On Sunday 13 July, Sarah Griffin from Horsham-based business Garden to Jar was awarded overall winner in the Grocery category at the Young Market Traders Southeast Regional Final, which now catapults her to the national final.
Held at the vibrant Broadway Market in Hackney, London, the regional event is part of the National Market Trader’s Federation (NMTF) competition for young entrepreneurs aged 16 to 30 and marks an important step towards the sought-after National Young Trader of the Year Award 2025.
Founded and run by local young entrepreneur Sarah, Garden to Jar is a small, artisanal business based in Partridge Green, Horsham. They specialise in the production of high-quality chutneys, jams and other preserves, which they sell through a variety of channels including at Horsham’s Carfax Local Market.
Earlier this year in April, Sarah won Horsham’s local heat of NMTF’s nationally recognised competition for young traders. Organised by local market operator Coden Events and supported by Horsham District Council, this was the third time the event was held in Horsham.
Commenting on Sarah’s success, Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Enterprise and Property Cllr Jonathan Taylor said:
This is a fantastic achievement for Garden to Jar. Sarah’s outstanding performance at both Horsham’s local heat and the Southeast Regional Final highlights the exceptional young talent we have locally.
I hope many other young entrepreneurs are inspired to explore market trading as a result.
Many congratulations to Garden to Jar and we wish them the best of luck at the national final!
Building on this success, Garden to Jar is now investing in key equipment and operational improvements with support from the Council’s Green LEAP funding. These enhancements will help streamline production, meet increasing demand and reduce the business’s environmental footprint.
Sarah from Garden to Jar commented:
I’m thrilled that we’ve been named Overall Winner in the Grocery Category at the Young Traders Competition Regional Final. This exciting win follows the previous success in Horsham for Garden to Jar, where we were honoured as Overall Winner at the West Street Market heat.
These victories mark a major milestone—our second consecutive year reaching the National Final—a true testament to our passion, hard work, locally sourced ingredients and the incredible community that continues to support our journey.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our amazing customers and long-time supporters, whose belief in our vision makes achievements like this possible. Special thanks to Horsham Markets, Horsham District Council, Visit Horsham, and the NMTF for their invaluable support.
We’re also proud recipients of Horsham District Council’s Green Leap Grant, which has played a vital role in helping Garden to Jar grow and start expanding our wholesale business.”
Garden to Jar will now progress to the national final in Stratford-upon-Avon which takes place over the August bank holiday weekend.
Are you interested in exploring market trading? Access helpful resources and guidance on the Council website