Why Joshua is the man of the market

Meet Joshua Worley, the man on a mission to bring Norwich Market into the 21st century. So much so, he is behind a new website, which showcases Norwich Market and gives customers the chance to order online from their favourite stalls

As both market trader and creative head of a web design company, it would be fair to say Joshua Worley has had an interesting time of it lately.

The man behind fabric stall Barry’s of Norwich, who also happens to be head of creative at web design company Elementary Creative, has managed to mesh both of his professional lives together by building a website for traders called www.norwichmarket.net.

The new website lists details of all the businesses trading on Norwich Market but also has a growing community of traders who’ve signed-up to offer online delivery and click and collect services.

Customers are now able to order goods – from beers and brownies, to fabrics, kebabs, soaps and churros – with just a few clicks. So far seven separate businesses on the market: And Eat It, Barry’s of Norwich, Churros for the People, Delight, Number 29 Soap, Sir Toby’s Beers and The Cuppie Hut have signed up to offer online trading – with more signing up.

He says: ‘In terms of Barry’s, we have certainly seen an increase in business on our website since lockdown, and in the period between the two lockdowns we were incredibly busy with people who wanted to start making masks and who had begun crafting!

‘For Elementary, I offered market traders a special deal during the last lockdown to help get those who weren’t already online, up on the internet. I had a good take up initially and then with this new project have been incredibly busy getting it ready!’ 

Customers are able to place orders through the website, as well as sign up to the mailing list, to be the first to hear when other traders come on-board.

Josh adds: ‘Since becoming a part of the market, and taking on the fabric stall back in 2018, I’ve been incredibly keen to help bring Norwich Market into the 21st Century, while also celebrating its 900 years of history, and I learnt very quickly that there were many other stallholders who shared this vision.

‘COVID-19 has presented enormous challenges for us all as a market, and so we wanted to set something up which allows us to really shout about our market, while also allowing customers to enjoy shopping at their favourite stalls from home and crucially, at a significantly lower cost to stall holders than some of the bigger order and delivery platforms.’

There’s also a section for traders to sign-up to the website, get edits made to their directory page, request blog or news posts.

Toby Westgarth, acting chair of Norwich Market Traders’ Association adds: ‘The new Norwich website gives traders, but especially some of those who have been forced to close, an opportunity to trade and this can be a life-line at this time.

‘Longer term, we hope this will be an asset to customers and traders who want to continue to buy and sell online even after we’ve all been able to return to the market and open our doors again.

‘It’s also been a really enjoyable project to work together with other traders on. While we’re separate businesses, we’re one community, and being able to create this together – with Josh’s expertise – has been lots of fun.’

Councillor Matthew Packer, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, with responsibility for Norwich Market says:

‘The city is incredibly proud of Norwich Market – it’s not just an excellent shopping, services and food destination – it’s a well-loved iconic feature of the cityscape and has been for many, many years.

‘Norwich Market traders, like everyone, have really felt the effects of the Covid pandemic and the way they’ve worked so hard to keep customers safe, has been remarkable. I applaud the entrepreneurship of this new venture which shows their determination to adapt to these difficult times to help ensure the livelihoods of small business and supply the people of Norwich in quality goods.

‘I hope as many of you as possible will continue to support the market as you have been doing.’

You can also visit the Norwich Market Instagram and Facebook pages to find out more information about which stalls are currently open and keep up to date with Norwich Market news.