Young traders set out stalls in Stratford-upon-Avon

Entrepreneurs aged between 16 and 30 from across the country are setting out their stalls on Waterside in Stratford-upon-Avon on Friday 31 August and Saturday 1 September.  

The National Youth Market celebrates young traders who are running businesses trading on markets, festivals, and fairs. It is also a competition to find the country's best young stallholder.  

The event is run by the NMTF (National Market Traders Federation), the only national trade association for market and street traders in the UK, and is hosted by LSD Promotions with the support of Stratford-on-Avon District Council and Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council.  

Over 40 stallholders will be selling a range of high quality street food, artisan treats, arts and crafts, and handmade gifts. All are competing to be crowned the UK's Young Trader of the Year.  

Maurice Howse, Portfolio Holder for Business, Tourism & ICT at Stratford-on-Avon District Council, said: "As a proud market town since 1196, we're overjoyed to host this year's National Youth Market in Stratford-upon-Avon. We are pleased to see that young people are inheriting an entrepreneurial spirt.  

"Alongside the operators of our Rother Street and Waterside markets, LSD Promotions, I warmly welcome all the young traders to our town - it's going to be a fantastic event!"  

In May and June, markets across the country held youth markets and selected champions to represent their towns and cities at the National Youth Market. Some areas even held regional heats.  

Whoever takes the crown this year will receive £500 in cash, one year's free membership of the NMTF, and a free mobile payment terminal for 12 months from Chip & PIN Solutions.  

In addition, there are four Highly Commended awards up for grabs. Each will receive £100 in cash and one year's free membership of the NMTF. Judging will be by markets industry experts.  

Rose Dyson, 19, from Barnsley, runs all-natural and vegan-friendly lip care company Pura Cosmetics. She is the reigning champion and trades on markets across Yorkshire.  

Rose said: "Markets are great places to interact with people and find out what works and what doesn't - there's nothing like getting face-to-face with customers. Markets have been the launchpad for Pura!"  

Joe Harrison, chief executive of the NMTF, said: "Youth markets aim to support young people to test out, launch, and grow a business - they're ideal platforms as you can stay lean and flexible.  

"Now in its sixth year and at a new venue in Stratford-upon-Avon, the National Youth Market is a real demonstration of the fantastic young talent we have in the UK trading on markets."  

Live music from local performers will be played throughout the day and there will be plenty of family-friendly activities, such as free games and trails around the market.  

The National Youth Market will be on Waterside at Stratford-upon-Avon on Friday 31 August and Saturday 1 September from 10am to 5pm.  

More information about the National Youth Market, including a list of the young traders who will be at the event, can be found at www.nmtf.co.uk/national-youth-market.

Pictured: 2017's National Youth Market, which was held on King Street, Manchester