Emerging entrepreneurs shine at regional final of the Young Trader Competition

31 Jul 2025

On Wednesday 30 July, Bury St Edmunds hosted the East Anglia regional final of the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF) Young Trader Competition.

The event welcomed talented traders aged 16 to 30 from across the region, each bringing passion, creativity and a unique range of products to the market.

Finalists from the previous heat in Bury St Edmunds competed in the regional final with the hope to progress to the national final in Stratford-upon-Avon over the August bank holiday weekend.

From tasty treats and handcrafted prints to forward-thinking fashion and home décor, the stalls offered something for every shopper.

Competitors were assessed across multiple categories, with judging criteria including product quality, customer service, and engagement with fellow traders. The panel of judges featured Cllr Diane Hind, Cabinet Member for Resources at West Suffolk Council, Sian Garwood, Customer Experience Assistant at the Haverhill Epicentre and Nick Pandolfi, Senior Business Advisor at the New Anglia Growth Hub.

The winners of the regional final were:

• Overall Winner: Georgia Brenthall from Bury Botany
•  Arts and Crafts: Megan Smylie-Page from MSP Wildlife Art
• General Retail: Charlotte Smith from Fox and Fauna
• Groceries: Alex Brenthall from ABCakes

 

The following traders achieved highly commended awards:

• Under 16s: Massimo Hewitt from Massimo Resin-tastic
• Arts and Crafts: Heidi Prior from Witchcrafting
• Arts and Crafts: George McCathie from Whittle Works
• Arts and Crafts: Scarlett Howell from The Pink Flame Co
• General Retail: Kamran Hasnat from Al-Raayiha
• Grocery: Sarah Griffin from Gardentojar

Cllr Indy Wijenayaka, Cabinet Member for Growth at West Suffolk Council said: “The Young Trader Competition continues to be a fantastic platform for young people to gain confidence, develop their business skills, and grow their market presence. It also brings a real buzz to the district and offers the community a great opportunity to support up-and-coming local talent. This competition represents just one aspect of West Suffolk Council’s ongoing commitment to building thriving communities and promoting sustainable growth for the benefit of all residents and businesses. I wish all our finalists the best of luck in the national final.”

Cllr Diane Hind, Cabinet Member for Resources and competition judge, said: “I have been really impressed with the standard of innovation and imagination of the young traders. It was wonderful hearing about the journey each individual has been on that has led them to taking part in the competition today. Their passion for their products and the effort that goes into their stall is truly inspiring!”

Sian Garwood, Customer Experience Assistant at the Haverhill Epicentre and competition judge, said: “It is clear when walking around the stalls today how much care and attention the traders have put into their stall and products. A lot of the young entrepreneurs said that their own personal experiences have helped shape their products, and that trading has benefitted their mental health, which is just fantastic to hear.”

Nick Pandolfi, Senior Business Advisor at the New Anglia Growth Hub and competition judge, said: “Each trader has really considered their business plans and who their target audience is. They have taken into account price points and buying personas, ensuring the success of their business. The care and knowledge of the traders who have taken part today are truly an inspiration for the next generation of traders.”

The successful young traders will now progress to the national final in Stratford-upon-Avon during the August Bank Holiday weekend.

The NMTF Young Traders Market is a national initiative designed to encourage and support young people in market trading. West Suffolk Council is proud to back the event by providing logistical support, including tables, gazebos, and insurance.

For more information visit: West Suffolk Markets

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