Take a Peep Show at Mango to help your Christmas market comply with the law

Mark looked at Dobby as she examined wooden Nutcracker soldier figures on the Christmas market stall.

“Haven’t you already got two of those? Isn’t that enough?” he asked.

Dobby turned and shrugged: “They’re gold and green. This one is red and gold, which goes better with the tree this year.”

Mark sighed. Yes, buy another one. Buy them all. Another Nutcracker figure to add to the family of Nutcracker figures in our flat. Fill the entire sitting room with Nutcracker figures staring spookily at me. 

Dobby made her purchase and walked over to him: “I love a Christmas market! So many gifts, mulled wine, stollen…”

Mark smiled weakly: “Marvellous. Really enjoying it. Not at all worried that this large crowd of people will attract something bad…”

Dobby rolled her eyes: “I knew you’d be like this so I did some research and found out that this market’s organiser has been very thorough when it comes to health and safety. In fact, we’re going to meet up with her to reassure you so we can finally start enjoying ourselves.”

Dobby waved to a determined looking woman who strode through the crowd confidently.

Mark flinched. Gail Huggins. Former neighbour and generally scary person.

“Hello Mark,” she said. “Haven’t seen you since you moved. How are things?”

Mark smiled weakly again: “Oh, fine. Enjoying my day out. I take it you’re the organiser of this Christmas market?”

She nodded: “I am. Dobby here gave me a call and asked me to explain the precautions we’ve taken. Understand you’re a little anxious…”

Dobby grinned. She’d been one step ahead of him ever since she got back from New York and they’d moved in together.

“We worked with consultants at Penarth Management to draw up a health and safety plan for the event, especially after all the incidents at Christmas markets across Europe,” Gail said.

“We have a detailed risk assessment, security plan including the temporary bollards you saw as you came in which will stop vehicle attacks, trained staff, and excellent communications.”

Her phone pinged and she looked down at it.

“As you see. Getting regular updates from the team. We’re ready for the implementation of the new anti-terror legislation, Martyn’s Law, which gives event organisers legal duties to protect the public.”

I’ll throw a spanner in the works, Mark thought.

“What about food safety, though? That pulled pork stand looks a little dodgy,” he said.

Gail smiled: “A five rating from the council. Ate there earlier. It was great. Food safety is something else our consultants have helped us to manage.”

Mark nodded: “How?”

Gail answered: “Mango…”

Mark shrugged: “Not very Christmassy. Maybe an orange studded with cloves or a satsuma…”

Gail laughed: “It’s an online compliance software system that helps us manage all our documents and ensure we’re compliant with regulations on the environment, food, information management, and health and safety.

“I can access it wherever I have an internet connection…”

She showed him her phone.

“See? It’s also been helping us get ready for Martyn’s Law.”

Mark looked impressed: “Seems like you’ve thought carefully about our safety here.”

Gail nodded: “We have. Better go now, though, as the Christmas wreath stallholder is arguing with the Christmas tree seller. Better go and clear up all those needles!”

Dobby laughed and Mark smiled.

“Right, hit chocolate with marshmallows!” Dobby said brightly.

Mark nodded.

“I wonder if JLB Credit has thought using Mango for its corporate events…” he said.

Dobby sighed and whispered: “Merry Christmas to me…”

• Find out how Mango’s online compliance software could help your events. Book a free demonstration which will be delivered via Zoom. We can help you with a Martyn’s Law assessment, too. Call Penarth Management on 029 2070 3328 or email info@penarth.co.uk

• Need information on Martyn’s Law? Take a look at the programme of free seminars from our sister company The Protect Alliance: Events | The Protect Alliance (UK)