Bury St Edmunds hosts final local heat of Young Trader Competition

16 Jul 2026

The final local heat of this year's Young Trader Competition took place in Bury St Edmunds, bringing together some of the region's most promising young entrepreneurs.

The event was the last of the local heats held across West Suffolk, following successful competitions in Haverhill and Newmarket. Young traders aged between 16 and 30 displayed their products in the town centre to compete for a place in the regional final.

The stalls featured a large variety of products, from toys, prints and ceramics to coffee and sweet treats.

Participants were evaluated on a range of criteria, including product quality, stall presentation, business knowledge, customer service and overall professionalism. The judging panel included Roz Scott (Local Markets East Anglia) and Cllr Rowena Lindberg.

The results of the Bury St Edmunds local heat:

• Overall winner: Lydia Kerr from Grey’s Coffee Limited
• First place: James Bowling from Layered by JB
• Second place: Emily Louise Kline from Emily and Louise
• Third place: Elise Parker from Scribbles by Floss
• Highly commended: George Cox from Sudbury Plants and Arun Lal from Karm Clothing.

Roz Scott, Young Trader Competition judge, said: “I was truly impressed by all of the traders. Every one of them was articulate, passionate and incredibly knowledgeable. The standard across the board was exceptionally high, and their hard work and dedication shone through.”

Cllr Rowena Lindberg, Young Trader Competition judge, said: “There was an eclectic mix of traders, each with a unique story of resilience. It was inspiring to hear how adversity shaped their journeys, how COVID helped many discover their passions, and how those passions became exceptional products. The standard of products and dedication on display was truly impressive.”

Cllr Indy Wijenayaka, Cabinet Member for Growth at West Suffolk Council, said: “The Young Trader Competition provides an excellent opportunity for participants to develop their businesses, build confidence and gain first-hand experience of market trading.

“Bury St Edmunds has a proud market heritage and it is always inspiring to see young entrepreneurs bringing fresh ideas and enthusiasm to our town centre. We congratulate everyone who took part and look forward to seeing the successful traders continue their journey through the competition to the regional final later this month.”

Successful traders from the local heats will progress to the regional final in Bury St Edmunds on Wednesday 29 July from 9am to 4pm. Regional winners will then advance to the national final in Stratford-upon-Avon over the August bank holiday weekend.

The National Market Traders Federation (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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