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Council plans Skipton's first 'young traders market'

Skipton Canal Basin <i>(Image: Skipton Waterway Festival/Skipton Town Council)</i>
Skipton Canal Basin (Image: Skipton Waterway Festival/Skipton Town Council)

SKIPTON'S first ever young traders market is due to be held later this year - and if there is enough interest, it is set to become a regular event.

The town council, which is launching the market, is appealing for budding young business people, from as young as 13-years old to 30, to apply for a pitch at the market, which will be held in the Skipton Canal Basin, on Sunday, June 4.

There is also a chance that traders, from 16 years old, will be put forward to a national competition run by the National Market Trader Federation to find the country's best young market traders.

Toby Garbutt, the town council's market officer, said the bottom age limit had been set to 13 years old so secondary school pupils could run a stall, maybe as part of a school project. The market will be free for traders and will offer valuable business experience including how to deal with customers.

Young musicians and performers will also be welcome, and there will be a small payment for them, in addition to them being allowed to busk.

Toby said: “We are so excited to be launching Skipton’s first young traders market this year. It’s an amazing opportunity for young entrepreneurs, to become established within the Skipton community.

“We pride ourselves on providing opportunities for young people and by making the market free, it creates an occasion accessible to all.”

He added: "We don't see a lot of young people getting into markets, we wanted to find a way to make it more accessible and developing small businesses."

The market in June will be a one-off, but if there is enough interest, it will be repeated, said Toby.

The town council is working in partnership with the National Market Trader Federation to allow the national competition to run as a part of its young traders market.

Young traders from 16 years old to 30 could be selected and potentially go ahead to the national final.

Joe Harrison, chief executive officer of the national federation, stressed the importance of local young traders markets when he addressed the October NABMA conference on the challenges and successes of the campaign.

He said: “These local events are not only important in finding participants for the regional finals but also in helping the wider aim of attracting more young traders on to markets,” he said.

To apply for Skipton Young Trader Market and to find out more about the competition, visit www.skiptontowncouncil.gov.uk, or email: toby@skiptontowncouncil.gov.uk