Young entrepreneurs wanted for Stockton-on-Tees' Young Traders Market

Stockton-on-Tees is set to host one of the heats for the annual event run by the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF) which aims to find and support the next generation of market traders.

Taking place across the week of Monday 10 May, the competition will be hosted by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, its youth movement Bright Minds Big Futures and the NMTF in three of the Borough's town centres, Billingham, Stockton and Thornaby, alongside their famous markets.

Traders will be scored by a panel of judges on their product quality, stall set up, use of promotion and customer service. The winner and runner up of this heat will go through to the north east regional final in Newcastle on Saturday 24 July.

The national final takes place in Stratford upon Avon in August, with the ultimate winner receiving a cash prize and the publicity platform from which to build their market trading business.

Residents and visitors are being urged to come along and support the young stallholders in May, while enjoying a great local shopping experience in the heart of our towns.

The Young Traders Market competition is open to anyone under the age of 30, with under 16s being asked to be accompanied by an adult.

Richard Beddard, Market Manager at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "We are so pleased to be hosting this heat across our markets in three of our town centres.

"The Council has a long and proud history of supporting start-up businesses and by offering stalls to traders of the future we are extending our commitment to ensure they have the help they need to either start, grow or locate a business.

"We're encouraging budding new business owners to join us, whether it's food, arts and crafts, handmade gifts or traditional retail.

"We're taking applications from any young person across the Borough with a great business idea or concept for a market stall, so please spread the word!"

Joe Harrison, CEO of the NMTF, said: "I cannot emphasise how much we need young people to become part of the great family of retail markets which so many shoppers rely on to give them great products at a competitive price.

"Each time we have come out of Covid-19 lockdowns we have seen people flocking to their markets, particularly the outdoor ones. These young people will help markets not merely to survive but thrive in our modern retail environment."

When is Stockton-on-Tees' Young Traders Market Competition?

Young Traders Market Competition will run across from Monday 10 May until Saturday 15 May.

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council will make stalls available at the below markets for any young trader who wishes to take part:

• Billingham Market on Monday 10 May 2021 - two stalls
• Thornaby Market on Thursday 13 May 2021 - two stalls
• Stockton Market on Saturday 15 May 2021 - four stalls

What support do I receive?

The Stockton-on-Tees Market team is working in partnership with Bright Minds Big Futures to deliver this as part of the Council's young people's engagement programme and with the hope of supporting a young entrepreneur from the Borough to the national final.

Successful young traders will be given a free stall and gazebo on their chosen market day, with business guidance, public liability insurance and support from the Market team.

How do I apply?

Any potential young traders who are interested in applying for a stall can request an application form by contacting markets@stockton.gov.uk

Entries close at 5pm on Sunday 2 May.