The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Value for Money introduced a report outlining the results of the tendering process for the Sevenoaks and Swanley Markets.  The contracts to operate the markets were usually re-tendered every five years.  The current contract commenced in April 2011 but due to uncertainty relating to the financial status of the current operator, the company having entered voluntary liquidation in July 2012, the contracts for all three markets had been re-tendered to commence 1^st April 2013.

The tender procedure had been split into two parts as the Swanley Market contract required re-tendering to follow the EU tendering procedures whereas the two Sevenoaks markets income was below the EU threshold.

Eighteen sets of tender documents were sent out and the results of the tenders were detailed in the report. 

Members noted that all market operators were required to provide copies of their equalities and equal opportunities policies as part of the pre-tender questionnaire process.

The Professional Services Manager reported that the scoring matrix for the Swanley market had been reviewed since the publication of the report and as a result of this the adjusted score of 100 for Gerauld Markets was 91, not 80 as stated in the report.  This amendment had come about as a result of a review of credit scoring.  This amendment had not altered the outcome of the scoring process or the recommendation to Cabinet.

A visiting Member representing the Swanley White Oak Ward addressed the Cabinet and reported that she fully supported the recommendations to award the Swanley Market contract to Ritagate.  The Local Member expressed a hope that the new operator would be able to breathe new life into Swanley market.

The Town Clerk from Sevenoaks Town Council, the recommended operator for the Sevenoaks markets, addressed the Cabinet.  The Town Clerk outlined what the Town Council would do to work with the market traders and promote both the Wednesday and the Saturday markets. 

The Chairman noted that had other operators attended the meeting they would also have been given the opportunity to address the Cabinet.

As this was the last meeting of the Cabinet that the Professional Services Manager would attended before his retirement, the Leader and Cabinet thanked Mr Latheron for all the work he had done on behalf of the Council for the past 38 years.  The Members present at the meeting wished Mr Latheron a happy retirement.

Resolved: That

(a)   The contract to operate the market at Swanley on Wednesdays be awarded to Ritagate Limited for a period of 5 years from 1^st April 2013 and an initial rent of £260,000 p.a.

(b)   The contract to operate the markets at Sevenoaks on Wednesdays and Saturdays be awarded to Sevenoaks Town Council for a period of 5 years from 1^st April 2013 at an initial rent of £32,000.