International Operators, Market & Street Traders (IOMST) is made up of the most professional group of people with a vast knowledge of events and markets taking place throughout Ireland and Europe. As the main source of information for exhibitors and traders and indeed event organizers IOMST plays a unique role in the Irish arena.

As member of UECA (Union Europeenee du Commerce Ambulant) IOMST is in the enviable position of being able to provide assistance and a fully supported team in the organization of a wide range of events and markets, from an annual three day event to ongoing weekly or monthly markets.

The goals, when organizing events or markets, are to revitalize or strengthen and promote the area in question; create a place where social and ehtnic groups mix freely and to provide economic opportunity for the exhibitors or traders.

IOMST was originally established in 1994 as an organization set up to professionalise the work of market and street traders. Over time IOMST has evolved into a distinctive organization serving the needs not only of market traders but what is now commonly referred to as “micro businesses”. IOMST is also considered by many of its members as an information clearinghouse in that we disseminate information to a wide audience, not only through our website but also by our ongoing activities throughout Ireland and through the wider spectrum of our European colleagues.

We also work with local authorities giving advice on how to best set up and regulate local markets and events throughout the country. Local authorities also refer potential traders to IOMST in the knowledge that we will assist in any way possible ensuring each and every individual is given the opportunity to make a living in a way suitable to their own circumstances.

Training of market managers, be they local authority or private, is a vital function serving to enhance and improve the way markets are run thereby increasing footfall and boosting trade, not only for the traders themselves but as a spin-off for the local businesses. Training the traders is also important in that they should learn how to keep accounts, how much stock to have at any one time, what type of products to sell, how to display their products, how to interface with local authorities and indeed, with the general public.

Around the world markets are supported by governments in that they are quite often the backbone of society. Many entrepreneurs started life as market traders, TESCO being a prime example of the type of industry that grew from small roots.

In 1997 in the U.K. there were no farmers markets – in less than 10 years there are now over 200 farmers markets generating £65 million annually. This is an extraordinary growth.

Traders, local economies, consumers and the environment all benefit from markets. Markets are good for the local economy because more money is spent in the local economy, increasing the multiplier effect. There is high knock-on spending in local shops on market days spurring local value-added start ups and expansions as they reinforce job and business networks, and by maintaining local employment.

The markets are also good for traders being their source of revenue, crucial in today's more difficult trading climate. Traders also get increased networking and learning opportunities with other traders.

The consumers and the environment also benefit from markets because of increased choice of goods and competitive prices; a strengthening factor in the community in that they are key to quality of life; people travel less far and there is less and less packaging than used in conventional stores.

Evidence globally clearly shows that the potential for further growth in markets is substantial. Although many markets are self financing, support is required to encourage their development, help with start-up costs, training and networking at a national level is essential.

Keeping money within an area is an important aspect of regeneration, that tends to be overlooked in comparison with the traditional regeneration techniques which focus on of bringing money into an area.

Without a strong local economic base, many rural communities risk becoming little more than dormitory facilities for urban commuters. In Winchester, in the U.K., on market days, local stores reported 30% increases in takings over the same day in previous years. In contrast spending at supermarkets results in a much greater proportion of the money leaving the local economy immediately.

Markets increase the economic vitality of towns and villages.

Re-forging the economic links between towns are key elements for revitalising these towns, making them a focal point for healthy rural economies.

By encouraging enterprise markets act as a spur for business start-ups and the growth of new small and medium size businesses.

Markets encourage traders to learn new entrepreneurial skills and markets require traders to acquire new skills – such as product development, marketing and retailing.

By integrating economic, social and environmental goals markets bring sustainable growth that can reduce social exclusion. Socially excluded communities gain the most when money is circulated within a local economy.

For instance, in the US, farmers' markets work well in poorer communities and have a crucial role to play in making fresh fruit and vegetables available where they weren't before, or making them available at lower prices. In the UK farmers' markets are considered to have a strong potential in helping to deal with the problem of 'food deserts' in inner cities, caused by the exodus of supermarkets to out-of-town sites.

People enjoy going to markets, not just because they are vibrant social occasions.

One of the most cost-effective ways of supporting and encouraging traders is through establishing regional networks. These can provide a one-stop information service for traders and budding entrepreneurs and can facilitate information exchange between traders and the managers of individual markets. Training for both traders and market managers on promotion, developing partnerships and business strategy can be provided through manuals and workshops.

Regional networks can also play an important role in ensuring the authenticity of markets, promoting markets to the public and co-ordinating days of operation within the network.

If each local authority provided €50,000 over a three year period for supporting such a network then matched funding could be found - for example from sources such a Dept. Enterprise, Trade & Employment, ICOT or other city and rural development agencies. Such funding should continue until the networks are self-supporting as they have become in the US.

Markets can be promoted through regional branding initiatives. These initiatives should recognise the role to be played by markets and integrate them into the relevant section of the Action Plan.

Setting a target for the development of markets within an area should be the goal for all authorities. Implementation of that goal can be achieved through partnership and cooperation with IOMST.