Young traders reach finals

STALLHOLDERS at markets in Coalville and Ashby are preparing for the regional final of the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF) Young Traders Market awards.

Dennys Paints, pictured, was named the overall winner of the North West Leicestershire District Council’s local events.

He will be joined in the regional final on Saturday by Soothing Stones and The Jam Lab.

If successful, the traders could then go on to the national final over the August bank holiday.

Councillor Andrew Woodman, portfolio holder for community services at council, said: “It’s great to see all three traders make it to the regional finals.

“The local young traders markets are a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to showcase their talent and our markets team were really impressed with each of their business ideas.

“We’ll be cheering on all three traders from the sidelines. Good luck to all those that have made it to the finals.”

Joe Harrison, NMTF chief executive, said: “The support for our national campaign by market operators staging their own events has been great this year, and we are so grateful to North West Leicestershire District Council for holding young traders markets at Coalville and Ashby.

“The campaign is now in its 10th year and since its inception has exceeded all our expectations. But that should not be surprising, since more and more operators are increasingly aware that for their retail markets to continue to thrive, they need younger traders to carry on the tradition.

“In that way not only can we hope for markets full of traders but also that they become an attraction for younger shoppers.”