Islington News: Jeff Heller | Chapel Market | Market Trader Of The Year Award

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Islington Tribune - by ROISIN GADELRAB
Published: 07 November 2008

Trader Jeff Heller with Councillor Lucy Watt at his Chapel Market stall

Pitch perfect... the stallholder voted our first market leader

Popular winner admits: ‘I still get a buzz out of trading... It’s a great feeling’

A CHAPEL Market stallholder has been crowned Islington’s top market trader.
Jeff Heller won a stack of nominations from happy customers to take Islington Council’s Market Trader of the Year award. His prize was £300 discount on pitch fees.
Mr Heller, 55, started working at the market with his father in the 1960s and took over his dad’s pitch in the 1990s, selling ladieswear and accessories.
The trader beat 600 other nominees to become the first winner of the title.
He said: “I was surprised to win, considering there were so many nominations. There are quite a few stalls I would say are worthy of the first prize. I’m delighted I got it. It proves hard work and presentation counts.”
Mr Heller has counted members of the EastEnders cast among customers during his time at Chapel Market. He hopes his grandson will take over the stall when he retires.
He added: “I still get a great buzz out of trading at the market. It’s a great feeling.”
Councillor Lucy Watt, Lib Dem executive member for business, said: “Islington has brilliant street markets. We had lots of votes for excellent stallholders.
“There were several who very nearly took the title, but Jeff was a worthy winner.”
Votes were received for traders at Chapel, Whitecross Street, Exmouth and Archway markets. Judges visited shortlisted stalls to see traders in action.
To celebrate his title win, Mr Heller is giving away a free pashmina with every purchase from his stall, near Marks and Spencer, tomorrow (Saturday).

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