Young entrepreneurs showcase their talents at special market

The event, supported by the council’s market and events team, saw young traders demonstrate their skill, craft and business ideas as part of a friendly competition and national campaign with the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF) to encourage and welcome young people into the markets industry.

A total of 15 young traders aged between 16 and 30 participated with a further two entrants aged 10 and 11-years-old.

Last year’s winner Alice Smith of AVMS Art, who went on to be the regional winner and national runner-up also returned.

Products for sale included handcrafted jewellery from recycled silver, Portuguese desserts, art, crochet, clothing, gifts and pet accessories.

Plenty of local residents attended to show their support for the traders with all reporting good sales and feedback on the day.

The competition was judged by indoor market seasoned traders who chatted to the young traders about their products, supply chain, displays and more.

The judges commented that they were impressed with the high level of commitment and skills on show, so much so that they could not pick an overall winner.

In the end they nominated Katie McArragher of Buzz Bear Shop and Bethany Smart of Little Bee to share first prize. Both will now progress to the regional finals in Wolverhampton on Saturday 20 July.

Highly commended was Amandine Lucas of Brae Designs and Alice Smith of AVMS Art. They too will go through to the next round in Wolverhampton.

Mike Riley, president elect for NMTF, who attended, said: “It is so important that we encourage these traders of the future. Youngsters have great ideas and enthusiasm which should be supported. This particular local Young Trader Market was brilliant. Well done to the team who organised this event which had such a great turnout.”

Gail Bates, Market and Events Manager at Harborough Indoor Market, said: “We are pleased to have organised this event which supports young people and budding entrepreneurs to put their business ideas into practice and we look forward to welcoming them to the indoor market in the near future.”