Success at the Young Trader Competition local heat in Bury St Edmunds

The excitement continues to build for the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF) Young Trader Competition after the successful local heat in Bury St Edmunds earlier this week.

Traders aged between 16 to 30 from across East Anglia set up their products ready for the chance to compete.

The stalls boasted a large variety of products, from tasty brownies to bespoke bookmarks, and handmade coasters to freshly made coffee.

Each trader competed in an array of categories and were evaluated against a range of criteria such as products, customer service and how they interacted with other participants.

The judging panel comprised of David Marjoram, as chair of Our Bury St Edmunds BID; Sue Warren, head of marketing at Our Bury St Edmunds BID and Bury St Edmunds and Beyond; and Nick Pandolfi, senior business advisor at the New Anglia Growth Hub. 

The winners from local heats will then progress to the regional heat in Bury St Edmunds on Wednesday, July 30, and then advance to the national final in Stratford-upon-Avon to compete over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

The winner of the local heat was Charlotte Smith, from Fox and Fauna.

The following traders achieved highly commended awards in the local heat: Georgia Bretnall, from Bury Botany; Alyss Humphrys, from Moody Cow Crafts; Amber Henshaw, from Bratty Bat; and Alex Brentnall, from AB Cakes.

The judges were amazed with the young entrepreneurs and their commitment to trading and developing their skills despite the hot weather.

Mr Marjoram said: “I have been really impressed by the range of stalls and the quality of products put forward by the young traders.

“Their passion for their products and entrepreneurship is incredible.”

Ms Warren added: “I was astounded by the variety of products that the stalls had to offer – they ranged from art prints and jewellery to tasty treats and trinkets.

“The enthusiasm and creativity of each individual trader was wonderful to see.”

And Nick Pandolfi said: “The competition highlights the creativity of talented young entrepreneurs and what they are capable of.

“The town was buzzing today, with the event drawing in visitors and shoppers from around the district and beyond.”

A West Suffolk Council spokesperson said: “We are absolutely delighted with the success of Young Trader Competition local heat in Bury St Edmunds.

“It is a fantastic platform for young entrepreneurs to grow their market presence, build confidence, and develop valuable business skills.

“The competition doesn’t just benefit the traders – it offers visitors the opportunity to support local talent and small businesses that contribute to our thriving communities.”

The NMTF Young Traders Market is a national campaign to encourage young people to trade at local markets.

West Suffolk Council supports the event by supplying tables and gazebos, as well as covering insurance costs.

To find out more about trading at West Suffolk markets, contact: markets@westsuffolk.gov.uk