Young traders fly the flag for Barnsley Markets

Latest news in Yorkshire: August 10, 2017 10:28:28 AM

Five young traders from Barnsley are heading off to Manchester to take part in the National Youth Market in Manchester next month.

Abbie Allert, Lauran Trussler, Sian Fall, Emily Kitchen and Rose Dyson have all been selected to take part in the national event, where the winner will be crowned Young Trader of the Year and win £500.

Barnsley Council launched its Up and Coming Markets with a youth market in Wombwell, Hoyland, Penistone, Goldthorpe and Barnsley earlier this year.

A pop-up stall in the May Day Green Market followed and a further three markets were organised in the town centre over the summer. The final one takes place this Saturday 12 August, with all the finalists trading, except Rose Dyson.

Maria Cotton, Business Manager at Barnsley Council for Markets and Town Centre said: “This ongoing programme of support has really helped these young entrepreneurs grow and develop their businesses, test new ideas and trial different products. It’s fantastic that their hard work and determination have been recognised and they’ve been selected to go to the National Youth Market.

Joe Harrison, Chief Executive of the National Market Traders Federation, which represents market traders and street food vendors across the UK 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 National Association of British Market Authorities (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.

“The National Youth Market is running for the fifth year in a row, on the iconic King Street in Manchester on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 September. Over the years we have had some fantastic small businesses take part and we expect that this year will be just as successful if not more so. We’ve had applications to trade from all over the country including five young entrepreneurs who were encouraged to apply by Barnsley Council.

We’re looking forward to meeting them, learning about their businesses and offering any support they may need for their budding business ideas.”

Yorkshire Photography