Rule
1 for blog writers is to give your heading impact and the question asked above
is obviously a rhetorical one. And just in case you have to look up “rhetorical”
like I did, it means a question which doesn’t really require an answer - it makes a statement.
If
you are expecting an in-depth analysis about who owns QVM then let me apologise
in advance because this is simply an attempt to make a very important point
about how we move forward as a market. (The in-depth analysis is on our to-do
list).
Below is a diagram which we can call the "Progress
Arrow". On the left wing of the arrow is Management whose mantra could be
- "We own this market and we know what is best
for the future." On the right wing are traders who could also
claim - "We own this market and we know what is best
for the future." There are of course other wings to this arrow,
customers, council, community etc., but let's keep it simple for now.
The analogy of the arrow has a simple message. For progress to be
made, both parties need to move to the centre of the shaft. That will require
openness, transparency and a degree of compromise. Without a point the arrow is
just a blunt instrument. Without a point the arrow will fail to achieve its
target.
Management and traders need to genuinely consult on all aspects of market
operation. The "blame games" and the entrenched positions of the past
have little relevance to the future. We
are about to enter a brave new world and our arrows will need to fly true.