Young traders impress at Newmarket local heat

14 Jul 2026

Young entrepreneurs showcased their businesses in Newmarket town centre for the local heat of the Young Trader Competition.

The event brought together traders aged between 16 and 30, who displayed their products to the public while vying for a place in the regional final.

Visitors enjoyed browsing a diverse selection of stalls featuring everything from jewellery to toys, as well as ceramics and collectables.

Throughout the day, participants competed across a variety of categories and were assessed on several aspects of their businesses, including product quality, presentation, customer engagement and overall professionalism. The judging panel consisted of Cllr Indy Wijenayaka (Cabinet Member for Growth), Cllr Janne Jarvis (Ward Member), Roz Scott (Local Markets East Anglia), and Linda Scales (Local Markets East Anglia).

Successful traders from the Newmarket and Haverhill local heat, together with participants from the upcoming local heat in Bury St Edmunds (Wednesday 15 July), will progress to the regional final in Bury St Edmunds (Wednesday 30 July). Regional winners will then advance to the national final in Stratford-upon-Avon over the August bank holiday weekend.

The overall winner of the Newmarket local heat was Sapphire Grant from Alfresco Potter Ltd.

Highly commended awards were presented to:

• Amelia Smart from Amelia Crochet
• Emily Kline from Emily and Louise
• CJ Knights from Beaded by CJK
• Thea Murray from The Blackwood Achieve

Cllr Indy Wijenayaka, Cabinet Member for Growth at West Suffolk Council and competition judge, said: “It has been fantastic to see so many ambitious young traders bringing their businesses to Newmarket and demonstrating such enthusiasm, creativity and determination.

“The Young Trader Competition provides an excellent platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to develop their skills, gain valuable experience and connect with new customers. We congratulate all those who took part and wish the winners every success as they move forward to the next stages of the competition.”

The NMTF Young Traders Market initiative is a nationwide programme designed to support and inspire the next generation of market traders. West Suffolk Council supports the competition by providing gazebos and tables for participants, as well as covering insurance costs to help young entrepreneurs take part.

For more information about trading opportunities at West Suffolk markets, please contact: markets@westsuffolk.gov.uk

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