Young market traders final

Talented young market traders from around the country are set to prove they are the best of the best as Stratford-upon-Avon hosts a national competition.

The National Market Traders Federation (NMTF) hosts an annual competition to determine which young market trader has the winning combination of skills to make them stand out from the rest.

It is part of the Young Traders Market programme, which encourages young entrepreneurs aged 16-30 to use markets as a platform to start or grow their business.

And after many heats around the country - including Stratford - and seven regional finals, the national final of this year's competition will be held at the Waterside in Stratford-upon-Avon on Friday, August 27 and Saturday, August 28.

More than 70 of the top young traders from the North West, London, North East, South West, Yorkshire, the East of England, and the Midlands will be present over the two days.

Each trader will be assessed by a panel of judges, who look at criteria such as their professionalism, knowledge of their products, pricing, how clever their display is, and how unique their product is.

Dermot McGillicuddy, director of LSD Promotions which is the contractor for markets and events in Stratford-upon-Avon, said: "It's fantastic that the final of the Young Traders Market competition is being held in Stratford this year.

"The traders on the day will all be of the highest quality, after battling through the regional heats to make it to the final.

"Ultimately, the competition is a way of encouraging young people to develop business skills and a flair for entrepreneurship through markets so win or lose, these finalists will all have gained something on their journey.

"We're looking forward to seeing what they have to offer over they two days, and we wish them all the best of luck."

And Cllr Matt Jennings, Culture, Tourism and Leisure Portfolio at Stratford District Council added: "We can't wait for the national final of the Young Traders Market competition to come to Stratford.

"The quality of the traders in the heat held in July was already high, so we anticipate an incredibly high standard for the national final.

"Markets are a great way for young people to develop business acumen, and markets have long been a staple of our town centre, so we would encourage people to come along and see the traders for themselves on the Friday and Saturday."