Young entrepreneurs from the Stratford-on-Avon district are set to battle it out in the first stage of a market traders competition.
The Young Traders Market programme encourages young entrepreneurs aged 16-30 to use markets as a platform to start or grow their business.
The National Market Traders Federation event kicks off with regional heats before progressing to the National Final – which is to be held in Stratford-upon-Avon at the end of August – where one trader will be named National Young Trader of the Year.
As well as the overall winner, judges will also name winners in the four categories of arts and crafts, retail, grocery and street food.
Before then 10 traders from the Stratford district will compete in a regional heat in Rother Street, Stratford-Upon-Avon, from 9am to 4pm on Saturday, July 24.
They will offer a range of different stalls, selling everything from sweet treats to pet portraits, jewellery, gifts, honey and natural products.
The judging panel, made up of members of Stratford-on-Avon District Council and Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council, will name two winners to progress to a regional final in Westminster, London, or Wolverhampton, depending on where they live.
They will judge the entries based on criteria including how unique the product is, pricing, the display of the stall, professionalism and knowledge of the product.
Dermot McGillicuddy, director of LSD Promotions which is the contractor for markets and events in Stratford-upon-Avon, said: “The Young Traders Market event is a great opportunity for young people starting out on the road to business.
“The event is free to take part in and is being supported by Stratford-on-Avon District Council and Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council.
“It offers young entrepreneurs the chance to try out their products in front of the public and showcase their business ideas.
“This is always a popular event and the final this year will see more than 70 traders set up their stalls in Stratford.
“I’m sure visitors will be keen to see what is on offer and show their support to our traders.”
The National Final will take place in Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, on August 27 and August 28.
There is currently one vacancy for a stall at the regional heat on July 24.
For more information call LSD Promotions on 01384 877336. Visit nmtf.co.uk/campaigns/young-traders-market for more about the event.
Caption:
Visitors at a previous Young Traders Market event in Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon. Photo taken before the Covid-19 pandemic.