Young talented traders take over city centre
MANCHESTER city centre will play host to talented young people from across the UK this weekend with the return of the National Youth Market.
The market, which will be on King Street in Manchester, takes place today (Friday September 2) and Saturday and traders from nationwide will be setting up their stalls for the people of the city.
The event is now in its fourth year, with it being the second year on King Street.
The market, which is run by NMTF the trade association for market traders in the UK, is an opportunity for traders aged between 16 and 30 years old to sell a range of goods to locals, including street food, handmade crafts, artisan treats, vintage clothing and funky own-brand fashion.
Traders on the National Youth Market are all competing for a £500 prize and to be crowned Young Trader of the Year, judged by the NMTF and fellow trade body in the industry, NABMA.
Two runners-up will receive £200 each and Highly Commended awards. However, all three will receive one year’s free NMTF membership.
Earlier this year, NABMA, a national trade body for market operators in the UK, encouraged market managers to hold youth markets and to submit their ‘champions’ to trade over 40 events took place in May 2016.
Joe Harrison, chief executive of NMTF, said: “Trading on markets is an ideal way for young entrepreneurs to test out ideas and build a business with much smaller overheads than a shop.
“Alongside NABMA, we are actively encouraging initiatives to introduce more young people to markets. Traditional markets are improving because of this surge of new blood into our sector.”
Young traders have received some trading tips in the post beforehand to help to get them ready for the day. At the event itself, retail experts will be on hand to offer advice and guidance.
The event is an opportunity for young people to push their passion and make a success out of it. Jennifer Ardenne, 23, from Leeds, sells authentic Caribbean food in the Kirkgate Market in Leeds. However, she will be heading over to Manchester for the event.
She said: “I started in 2015 in my final year at university, trading from a van at festivals. I really push myself and I want to give more to build my business, this is a great opportunity to showcase my passion.”
There will also be live music at the event and a range of performances from local artists. A full list of traders can be found here.
The National Youth Market is open for business in King Street, Manchester, on Friday September 2 and Saturday September 3 from 10am to 5pm.
