Young people from all over the UK are pitching up in King Street, Manchester, on Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27 to trade on the country’s only National Youth Market.
Traders aged 16 to 30 will come together to stand up to 30 stalls, offering delicious street food, funky fashion, jewellery and handmade arts and crafts.
Eddie Cope-Prior, 23, from Canewdon, Essex, runs Ed’s Bakery, a business selling artisan bread, pastries and cakes. He trade on markets all over the south east of England. Eddie said:
“I have been on the market scene since I was 13 years old. For about a year now I have been self-employed, recently registering my own company. The National Youth Market will showcase my business up north – it’s a fantastic opportunity for my business to grow.”
Local trader, Hannah Mort, 27, from Longsight, Manchester, runs clothing business, Freight Train Vintage. Trading has enabled Hannah to develop her skills and confidence. She comments:
“I am really proud of how I have built up the business, and think it is looking really wonderful. I have grown and so has the stall, I have now learned what it takes to be a market trader. My customers have helped me build my confidence so much.”
Traders on the National Youth Market are all in the running for a £500 prize and to be crowned Young Trader of the Year, judged by the operators of the city’s markets, Manchester Markets.
Cllr Rosa Battle, Manchester City Council executive member for culture and leisure, said: “The National Youth Market has proved immensely popular with both young traders and shoppers since it began two years ago.
“I’m sure this year’s market will be even more successful and I’d encourage anyone in the city centre to pop along and marvel at the dedication, energy and entrepreneurial spirit of all the young traders.
“I’m proud that we’re able host to this market right in the heart of the city centre and hopefully offer a stepping stone to fruitful careers for the young traders.”
The National Youth Market is run in partnership with the NMTF, a trade association that represents 25,000 market and street traders, events retailers and mobile caterers in the UK.
Joe Harrison, chief executive, said: “Market trading is a lean model of retailing that enables entrepreneurs to come face to face with customers without the burden of fixed premises.
“Young people recognise this and a new generation of traders is entering the industry bringing with them fresh ideas and new styles of selling – we’re excited to see what the future holds.”
The National Youth Market opens for business in King Street, Manchester, on Friday, June 26 from 11am to 5pm and on Saturday, June 27 from 11am to 6pm.
Alongside the traders there will also be live music and street performances. More information about the National Youth Market, including a list of traders, can be found at www.nmtf.co.uk/NYM15
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