South East Marts originated from Haywards Heath Market and a company called T. Bannister & Co, which was founded in 1866. In 1988 a restructuring took place with the formation of South East Marts and the joining up of Guildford, Hailsham, Heathfield and latterly Thame and Winslow Markets. 1990 saw the closure of Haywards Heath Market and the smaller market at Heathfield closed a few years later.