Retail entrepreneurs to battle it out in Stratford for top young trader title

Enterprising young market traders will head to Stratford once again for a chance to be named as the best in the country.

Waterside will play host to the annual Young Market Traders competition, devised by the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF), on Friday August 28 and Saturday August 29.

More than fifty 16 to 30-year-olds running a wide variety of market stall businesses will be competing for the title and a cash prize of £500.

Expert judges will decide the winners in each of four categories - food and drink, arts and crafts, grocery and general retail.

The competition featured on BBC's The One Show last year, with young entrepreneur Frankie Farrar being crowned as the winner live on TV.

Joe Harrison, the NMTF's CEO, was thrilled the competition could be held again in Stratford this year despite COVID-19 forcing the cancellation of the usual regional finals.

The town has hosted the final for the past three years, thanks to the support from both Stratford-on-Avon District Council and Stratford Town Council, alongside the private market operator LSD Promotions.

Joe said: "Obviously we're disappointed that COVID-19 scuppered the regional finals this year, but we're delighted the national final can go ahead as planned.

"Stratford has consistently been an excellent venue for our young market traders to show what they're all about, and we're really looking forward to holding the final there once again.

"We have a great retail markets industry in the UK, but to make sure it thrives in the years to come we have to bring in new blood - young entrepreneurs with fresh ideas and positive energy.

"The pandemic has hit markets heavily, but all the signs are that both indoor and outdoor markets are picking up well, and our Young Trader Market initiative is an ideal boost at this difficult time."

And Cllr Christopher Kettle, Chairman of Stratford District Council added: "On behalf of Stratford District Council, I am delighted that the Young Market Traders competition is able to come back to Stratford once again this year. This competition is a wonderful showcase for the retail markets industry and its future and it is encouraging to see, despite the pandemic, the number of young traders who have entered this year's national competition.

"The market is on and open for all and there will be social distancing measures in place throughout, so I would encourage people to come into the town across the two days and see what's on offer."