adds:
“The team at InExeter have achieved something great by starting up the Exeter Independent Market. The success of last year’s markets on Cathedral Green, as well as our Autumn Fair and Christmas Market, show that despite the growth of online trading, local businesses still need opportunities to showcase their goods in welcoming, high-footfall locations.
“We are delighted to be in a position to be able to continue the Exeter Independent Market and support our city’s independent business community.”
Exeter Cathedral and InExeter are now working together to ensure a seamless transition to minimise changes for traders. As Catherine Escott concludes:
“For both traders and visitors, the 2024 Exeter Independent Markets will be very much the same as last year’s. They will still be on Exeter’s iconic Cathedral Green, and will again take place once a month, from April through to September. There will of course be new contact details for traders, and we are working with InExeter to communicate this.”
2024’s Exeter Independent Markets are scheduled to take place on 13 April, 4 May, 15 June, 27 July, 10 August and 14 September. Interested traders are asked to email Exeter Cathedral at [email protected]