Sneinton Business Forum

As a long term supporter of the Sneinton Market, Mike was instrumental in the formation of Sneinton Market Traders Ltd, a social enterprise which took over the operation of the market in February 2006.

Apart from working two days a week on markets, Mike is Chair of Draycott Community Centre and Longeaton Carnival. A keen supporter of Business in Sneinton, Mike Barnes believes that SBF is the way forward to regenerate the Sneinton area.

Trained as an accountant with Boots Pure Drug Company, Mike worked four years as a management accountant in Nottingham and South Wales before becoming self-employed, manufacturing ladies underwear in Nottingham’s Lace Market.

Besides producing for the wholesale trade Mike decided to sell his own ‘seconds’ on Sneinton Market. As the textile industry changed in the UK Mike decided, after travelling to India and China, to change track and deal in garment trimmings and accessories for the dancewear and carnival trade and formed Carnival Trimmings Ltd to distribute products within the UK. Thirty years later he still operates a stall at Sneinton Market.

Married for over 40 years, he has three children and five grandchildren. His wife Angela works for help the aged as the volunteers committees coordinator for the north of England.