Young entrepreneurs from around the UK are pitching up in Albert Square this weekend as part of the UK’s inaugural National Youth Market.
From 11am tomorrow, more than 80 traders aged between the ages of 11 and 21 will show off their wares on 44 different stalls.
Josh, 20, from Manchester will be selling fabrics and artwork under his brand WonderWall, and believes that markets like this are key to nurturing young business talent.
“Events like this are so important to the growth of small businesses and the development of young traders,” he said.
“Not only for the sales and the experience that comes with them, but for the confirmation that there are still options there for people to succeed from hard work and a good idea.”
Today traders aged 11 to 15 will have the opportunity to benefit from expert advice and tuition at a training session run by the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF).
NMTF Chief Executive Joe Harrison hopes the young people attending this weekend will gain skills for life and perhaps consider trading as a career.
“Simply, if you’ve got the hunger, a market stall is the ideal way to turn your passion into a profit,” he explained.
“It is widely recognised within the industry that new blood is needed on our nation’s markets.
“New traders add to the diversity and the appeal of markets and attract new customers.”
Manchester City Council’s executive member for neighbourhood services, Councillor Bernard Priest, echoed Mr Harrison’s view and insists Manchester is the perfect venue to hold the event.
“This is the first time a market like this has taken place anywhere in the country and what better location can there be for the aspiring trader than Manchester’s bustling city centre?” he said.
“The experience of hosting a stall for a day will give the participants the unique chance to experience running a business and help them foster skills they can build on for years to come.”
Picture courtesy of chrisinplymouth via Flickr, with thanks
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