Swansea Market has a new supervisor.

Darren Cox takes up the role after a 27-year career in the private sector.

The market is now looking to build back up to pre-pademic levels when it attracted more than four million shoppers a year.

Managed by Swansea Council the market is a permanent home to more than 100 businesses.

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Mr Cox said: 鈥淭he market is so close to my heart that I鈥檓 thrilled to get this role 鈥 it鈥檚 a dream come true.

鈥淩etail around the 海角视频 hasn鈥檛 had it easy for the past few years but I鈥檓 confident that the market can help traders - and the city - come back strongly as we work our way out of the pandemic.

鈥淪wansea Market gives shoppers something that online shopping can鈥檛 - the human touch, I want to ensure that all who visit feel safe, secure and welcome.

鈥淲e have strong relationships with our neighbours such as the Quadrant and the fantastic new arena and we鈥檒l help Swansea as it continues to develop in such a positive way; the progress made on regeneration through the pandemic has been remarkable.鈥

Raised in Sketty and educated at Olchfa School Mr Cox remembers being taken around the market by his parents as a young boy.

His first job after graduating from University College Birmingham was in Tenerife as a holiday rep. He then worked on the island for 25 years in roles such as commercial and operations management.

Before joining the market he was operations manager with the Swansea-based La Braseria group for two years.

He replaces John Burns who retired as supervisor in the summer,

Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: 鈥淚 welcome Darren to this pivotal role 鈥 he鈥檚 passionate about Swansea, the city centre and the market.

鈥淗e鈥檒l be a vital source of help and information for traders, and is thinking hard about how to build upon the market鈥檚 success, retain existing customers and attract new shoppers.

鈥淥ur award-winning market is a beating heart of the city centre and Darren has a major role to play in that.

鈥淗e joins the market with improvements on the way - a venue that鈥檒l become increasingly popular and busy as our 拢1bn city centre regeneration work evolves.鈥