Seven new traders on Rochdale Market

Rachel Eyre, Beautiful Blooms, Rochdale Market

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Seven new traders have set up on the new Rochdale Market, including a butcher, baker and a florist.

• Florist: Rachel Eyre, a florist with 13 years’ experience, who also runs a stall on Middleton market.
• Butcher: Ian Freeman, who has been a butcher for almost 40 years and also has stall on the Heywood Magic Market.
• Baker: Rachel Goodyear, who runs ‘The Laughing Loaf’.

Ms Eyre, who set up ‘Beautiful Blooms’ 18 months ago with her fiancée John Hyland, said: “I’d heard about the new market and that Rochdale town centre was improving with the new Metrolink and bus station, so I thought I’d give it a try. The location is great and the set up here is good. It’s the perfect shop front really.

“We’ve had a good first week and many people have been asking when we’ll be on again, which is great.”

Mr Freeman said: “I sell all types of fresh meat, as well as things like sausages and meatballs. Almost everything I sell is sourced locally, from Royton and Manchester. This market is in exactly the right spot and I’ve had a positive first week. I’d definitely be looking to continue to trade here.”

Ms Goodyear, who runs ‘The Laughing Loaf’, is selling a range of pies, fresh bread and cakes on Fridays and Saturdays. She said: “I used to run a stall with my dad on the indoor market and decided to set up on my own with my husband last year. We haven’t had a base until now, so this was a good opportunity. We source all our bread locally from bakeries in Greater Manchester and Lancashire and people seem to really like the products. It’s got a good footfall here and we’ll definitely continue trading on Rochdale market.”

Councillor Richard Farnell, Leader of Rochdale Council, said: “We’re pleased that new traders are so impressed with our changing town centre that they want to come and join its growing market. Every successful town centre needs a thriving market and Rochdale Market is most certainly on the up.”