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Basildon For Business - GO TRADE

Basildon Council is proud to lead the multi-million Euro GO TRADE project to boost traditional markets, employment and skills in the borough and beyond.

Image of the Basildon for Business Brand Logo
Image showing the European Union flag
Image showing the Interreg and Go Trade Logos
Basildon Council has been awarded a €600,000 share of a project worth approximately €5 million that will open up opportunities for market traders to access tailor made business support, fund further promotion of Basildon markets and increase footfall back to our town centres.

The project is called 'GO TRADE' which stands for Growth of the Visitor Economy through Traditional Markets, Employment and Skills.

The council, acting as lead partner of a 16 member partnership, will receive European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) to enhance markets in the borough. Basildon's role in the project is to lead the partnership consisting of partners from areas across southern England and northern France throughout the project's duration, which is just over three years.

GO TRADE aims to increase visitor footfall across a number of town centres throughout the partnership geography, by enhancing the visitor experience of traditional street markets.

High streets, town centres and local market places in the UK have suffered from declining footfall, as shoppers choose to favour the ease of online shopping. GoTrade will look to reverse this trend by combining local offers in partners' markets across France and the South of England into a unique brand of markets, targeted at both local residents and tourist visitors.

As lead partner, Basildon Council will be responsible for the project management of the partnership and will implement a host of innovative initiatives which will reinforce the council's commitment to support and invigorate thriving traditional markets in our towns.

This support will include:-

  • Tailored business support for market traders including training
  • Communications and promotion of the markets
  • Digital platforms and digital trading
  • Supply chain development
  • Cross-border engagement and Go Trade brand development
  • Entrepreneurial platform to encourage new traders, goods and services
  • Animations and entertainment of traditional markets
  • Tourism package
  • Sustainability programme to self-finance beyond the life of the project.

GO TRADE presents an exciting opportunity to boost visitor numbers back to our beloved town centres, and support our iconic markets as a way to ensure the whole borough benefits from economic growth.

As part of Basildon Council's wider regeneration plans to redevelop town centres across the Borough, which include improvements to Wickford Market and the relocation of Basildon town centre market, the GO TRADE project underlines the Council's ongoing commitment to ensure it's not just the physical aspects of regeneration we seek to support.

Further information and enquiries