Success at Young Trader Competition local heat

06 Jul 2026

Young entrepreneurs brought creativity and innovation to Haverhill as the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF) Young Trader Competition local heat took place in the town centre.

Traders aged 16 to 30 showcased a wide variety of products, attracting shoppers and visitors while competing for a place in the regional final later this summer.

Each trader competed in an array of categories and were evaluated against a range of criteria such as products, customer service and how they interacted with other participants.

The winners from the local heats in Haverhill, Newmarket (Saturday 11 July from 9am to 3pm) and Bury St Edmunds (Wednesday 15 July from 9am to 4pm) will then progress to the regional heat in Bury St Edmunds on Wednesday 30 July. Winners will then advance to the national final in Stratford-upon-Avon to compete over the August bank holiday weekend.

The winner of the local heat in Haverhill was: Amelia Smart from Amelia Crochet. Amelia said: “I've been trading for about a year, starting out at village hall fairs with my handmade crotchet creations, adding a new design with beads to help with quiet fidgeting. This is my first Young Trader competition, so I'm excited and pleased to have made it through to the next stage. It's been a great experience and has given me so much confidence to keep growing my business."

The following traders achieved highly commended awards in the local heat: Sophie Aris from Handmade Galore, CJ Knights from Beaded by CJK, and Lyra Pye from Lyra’s Jewellery.

Saffron Carter, Young Trader Competition judge and Haverhill Town Centre Manager, said: “What really stood out was the heart behind each business. Every stall had a personal story, and the traders impressed us by knowing exactly where their materials came from and making great use of local resources. Combined with beautifully displayed products, each stall showed real care, creativity and pride in what they had created.”

Cllr Indy Wijenayaka, Cabinet Member for Growth at West Suffolk Council and competition judge, said: “We are delighted to support the Young Trader Competition and to see so many talented young people taking part. Events such as the Haverhill local heat help nurture entrepreneurship, encourage creativity and contribute to the vitality of our thriving communities and town centres.

“It is clear to see that each participant has worked exceptionally hard, sourcing local materials and supporting charity shops by giving pre-loved items a second chance. The young traders had such a positive outlook and energy and this showed when speaking to shoppers and the judges.

“We are looking forward to seeing our talented young traders flourish at the local heats in Newmarket and Bury St Edmunds following the success of the Haverhill heat!”

Cllr Liz Smith, Ward Member for Haverhill South, said: “A lot of our young traders developed their business during the COVID-19 pandemic, using that time to turn a hobby into a successful venture. Their journey showed determination and creativity, and their range of truly unique products reflected the passion and originality behind the business.”

The NMTF Young Traders Market is a national campaign to encourage young people to trade at local markets. West Suffolk Council supports the event by supplying tables and gazebos, as well as covering insurance costs.

To find out more about trading at West Suffolk markets, contact: markets@westsuffolk.gov.uk

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