Young entrepreneurs are being offered free pitches and stalls at The Blue Market in Bermondsey, with a chance to eventually trade at the world-famous Portobello Market.
People aged 16 to 30 can showcase their goods on the first Saturday of each month from March 2 until July 6 as part of the Young Traders Market (YTM).
Organised in partnership with the National Market Traders Federation, the competition will see the best traders progress to more market opportunities – with the national final being held in Stratford-Upon-Avon in August.
Luds van den Belt, manager at Big Local Works, which runs the Blue Market, said: “We are excited by our role of organising the Young Traders Market at the Blue Market and helping to cultivate a new generation of successful entrepreneurs who can thrive as traders.
“We invite everyone to visit the YTM in the coming months and see the innovative products, ideas, and energy that young traders will bring here to the Blue Market”.
The prestigious YTM can be a valuable experience for traders, offering them a chance to interact with customers, gain experience and help the local economy.
Judges will assess them based on their products, display, customer service skills, professionalism and interaction with other market traders.
The regional final will take place at Portobello Market on July 14 with the national final in Stratford Upon-Avon taking place in August. The overall winner will be crowned ‘Young Trader of the Year’.
Young entrepreneurs interested in participating in the Young Traders Market are encouraged to contact the Blue Market Manager for more information and to book their space on info@thebluemarket.co.uk adding Ref: YTM 2024. Alternatively, they can fill in the enquiry form on our website: www.thebluemarket.co.uk/trade-with-us