Young entrepreneurs shine at Young Trader Competition regional final

31 Jul 2026

West Suffolk welcomed some of the region’s most promising young entrepreneurs as it hosted the regional final of the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF) Young Trader Competition.

The event brought a vibrant atmosphere to the town centre, with traders aged 16 to 30 travelling from across East Anglia, London and the South East to showcase their businesses and compete for a place in the national final.

Among those taking part were winners and highly commended traders from earlier heats held in Bury St Edmunds, Haverhill and Newmarket.

Products included cakes, bakes, plants gifts, crafts, artwork, pet treats, preserves, hot food and artisan coffees.

Competitors were assessed across several categories and judged on a range of factors, including product quality, customer service and engagement with fellow traders.

The judging panel included: Cllr Cliff Waterman (Leader of West Suffolk Council), Jackie Regan (Events Manager for Our Bury St Edmunds), and Dorcas Sukami, growth officer at West Suffolk Council.

The results of the regional final which took place in Bury St Edmunds on Wednesday 29 July are as follows:

• Overall winner: Skye Alefounder, Country House Treats
• Arts and crafts
  Winner: Megan Smylie Page - mspwildlifeart 
  Highly Commended: Elise Parker - Scribbles by Floss, Sapphire Grant - Alfresco Potter Ltd
• General retail
  Winner: Skye Alefounder - Country House Treats 
  Highly Commended: Georgiana Bogatu - Scent & Bloom Collection, George Cox - Sudbury Plants
• Grocery 
  Winner: Sarah Griffin - Gardentojar, 
  Highly Commended: Elise Cakebread - Cakebread Delights
• Food and drink
  Winner: Shaun Bailey - Baileys catering
  Highly Commended: Lydia Kerr - Greys Coffee from Bury St Edmunds
• People's Choice: Elise Cakebread - Cakebread Delights

Traders who impressed the judges at the regional final will now go on to represent the region at the National Final in Stratford-upon-Avon over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Cllr Indy Wijenayaka, Cabinet Member for Growth at West Suffolk Council, said:
“We are delighted with the success of this year’s Young Trader Competition. It provides a valuable platform for young entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, build confidence and develop important skills within a supportive environment. The competition also gives residents and visitors the chance to discover and support local businesses.

“The standard of entries has been outstanding, and it has been inspiring to see the talent, determination and entrepreneurial spirit on display. I wish all those progressing to the National Final in Stratford-upon-Avon every success.”

The NMTF Young Traders Market is a nationwide initiative designed to encourage young people to start and grow market-based businesses. West Suffolk Council supports the programme by providing gazebos and tables for participants and covering insurance costs.

Further information about West Suffolk markets and trader offers are available on our markets website
 

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