Small
businesses like QVM market stalls have built in flexibility. It is one of the
essential ingredients of this type of business that you can react quickly to
retail trading conditions. This is why it is so frustrating when change is in
the hands of others.
The long
process of MCC/QVM Board/Trader meetings seems eons ago and little has been
achieved. Sure, there is now a program of TAC meetings but these are scheduled
every two months. We are currently establishing two sub-committees with
management to address specific issues but one of these sub-committees will not
meet until 20th February and the other has not yet been set up.
Our
desire for action may seem a little impatient to more corporate types except
for one essential ingredient. Traders are losing money. In fact some have been
losing money for the last 3 years. Failure to address this income problem makes
a mockery of consultation and claimed concern for the future of QVM and its
traders. Quick action and strong leadership are desperately needed.