Introducing the Teenage Market
You may already have experienced something new and exciting in our market towns: The Teenage Market. The Teenage Market was started by two teenage brothers in their hometown of Stockport, just over 10 years ago. Tom and Joe Barratt realised that there simply wasn’t a platform for young people to showcase their entrepreneurial skills. After setting up their first market, which was a massive success, they have expanded the opportunity throughout the country.
Anyone aged 25 or younger can sign up for a free stall on one of the arranged market dates. In this area we currently have the following events running:
Saturday 15th July - Boston
Saturday 19th August - Spilsby
Saturday 16th September - Horncastle
Saturday 21st October - Louth
It is very east to apply. Simply go to www.theteenagemarket.co.uk and you will see two options to sign up as either a Trader or a Performer. That’s right, if you are an actor, a singer, a musician, a comic or a mime artist, there is a place for you too. Signing up is really easy. You then apply for one of the events and we then confirm your place. One of the brilliant things about the Teenage Market is that we will cover your public liability insurance and the cost of a covered stall which really takes the headache out of the process. We are then on hand to give you advice and support right the way through until the event and on the day of the market itself.
Taking the leap can be really daunting but who knows where it might lead you. Let's introduce you to Victoria Heward. Victoria traded at our Teenage Markets last year and a few weeks ago, she opened her own shop in Horncastle! Sam Philips from ELDC who has worked hard to deliver these markets was recently interviewed and here is what she had to say about the whole Teenage Market initiative and Victoria’s journey:
‘‘Rolling out the Teenage Markets in our district has been one of the most rewarding jobs I’ve done. I’m blown away by the talent, enthusiasm and creativity our young traders and performers have shown – we’ve even had young people of primary school age take part. Its so exciting to watch our traders grow in confidence and develop their stalls and products as the markets have progressed.
Seeing Victoria from Nature’s Promise take the next step into taking a unit on the high street in Horncastle must be one of my proudest moments. Her professionalism and dedication to her business is phenomenal and I just know she will continue to develop and grow her great business. Victoria is now acting as an ambassador for our Teenage Markets and recently joined an assembly to share her story and talk about taking part in our Teenage Markets, hopefully inspiring others to take their first step into trading with us.’’
You can find out more about Nature’s Promise by visiting Victoria’s Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/Naturespromise20
Yes that’s right, at our last market in Horncastle, we had Adelaide who is just 9 years old, running her stall Blooming Fresh!
Adelaide at her stall: Blooming Fresh
Here’s some more feedback from our young traders:
Imogen Croasdale, Magick Box Store:
“I wanted to send my thanks to everyone involved in the teen market yesterday! It was such a great experience and I loved talking to everyone :)) I also wanted to ask if you could send over the names of all the businesses involved so I could keep supporting them over social media :).”
Isabel Payne, Midnights Moon:
“Thank you again for letting me be a part of the Louth market it was absolutely brilliant one of the best markets I’ve ever done!!!”
Victoria Heward, Nature’s Promise:
“I wanted to say a massive thank you for allowing me to take part in the teenage markets as without them I wouldn't be in the position that I am or have the confidence to do so (opening up a shop). I have learned so much and am so grateful for all that you have done and continue to do.”
Inspired? We hope so. Do sign up or if you have any queries, do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to help you: kate.giffen@e-lindsey.gov.uk