Test trading market stall scheme

New applications from businesses and entrepreneurs are now being accepted for the latest test trading market stall scheme. Successful applicants will be contacted in due course to provide further details.

These guidance notes are for businesses participating in the scheme.

General information for traders at the test trading market stall

The market takes place in the northern section of the pedestrian area of High Street, Bromley, between Market Square and the Churchill Theatre (adjacent to Gym Bromley). The market’s trading hours are from 9am to 5pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday throughout the year.

• Participants must be Bromley residents, businesses, or those in existing Bromley business support networks (such as Start Up Bromley). Examples of suitable applicants include: new creative entrepreneurs and makers; new businesses looking to test trade their products; start-up and existing scale-up businesses; businesses with new or unique product or business ideas; online retailers looking to move into physical retail; 
  • Artisan and Craft Makers: Handcrafted goods (jewellery, pottery, and custom apparel). Test-trading helps artisans understand which designs sell best and how to price their labour.
  • Upcycled Goods: Such market environments can be effective for testing whether the local market is willing to pay a premium for sustainable or zero-waste products.
  • Health, Beauty and Wellness: Handmade soaps, organic skincare, or wellness items. The trial would enable creators to gather direct feedback on scents, packaging, and skin tolerance

Please note that upon selection, each trader will be issued a Charter Market trading licence in advance of their trading period.

• No food or drinks businesses. Applications from businesses offering general jewellery or clothing products are also discouraged, due to the need to ensure a suitable mix of products at Bromley Charter market.
• The electricity at the site is for low power usage and not suitable for food cooking/heating/preparation. Although, a limited amount of lighting will be provided on the stall.
• Charge/payment terms/conditions (i.e.  the total charge for each individual trading at the stall to cover a 2-week trading period is £198 and it will increase to £396 overall for a 4-week trading period). It is also payable to Bromley Council within 2 weeks following the trading period and each trader is liable for this amount).
• There is no appeals process for unsuccessful applicants.
• Traders must be available on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays during any two to four week trading period from the commencement of the delivery period.
• Two traders will share a 3.7m x 2.5m single stall for the three trading days during each week. The tables within the stall are 70cm wide x 133cm long x 88.5cm high and tables will be allocated to traders with the table covers (if required). However, a maximum of 4 tables can be contained within the single stall.
• Attendance at the stall is required between the opening at 9 am and closing at 5pm. Market stalls are set up by the council from 6am for traders to complete their individual table set up before 9am and to clear up after 5pm.
• Any promotional A-Boards or pull-up banners must remain within the confine of the stall awning canopies and secured safely.
• There is an opportunity for traders to obtain vehicle licences/permits for movement of their stock upon request and traders must comply with any vehicle restrictions. Please note vehicles can only access the pedestrian area before 9am and after 5pm.
• Traders will be personally responsible for addressing any complaints relating to them directly.
• There will be a direct contact for any enquiries or emergencies from traders.
• Any personal data collected as part of this project, including for monitoring purposes, will be used in accordance with the council’s data protection policy.
• For any further enquiries please contact startupbromley@gll.org

Market stalls

The stalls are provided ready-assembled complete with tables, table skirts, side and back sheets. The single stalls are 3.7m x 2.5m to accommodate up to 2 traders. Traders can arrange the display of goods to suit their requirements, but the goods and equipment must remain within the canopy area. Nothing must be stuck or pinned to the table skirts or side and back sheets. At the end of each trading day the trader is responsible for restoring the stall as supplied with all waste being removed.

Types of goods sold

We seek to promote stalls and goods which complement and enhance our High Street. The focus is on quality products with the emphasis on goods not available locally or in the High Street stores (hence general clothing and jewellery products are discouraged at present and this will be kept under review at the discretion of the of the evaluation Panel).

We do not allow fast food (such as burgers, hotdogs, tea and coffee) vendors as Charter Market stall holders but applications via street trading can be made.

We do not allow wholesalers, electronics (including mobile phones and their accessories or e-cigarettes) or mock auctions on the market. The use of any noisy machinery or instrument is prohibited.

We also reserve the right to reject stall applications if the market currently has a number of traders selling similar items. However, details can be kept on file should circumstances change. New traders are subject to a month probationary period after which Bromley Council reserve the right to withhold any licence extension/renewal.

Setting up and breaking down the stalls

The Market Supervisor allocates stalls to traders on each market day. The stalls will be made available two hours before the market opening time (i.e. from 7am). Traders must not break down the stall before closing time unless otherwise agreed with the Market Supervisor.

Vehicle access for unloading and loading

Traders will be issued with a permit for vehicle access to the market on the pedestrian area to enable unloading and loading near to their stall. The central section between the two lines of stalls is the 4.0m wide emergency access route that must be kept clear at all times. Traders’ vehicles can enter the pedestrian area, for unloading purposes only, from 7am and must leave the market area 30 minutes before the market opening time. Traders’ vehicles can re-enter the pedestrian area, for loading purposes only, from 5pm, or when allowed by the Market Supervisor.

Disposing of rubbish

Traders are responsible for removing and disposing of their rubbish. Copies of the Waste Transfer Licence or Waste Disposal Notice will be required. Traders are responsible for keeping their stall and surrounding area clean and tidy throughout the day.

Unable to trade on the day

Traders unable to attend on the market day must telephone the Market Supervisor in advance and between 7 and 8am on the day at the very latest to enable the stall to be re-allocated. No refunds will be given.

Bad weather conditions

Unless there are exceptional circumstances, the market will not be cancelled before 7am on a market day. In poor weather every effort will be made to facilitate the market and make stalls available. So even if the weather is bad, traders are advised to attend the market and start trading. On the market day traders can telephone the Market Supervisor between 7 and 8am to clarify the situation.

When severe weather conditions occur during the market trading day, the Market Supervisor will enable traders’ vehicles onto the market area earlier to enable loading. No refunds will be given.

Market responsibilities

Bromley Council is responsible for the management and licensing of the market. 

The Market Supervisor is responsible for the day-to-day running of the market, including allocating stalls and dealing with any on market issues. If necessary, the Market Supervisor will refer any matter to Bromley Council, which includes any trader who behaves in an unacceptable manner.

Further information on The Charter Market Stalls requirements

Selection process for Test Trading Market Stall

Applications for Test Trading Market Stall opportunities made on the online portal/platform, will be submitted for evaluation by a Panel. This may include representatives from Opportunity Bromley, London Borough of Bromley, Start Up Bromley and Your Bromley BID.

Delivery of Test Trading Market Stall

We anticipate that two traders will share the weekly costs for the single stall and they will each trade for 2 to 4 consecutive weeks. The total cost of the market single stall for each trader over a two-week trading period will be £198 and it will increase to £396 overall for a four-week trading period.