Greater London Authority

London is the capital of England and the United Kingdom (UK). It is the UK's - and Europe's - largest metropolitan area with a population of over 7.5 million people. London is a leading global city and home to the headquarters of some of the world’s leading commercial and professional organisations. It is a major touristic destination for both domestic and overseas visitors. London has over 160 indoor and outdoor markets ranging from traditional street markets to farmers’ markets and specialist markets for antiques, books, handcrafts, etc. Portobello market, Brixton Market and Borough market are among the most internationally renowned markets and attract millions of visitors every year.　But smaller local markets also contribute directly to the vitality of their local neighbourhood and revival of the town centres.

Restrictive legislative and planning frameworks and policies, limited availability of adequate infrastructure with regards to waste management, storage and transport of goods are among the challenges that London markets face to become effective contributors to the local and sustainable economy.

Creating the right balance between markets as tourist attractions versus markets meeting local retail needs, and maintaining the balance of commodities given legal constraints and tensions between stalls and shops are also important challenges.

London is particularly willing to identify and extend markets management good practice and to use markets as beacons of sustainability.