The Next Big Thing?
We’re celebrating all-things entrepreneurship today in the We Are Warrington offices as we look forward to the next Young Traders Market being held on Saturday 20th May 2023 in Warrington’s Time Square.
But what is it?
Warrington Young Traders Market provides a platform for budding entrepreneurs aged 16 to 30 to showcase their businesses and sell their products and services.
It got us thinking; what makes a young person want to try their idea out in the World, and where could being part of the Young Traders Markets take your business? We spoke to some past winners and there are many success stories from our Young Traders Market; take Jason Mitchell and his business Kingswood Candles which started in 2019, Jason says;
“My first market debut was featured at the Warrington Maker’s Markets in June 2021, in which I won an award for Highly Commended in General Retail!”
You can read more about Jason’s story here and it’s a delight to watch his business go from strength to strength. He now has a permanent kiosk in Golden Square and we wish him all the very best for the future.
Where are they now?
Georgina Atkinson won Young Trader of the Year in 2021 for her inspired macrame artwork.
Taking the Young Trader of the Year for 2022 was Ellie Francesca Designs, with her beautiful, hand-drawn Fine Art Portrait Prints, she provides “a touch of nostalgia for your home”. She now has a thriving Etsy Shop as well as doing many of the local markets and artisan fairs, her success was certainly shaped by winning the 2022 title. Ellie says:
“I think the Young Traders Market is a brilliant introduction to selling at markets. I first entered in 2021, all staff and organisers involved were both helpful and reassuring, especially the staff at Warrington Market. It was my first ever market and I was still very new to the game. They were so encouraging, I think I would have dropped out beforehand had it not been for them!
Despite ‘Young Traders’ being a competition, there’s no feeling of competitiveness once you’re there. The judging is always fair and constructive. They take the time to get to know you and your business. I’ve received advice through the competition that has made my business stronger as a result.
One thing I particularly like about the competition is the other traders, it’s always a fun & friendly environment and there’s such a brilliant variety of small businesses at Young Traders Markets.
I would absolutely recommend ‘Young Traders’ to any small business owner under 30, especially to those who have never done a market before. Winning ‘North West Young Trader of the Year’ in 2022 and going to the national finals in both years I have entered is without doubt one of my proudest achievements. It’s a fantastic opportunity for young small business owners”
Rob Leicester has become a firm favourite on Warrington Market stalls, his fruit and veg and eggs are fantastic and the Young Traders Market certainly helped him establish his business.
The next big thing!
Do you recognise yourself in any of the interviews, do you feel you have an idea for a business that you’d like to launch on to the world? To register your interest in the Young Traders Market, email [email protected]
Who knows, you might go on to be the next big thing!