Young Trader Competition heats up in Newmarket ahead of regional final

08 Jul 2024

The excitement continues to build for the second local heat of the Young Trader Competition on Saturday 13 July from 9am to 3pm in Newmarket. The local heats are a vital step of the competition, leading to the highly anticipated regional final, and it promises to be an exhilarating showcase of young talent.

Following the local heats, winners and highly commended traders will go on to compete at the East of England regional heat in Bury St Edmunds, with the hopes of progressing to the national final in Stratford-upon-Avon over the August Bank Holiday weekend. 

The traders, all aged between 16 and 30, will compete in the following categories: overall winner, arts and crafts, food and drink, general retail and groceries. Participants will be judged using a specific criterion that will evaluate each stallholder, from their products to customer service skills.

The Young Trader Competition has seen remarkable participation and enthusiasm by participants. Many of the competitors have traded at West Suffolk markets, notably the monthly makers markets in Bury St Edmunds, Haverhill and Newmarket. 

Cllr Indy Wijenayaka, Cabinet Member for Growth at West Suffolk Council, said: “The Young Trader Competition is an exciting opportunity for young people interested in starting or expanding a business, while encouraging fundamental entrepreneurial skills. The competition provides a platform for traders to experiment with their businesses by testing their products, developing customer service skills, networking with like-minded individuals and building confidence. Not only is this an exciting opportunity for the traders, but also for those who come and visit the market, support our local community and discover one-of-a-kind products.”

The Young Trader market competition is organised and run by the NMTF (National Market Trader Federation) as a campaign to attract young people into market trading, as well as to support the next generation of traders. West Suffolk Council works with the NMTF campaign and helps to provide participants with tables and tents, as well as covering insurance costs. 

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