Young Traders Market Competition comes to Boston

Posted on 15 June 2023

Boston will host a local heat for its first Young Traders Market Competition, in partnership with the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF) on Saturday 24 June, offering young entrepreneurs from the local area the chance to showcase their creative products and talents. 

The Young Traders Market Competition will feature over 300 contestants from across the UK, in an effort to attract new blood into the retail markets industry.

The local heat will run from 10am until 2pm in Boston, alongside the usual market, with a variety of stalls offering a diverse and attractive range of goods, services and fresh local produce.

Young trader contestants have to be aged between 16 and 30 years old, with the chance to qualify for the regional final in Bury St Edmunds later this summer and then potentially the national final at Stratford-upon-Avon's Waterside in August, to compete for a top prize of £500!

Councillor Dale Broughton, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Town Centre and Markets, said: "It's fantastic that as a historic market town we're able to host and support this national event, encouraging young, talented entrepreneurs from the local area to dip their collective toes into the water and help discover the next generation of market traders.

"I'd like to encourage our local residents to get out in town next Saturday, support all those taking part and explore what our fantastic stall-holders have to offer. I wish the very best of luck to all the young people taking part."

NMTF CEO Joe Harrison said: "Whilst the final is the main event we also believe that local young traders markets are just as important, and that is why we are grateful for the support from so many market operators.

"After all the purpose behind our YTM initiative has been to encourage young entrepreneurs to try retail markets for size.

"And many of those who have taken part have never looked back."

For more information, or for the application form to take part in the 2023 Young Traders Market campaign, please visit: https://www.nmtf.co.uk/ytm23appform/ or contact Markets Manager, Ian Dunn at Ian.Dunn@boston.gov.uk