Market testing youngster’s skills

Young entrepreneurs from The William Allitt School in South Derbyshire are being given the chance to run their own market stalls for free, all in the name of a good cause.

Swadlincote Market is taking part in this year’s international Love Your Local Market celebrations which run from Thursday, May 17 until Thursday, May 31.

Year Seven pupils have developed products and services to help educate people on the importance of a healthy lifestyle and to raise money to buy a defibrillator for their school. Swadlincote Market is offering them stalls free of charge as part of its support of the South Derbyshire Young Enterprise Challenge.

As well as the pupils’ stalls there will be a mixture of traders selling top quality products and produce throughout Swadlincote’s town centre on Friday, May 18, Tuesday May 22 and Friday May 25.

Some well-known household names started out their business life trading on markets such as Superdry, Monsoon, Marks and Spencer and Poundland, and markets offer an affordable way to test trade a business idea.

Cllr Peter Watson, Chairman of the Environmental and Development Services Committee at South Derbyshire District Council said: “Young people are fundamental to the future of markets and by giving them the opportunity to run their own stall this will hopefully give them a taste of what it’s like to run your own business.

“Our South Derbyshire Business Advice Service has given the youngsters top business advice to give them the best chance of developing their skills to maximise their sales.

“The market itself will be full of top quality produce and people are encouraged to take a browse. It will be well worth the visit!”

For more information about the event visit Swadlincote Market’s Facebook page or call the Market Manager Simon Wardle on 07879 276243.

For details about the South Derbyshire Young Enterprise Challenge contact Nicola Lees, Economic Development Officer at South Derbyshire District Council on 01283 595755.

17 May 2018