Press Release

FSB urges integrity of Camden Market re-development

11 February 2008

With up to three hundred small businesses having suffered in last weekend’s catastrophic fire at London’s famous Camden Lock Market the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is warning that the subsequent re-development needs to retain integrity and loyalty to the small business owners affected.

Camden Market Holdings, owners of the Market, have already vowed to rebuild the site as quickly as possible.

Camden Market has long been an important local resource, offering an eclectic mix of stalls and shops.  It has also played a large role in this part of London in getting people to shop local and also has a positive knock-on effect on surrounding businesses. 

Laurie Payne, FSB London Regional Chairman, said:

“The speedy resumption of the livelihoods of more than three hundred small business owners is extremely important.  However, with this speed of re-development, which is very much welcomed, it is also imperative that the affected businesses are treated both fairly and with integrity. 

“The re-development should take place in consultation with the stallholders and should not be seen as a chance to shoehorn in anything that would go against their needs, and those of both the Camden community and the hundreds of thousands of tourists who come to visit this unique area each week.”