TRADERS aged 16 to 21 will head to Albert Square to 'punt their wares' and 'flash up their gear' for the country's only National Youth Market.
On Saturday 7 June, young entrepreneurs from across the UK will set up 50 stalls in hope to be crowned Young Trader of the Year 2014 and win a £500 cash prize. Alongside the traders there will also be live music and street performances.
"The experience of hosting a stall for the day will allow participants to experience running a business and help foster skills they can build on for years to come."
Hannah Havard, 19, who runs mainSeam, a business selling vintage apparel and accessories, said: “I am a confessed vintage hoarder, which was originally a hobby that has now turned into a developing business. Starting mainSeam has been a very exciting experience and I'm looking forward to introducing and expanding my business at the National Youth Market.”
Following last year's debut youth market, the National Market Traders Federation and Manchester Markets have teamed up with volunteer charity, vInspired, to run the event and aim to encourage young traders to continue trading at their local market with the support of their local market operator.
Young traders at Albert Square
Councillor Rosa Battle, Manchester City Council executive member for culture and leisure, said: “The youth market is a truly innovative idea that gives young people a chance to embrace their entrepreneurial spirit. The experience of hosting a stall for the day will allow participants to experience running a business and help foster skills they can build on for years to come.”
Joe Harrison, chief executive of the NMTF, said: “The National Youth Market showcases market trading as a lean model for young entrepreneurs to start-up and run a retail business, either on markets or market-type events such as craft fairs, festivals and shows."
