The search is on for the Young Market Trader of the Year 2024 and Horsham town centre is set to host the first local heat of this national competition on Sunday 28 April.
The National Market Traders Federation (NMTF) Young Traders Market competition is open to all traders aged 16-30 years and they are invited to sign up now to take part.
if you run or know an exciting small business that would be interested in joining this vibrant market event for the chance to become the UK’s Young Trader of the Year, this NMTF competition is free to enter and applications are welcome now. Traders must be under the age of 31 on 26 August 2024 to be eligible to enter. Places are limited so get your applications in online.
Organised again by Coden Events in association with the NMTF and supported by Horsham District Council, this will be a great event for shoppers and traders alike, with a wide range of up-and-coming businesses being showcased. Horsham’s regular last Sunday of the month West Street Arts and Crafts Market will operate alongside the young traders’ competition market stalls to create a lively trading atmosphere.
Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for the Local Economy and Place Cllr Ruth Fletcher said:
“Locals and visitors keep coming back to Horsham because of our lively and varied markets. We are proud that many of our market traders have operated successfully in Horsham for many years, and that others who started their businesses with a market stall have then expanded their business offerings.
“Trading from a market stall is a cost-effective way of raising your profile, engaging directly with new customers and learning from your fellow traders.
“I am pleased we are partnering with Coden Events and the National Market Traders' Federation to support our young market traders again. I encourage young traders to put in an application and take part in this national competition.”
The NMTF Market is just one element of an ongoing campaign by Horsham District Council to attract and support new and younger traders at all of the District’s markets.
Anyone thinking of market trading in the District can find lots of helpful resources on the Council website and on the day of the event there will be a ‘drop-in’ stall providing advice and information in person.