The most promising and exciting young market traders in the North East of England come together this weekend in the Regional Final of the NMTF Young Traders Market – and for the market’s most impressive traders, their next step in the competition will be the National Final in Stratford in August.
The competition takes the form of an Outdoor Market, which is being hosted by Durham Markets Company and being held in Durham Market Place from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, 2nd July.
Colin Wilkes, Managing Director of Durham Markets Company, commented: “This market is all about finding the future of market trading; young people with a bright idea, a genuine passion for what they’re doing, a great sales patter, and the determination to take their fledgling business and see just how far they can go with it. The competition takes the form of a market, so this coming Sunday, we’d love to welcome as many of the public as possible to support these young traders.”
The NMTF Young Trader campaign is now in its 11th year. Joe Harrison, CEO of the NMTF, said: “There are so many examples of multinationals that started with a market trader selling from a humble stall. You never know, there might be a young person setting up stall who will be the next big business success. And in these difficult times, we need entrepreneurship and fresh ideas more than ever.”
Up to 30 Young Traders will compete on Sunday, with stalls featuring original artwork, baked goods, clothing, craft beers, hand-crafted items and much more.
Miles Nelson and Chris Larmouth, who also have a stall in Durham Market Hall, are in the Regional Final for the third time. Their stall, Bookwyrm, will be selling Miles’ own books, as well as the works of local authors and LBGT+ authors. Chris commented: “For this market, it’s best not to think of it as a competition but to go and have fun! It really helps to show your passion for what you’re selling. It’s about letting the customers know that everything on your stall is there because you want it to be there, because you love it!’
At Sunday’s Regional Final, expert judges will spend time talking to the traders, watching the way they trade and looking at their different lines and business models. The public will also be able to meet young people, discover their products and ideas and shop with them.
Colin concluded: “In the Durham Heat earlier this year, some of the young traders sold out – imagine how encouraging that is as you start up your business. We’re looking forward to people from across the North East coming to Durham this Sunday. As well as this unique market, there will be entertainment in the Market Place to make it, all in all, a great day out.”
