A clock was unveiled this morning in honour of the services of Gary Marshall to New Covent Garden Market.

The clock, at the heart of the Market’s newly opened Buyers’ Walk building, was bought by tenants primarily in recognition of Marshall’s 20 years as Chairman of Covent Garden Tenants Association.

Bruce (right) and Gary under the new clock

Unveiling the clock, fellow trader and friend Bruce White said: “We are here not just to unveil a clock on the newly completed Buyers’ Walk, but to recognise a man whose time, energy, and commitment have played a huge role in shaping New Covent Garden Market for decades.

“Clocks mark more than the passing of minutes and hours. They symbolise continuity, reliability, and presence. And that makes this a fitting tribute to Gary.”

Gary is a third-generation trader who left school at 14 and followed his father and grandfather into the markets. Since his arrival on Buyers’ Walk in 1979, he has been a champion of the sector, determined to prove the naysayers wrong.

Bruce said: “For the last 47 years, Gary has been a constant at New Covent Garden Market — as a trader, a business owner, a leader, and above all, a champion of this place and its people. At Bevington Salads, he has built a successful and respected wholesale firm, serving independent retailers and caterers across London and the South East with quality, consistency, and integrity.

“But Gary’s impact goes far beyond his own business. For the past 20 years, as Chairman of the Covent Garden Tenants Association, he has represented this market’s tenants with tireless dedication. He has given countless hours — often outside already long working days — to protect, promote and unify a community of around 2,500 people, many of whom compete fiercely by day, yet - when push comes to shove - stand together. Largely that is because of his leadership.”

Under Gary’s watch, the market has evolved with the times, shifting from a predominantly retail-focused operation to becoming a cornerstone supplier to London’s restaurant and hospitality sectors. Today, New Covent Garden Market has an annual turnover of £944 million.

“Gary’s belief in wholesaling has always been matched by his belief in people,” said Bruce. “He often speaks about the work ethic, passion and friendship that define this market. He understands that while we trade in produce, what really sustains this place is trust, relationships and shared purpose. I sat on the executive of the CGTA for several years and on behalf of all of us in that group – I thank Gary for leading the CGTA through a roller coaster ride over the last 20 years. He often praises his exec team for the hours of work that they put in, but his commitment and unbending dedication to the market really has been quite extraordinary. It is an unpaid role that for many years has been treated like a full-time job and everyone in this market has benefited.”

Today’s unveiling ensures that commitment is marked permanently. “This clock will be seen by traders, buyers and visitors every day. It will stand as a reminder of reliability, leadership, and service - values Gary has embodied throughout his career,” Bruce concluded.

In response, Gary said: I am so proud and humbled to be the recipient of this permanent feature in Buyers’ Walk – a place that has been a mainstay of my life for so long – awarded to me by a group of people I have been lucky to work alongside and call friends for most of my life.

“I consider it an honour and a privilege to have worked at New Covent Garden for 47 years. Like any profession, the fruit and vegetable trade has its ups and downs and this place perhaps delivers more than most. To have a clock named in my honour on the new Buyers’ Walk – it’s overwhelming.

“There are plenty of moments when you ask yourself if all the meetings, the battles, the sacrifices are worth it. That clock answers that question for me. It says yes – absolutely yes.”