UK’s best young market trader
The North Essex Economic Board are searching for the UK’s most promising young entrepreneurs as the Young Traders Market campaign launches for 2025.
Young Traders Market campaign
Run nationally by the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF), the Young Traders Market campaign is open to traders aged 16 to 30 and is designed to uncover, support, and showcase the brightest business talent in the UK’s markets. From handmade products and street food to fashion and unique services, young traders are encouraged to get involved at a local level to kick-start or grow their ventures.
Young Entrepreneurs Programme
This year, North Essex Economic Board (NEEB) is actively supporting local young traders across North Essex, providing resources and opportunities to take part in the campaign under its wider commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship in the region.
As part of NEEB’s Young Entrepreneurs Programme, young people will receive the opportunity to trade for free at a choice of local markets, as well as access seed funding of £200 for stock/materials to get them started. Attendance at the markets will also give participants the chance to progress through to the regional finals — and potentially all the way to the national final in Stratford-upon-Avon over the August bank holiday weekend.
Participants can choose from the following markets/dates for their free stall.
Braintree
Where: Great Square market, Braintree
When: Saturday 28 June, 9am to 5.30pm
Dunmow
Where: The Maltings market, Great Dunmow, CM6 1BY
When: Saturday 5 July, 10am to 3pm
Waltham Abbey
Where: Market square, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1DG
When: Saturday 5 July, 9am to 5.30pm
Chelmsford
Where: Chelmsford indoor market, Chelmsford, CM1 1LE
When: Saturday 12 July, 8.30am to 5pm
Young Market Trader of the Year
Successful traders from these local events are selected to compete in 10 regional finals, with the best progressing to the grand final held over the August bank holiday weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon.
The overall winner will receive:
- £700 cash prize
- A pop-up retail unit in a shopping centre, courtesy of Space & People
- Peddle membership
- Free NMTF membership for one year
Real-world experience
We’re delighted to share the Young Traders Market campaign and the opportunities it brings to our residents. This initiative is a fantastic platform for young people to build confidence, develop real-world business skills, and gain hands-on trading experience.
With the backing of the North Essex Economic Board and the National Market Traders Federation, aspiring entrepreneurs will be equipped with the tools they need to turn their ideas into income and their passions into sustainable careers.
Cllr Holly Whitbread, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development
More information
For more information about how to get involved in your area, visit
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