Applications are now open for the 4th annual Young Traders Market event, organised and hosted by the multi-award winning Warrington Market.
The event takes place at Time Square on Saturday 20 May, 9am to 5pm, providing a platform for budding entrepreneurs aged 16 to 30 to showcase their business and sell their products and services to the public.
This popular event offers a supportive and professionally managed environment, with stall set-up and insurance provided for free.
The Young Traders Market initiative has been developed by the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF), with the aim to nurture young talent and encourage market operators to provide traders with a route into retail, or to simply act as a springboard for the next generation of high street entrepreneurs.
The Warrington event forms part of the national Young Trader of the Year competition, providing opportunities for traders to win an award within their specified business category, with one overall winner crowned, ‘Warrington Young Trader of the Year’. All winners will move on to the North West regional heat in Bolton and, if successful, they will move through to the national final in Stratford Upon-Avon.
Previously, the Warrington event has welcomed over 40 young business owners covering a huge range of products and services from art, design, craft, gifts, jewellery, fashion, food, drink, beauty, educational services, and more.
Cllr Tom Jennings, cabinet member for economic development and innovation, said: “The Young Traders Market is a fantastic initiative that puts talented, entrepreneurial young people in the spotlight to showcase their ideas, creativity and business skills.
“It’s a great way to support the next generation of business owners in Warrington, so come along to enjoy all kinds of high-quality products and services, alongside live music from talented young performers.”
Previous winners have included Warrington Market’s Rob Leicester from Warrington Fruit and Veg and last year’s North West regional heat winner, Holly Challinor from Cheshire Botanicals, who will return this year to defend her title.
Holly said: “The Young Traders Market was my first ever trading event and I couldn’t have wished for a better opportunity. I met some amazing young traders, many of whom I’m still in touch with today. Winning was a huge surprise, but it has really helped my business in lots of ways and I can’t wait to return.”
In addition to the market, local music promoter, Lee Harman of Warrington Music, will return to host ‘Young Talent Live’, a stage for young musicians and performers aged 16 to 30. This year, there is the added bonus of a paid gig up for grabs, with the best performers being given the opportunity to play at Cookhouse Live, a regular live music session held at Warrington Market’s Cookhouse.
If you are aged 16 to 30 and are interested in trading or performing at this event, email [email protected].
For more information, visit warrington.gov/market or follow @warringtonmkt on social media.