Award-winning manager Phil Byers is returning to take charge of Keswick’s twice-a-week open-air market.
Phil had filled the role for the last 10 years while working for Geraud UK and has now been appointed markets manager by Allerdale Borough Council, which has taken over running the ones at Keswick, Workington, Wigton and Silloth.
“It’s a pleasure to be joining Allerdale Borough Council to head up our markets operation,” said Phil, who was named market manager of the year in 2018 by the National Market Traders Federation.
“It’s a role I’ve thoroughly enjoyed over the last decade and I’ve met some incredible traders, locals and visitors at our markets. I hope to be able to continue to build on the success of the markets in the area and look forward to welcoming people back to them once they reopen,” added Phil, who had previously been a market trader for 20 years, running a plant business.
Keswick market, which is held on Thursdays and Saturdays, was voted 2015 best outdoor market in the UK during his time in charge while employed by Geraud UK. The market, along with all the others in Allerdale, has not been held since late March because of coronavirus restrictions.
The council officially took over the running of markets in the borough this week following its decision earlier this year to bring the operation in-house. It has decided to not hold any until at least the week commencing Monday June 15 while it develops different options for how markets can return while keeping staff, traders and members of the public as safe as possible.
Allerdale’s deputy leader Cllr Mike Johnson said: “We’d like to welcome Phil to the Allerdale team and we’re confident he will help us make our markets even better. Phil’s experience in running these markets for many years, as well as being a trader, will be vital in help us to run the markets successfully in-house. Markets will play a vital role in helping the council to deliver on its strategy of creating thriving towns and helping businesses in the area to flourish.”
