Haverhill and Bury St Edmunds celebrate success of the local heats of the Young Traders Market

Haverhill and Bury St Edmunds proudly hosted the local heats for the Young Traders Market, marking the third consecutive year of hosting both the local heats and the highly anticipated regional competition.

The event has provided a platform for young people under the age of 30 to showcase their talents, build confidence and develop essential business skills.

The Young Traders Market has proven to be a brilliant opportunity for budding entrepreneurs to promote their passion and innovative ideas. From transforming hobbies into successful ventures to developing kitchen tabletop businesses into promising careers, participants have seized the chance to explore their entrepreneurial spirit while gaining valuable experience.

Over the past three years the Young Traders Market have produced remarkable success stories for local traders, further highlighting the significance of this event.

In 2021, Sophie Clarke achieved national recognition by winning her category for her exceptional home furnishings business. Furthermore, last year’s competition saw Sophie Mann, emerge as the Young Market Trader of the Year in the finals held at Stratford Upon Avon.

In Haverhill, Olivia Washington, of Olivia’s Curiosities, won the General Retail category; Marnie Bevan and Helen Costello, of The Bottle Bank Co, won the Sustainability category; and Logan Chittock-Giles, of The Pencil Smith, won the Craft category (pictured above).

And in Bury St Edmunds Jordan Warne, of Boxaball Limited, won the General Retail category; Amanda Hodgett, of Meadow & Woodland Livestock, won the Grocery category; Jessica Pratt, of Morsi’s, won the Food and Drink category; and Hannah Evans, of Lavender & Lilac Candle Co, won the Craft category (pictured above).

The highly commended awards across both markets went to Moody Cow Crafts, Dessert Den Ely Ltd, SJP Nail Creations, Olivia’s Curiosities, Orphic Adornments, Jessica Sian Illustrations, Emily & Louise, Hannah Handmakes, Charlotte Emily Artist, Cinders Macrame, Tiffs Tempting Treats, Bad Boi Burritos, Licenced to Grill, DearLove Limited, Handmade Galore and Preloved, Reloaded Kids.

Donna Higgins, cabinet member for Families and Communities at West Suffolk Council, attended the Bury St Edmunds heat.

The regional final will be taking place on Wednesday, July 26, in Bury St Edmunds, where all the winners and highly commended traders will be back trading and competing for a place in the national final.

Indy Wijenayaka, cabinet member for Growth at West Suffolk Council, said: “It is fantastic to have the Young Traders Market back in West Suffolk with over 30 stalls taking part. The events have a strong focus on nurturing local talent; encouraging young people to establish and expand their businesses within West Suffolk.

“By providing them with a supportive environment and a platform to showcase their skills, we are nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs. They are the leading lights in shaping the future of our society and opportunities like the Young Traders Market highlight the importance of creating a fairer more equal society.

“It is encouraging to see so many of the stalls offering locally sourced products; reducing the supply chain helps the fight against the climate change emergency. The Young Traders Market also contributes to the growth and vibrancy of our local markets, town centres, and the overall economy.”

The NMTF (National Market Trader Federation) Young Traders Market is a national campaign to attract young people to support and trade on the markets.

West Suffolk Council supports the NMTF campaign and assisted competitors by supplying tables and gazebos, plus covering insurance costs.