Young traders to show their wares
Slough’s first ever Young Traders Market (YTM) will be taking place in the Queensmere Observatory Shopping Centre today (Friday).
Young entrepreneurs with an existing online presence will be welcomed to the shopping centre between 10am and 5pm for the event brought by Slough BID and Slough Borough Council (SBC).
The Young Traders
Market is part of a national initiative, currently in its 12th year, which is being run by the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF).
The event provides young entrepreneurs aged 16 to 30 with the chance to trade on the day.
The market will be situated on the Queensmere Observatory concourse opposite the former Debenhams store.
A host of stalls will offer a range of products including handcrafted accessories, vintage clothes, artwork, beauty products and toys.
Clarissa Parker, Slough BID manager, said: “The aim of the initiative is to attract young people to view markets as a career option and one which can support young entrepreneurs and new businesses which have the potential to achieve huge success.”
Admission to the event is free and visitors are encouraged to bring along their friends and family.
Young traders who take part will be entered into a NMTF Young Traders Market 2024 campaign, with the aim of reaching the national final in StratfordUpon-Avon and winning the title of Young Trader of the Year.
Judging of the traders at today’s event will take place between 3pm and 4pm. Mayor Amjad Abbasi and Slough Central ward councillors Ejaz Ahmed and Dhruv Tomar will be acting as judges using the national national criteria provided by NMTF.
The winner and the trader that achieves highly commended will be announced at approximately 4pm, with certificates provided by Slough BID.
Stalls are free for those aged 16 to 30 and stall holders will have a chance to take part in up to six Slough BID future market events, with each stall costing £5.
Clarissa added: “This is the first time Slough, via the
BID, are hosting a YTM event. The area does not currently have a market in the town but it is hoped that the YTM will be first of many future markets days with conversations underway with a reputable operator.
“We feel that a Young Traders Market provides an opportunity for young entrepreneurs to trade in their local area, meet other traders, encourage greater footfall and a new audience to the town centre. We look forward to welcoming you to the event.”
Shanaaz Carroll, interim head of economic development & regeneration at Slough Borough Council, said: “The initiative aims to attract young people to view markets as a career option, and one which can support young entrepreneurs and new businesses which have the potential to achieve huge success.
“The additional aim of the scheme is to bring new blood into the markets sector and to support high streets and town centres to thrive, as consumers seek out new experiences and offers.”
For more information contact Slough BID at: info@sloughbid.co.uk or call 07943185472.