Five years of success for young traders
The National Youth Market, which is now in its fifth year, is set to return to Manchester next month.
The event, which has taken place on King Street for the past three years, welcomes young traders from across the country to sell their goods.
Run by the NMTF, the trade association for market traders in the UK, traders aged 16 to 30 will be offering a range of goods to the shopping public, including street food, handmade crafts, artisan treats, vintage clothing and own-brand fashion.
Joe Harrison, chief executive of the 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.
“The NMTF is actively encouraging initiatives to introduce more young people to markets. Traditional markets are improving because of this surge of new blood into our sector.”
Traders on the National Youth Market are all competing for a £500 prize and to be crowned Young Trader of the Year, judged by staff from the NMTF.
Earlier this year, NABMA, the national trade body for market operators in the UK, encouraged market managers to hold youth markets and to submit their ‘champions’ to trade. Over 70 events took place.
Lauran Trussler, 25, from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, runs Signature Print Design, and has received support to test trade on her local markets. Lauran said: “The National Youth Market is a fantastic chance to get my name out there in an amazing city like Manchester, this is something I believe will help my business tenfold.”
The National Youth Market is open for business in King Street, Manchester, on Friday, September 1 and Saturday, September 2 from 10am to 4pm. As well as stalls, there will also be live music and entertainment from local artists.
