30/09/2024
We have been made aware that Hatch Market have given an account of the differences in question. Our response is below:
Hygiene ratings can fluctuate and, yes, we are unhappy with receiving a 3 (Generally Satisfactory) and had enacted a plan to return to a higher rating, in line with our other establishments - all at 5.
This serves to indicate the difficulties with working within a unit that is not fit for purpose ... Considering every other unit we operate, is at 5 stars. The lack of a water supply to the unit being one such major obstacle.
Sadly there was no interest from the operators to rectify the hygiene facilities and left us to deal with items such as the bins, used by all traders in the centre, regularly left overflowing with bin juice flowing into our unit.
Since the other party has decided to take us here, we too will define the difficulties that we faced since they took over the management of the market.
*Ordered to open until 9pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in spite of them doing next to nothing to increase footfall during these times. This period was wholly unprofitable, in fact, it was a significant drain on the business to staff. That's if we could staff it, which we struggled to do.
*We were informed we should not have pictures of our food on the menu and asked to remove them. It should be text only.
*Informed I should increase my prices.
*Informed I should reduce my menu
*Informed I cannot use standard, reusable, ceramic plates. I had to use disposable, throwaway, plates. Again, I highlight the bin problem.
*Instructed I would not be allowed to maintain 4 units going forwards. Initially told I could have 2. Potentially due to the following.
*Rents for current tenants to remain static for 2 years, after they took over management. Thereafter .... And for new tenants ... The rent was to increase to over 3 times the current price.
We are fortunate to have other premises to fall back on. I can only imagine the concern of other traders, who do not, that they too can be given 4 days to remove their business from the centre at any time and without warning.
Sadly our loyal staff, many Gravesend residents, who have worked in the market for many years, have lost their jobs due to the short shortsightedness of the new management.
Now, I guess they're free to charge the new prices for the units and/or mimic the businesses that have been successful in the space over the years.
