The future of Wilmslow Artisan Market is uncertain following the dissolution of the company, though the organisers remain hopeful that the popular events will continue in the town.
Denise Valente and Vicky Jackson set up the Artisan Market Company in 2011, the aim of which was "to bring diversity and ambiance to Wilmslow, to offer something a little bit different to what can be found on other high streets and the out of town shopping centres."
Despite facing a number of obstacles, the monthly markets have proved popular with both local residents and visitors to the town. The pair also expanded to hold events in Knutsford, Middlewich and Northwich and were runners-up in Mary Portas's new High Street Champion of the Year Award earlier this year.
Denise Valente confirmed she dissolved the Artisan Market partnership on Monday, 10th March, "for reasons private to the partners".
She added "This means that the Artisan Market partnership will not deliver markets moving forward after Sunday's event in Wilmslow, other than those that fall within the wind up period of the partnership. The wind up period I anticipate to be relatively short but this will be decided early next week once we have had the opportunity to discuss this with each of the councils. Following the wind up period, the business will no longer trade or operate as the Artisan Market.
"The business is fully committed to fulfilling the outstanding commitments of the partnership and intends to do so as professionally as possible during the wind-up period.
"Other than fulfilling the remaining commitments of the Artisan Market partnership, each of the partners will be able to undertake business on their own account, but not as the Artisan Market.
"The very highest priority of each town and county council is to ensure that all the events in each town continue without interruption which I fully support and I am confident that this will happen. The decision as to how and who will operate these future events will be made by the individual councils. I understand that these decisions will be made early next week."
Vicky Jackson commented "It was with great sadness on Monday that I learnt that the fabulous Artisan Market company has been dissolved.
"It has been my upmost pleasure and privilege to put these events on for Wilmslow and I am so incredibly thankful to have been given the opportunity to showcase my vision alongside Denise Valente.
"I apologise for the uncertainty that we now face for the loss of these greatly loved events designed to benefit our communities, our stall holders, our retailers and our towns. We must now look to the future and it is my highest priority to ensure these superb community events continue. They were never designed to be mere markets, and it has always been my vision for the events to be extra special."
Denise Valente and Vicky Jackson will be meeting with representatives of Wilmslow Town Council next week to discuss the future of the Wilmslow markets and, if they continue, who will run them.
Cllr Keith Purdom, Chairman of Wilmslow Town Council, said "Wilmslow Town Council is very committed to the ongoing market. We are going to meet with the two ladies, who were previously known as Artisan Markets, to understand what their position is.
"We are very confident that we will be able to provide Wilmslow with an ongoing, vibrant artisan market."
This Sunday's Artisan Market will go ahead as planned, from 10am until 4pm, when it will be rebranded 'Go Wild Artisan Market' in support of Lauren Wild who is currently undergoing treatment for Lymphoma at Manchester Children's Hospital.
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Finally, a huge thank you to the many who shop with us. We appreciate and value your continued support!
Tate- The Goal Post, Bank Square, Wilmslow
Best of luck in continuing this very worthwhile event.