Young entrepreneurs set out their stall at Leeds Kirkgate market

Young people from across Leeds and West Yorkshire will be showcasing their creative talents and business skills at Leeds Kirkgate Market next week.

Young traders aged between 13 and 30 will soon be heading to Kirkgate to sell their wares at the latest ‘Teenage Market’ on Saturday 16 June between 10.00am to 4.00pm. The Teenage Market will take place in the events space at Kirkgate and is being hosted in partnership with Hammerson, the owners of Victoria Leeds (Victoria Quarter and Victoria Gate).

The young traders at the Teenage Market will be supported by two digital business advisors from the Google garage and 1-2-1 business mentors will be available for them to talk to too, all free of charge.

Not only will the young traders be able to sell their produce, they will also be entered into the National Market Traders Federation’s National Youth Market competition. Up to four Teenage Market attendees will be selected to trade at the first ever Yorkshire Regional Youth Market which will also be held at Kirkgate Market on 1 August (Yorkshire Day).

Top traders from the Youth Market can go on to be nominated to trade at the National Youth Market Champions event, which takes place in Stratford-upon-Avon on Friday 31 August and Saturday 1 September. With an award for ‘Young Trader of the Year’ and four highly commended awards. Each award will receive cash prizes and free NMTF membership for one year.

Councillor Asghar Khan, deputy executive member with responsibility for markets:

“We have so many talented, gifted and creative young people here in Leeds who just need to be given the right opportunity to grow their business idea. The Teenage Market allows us to not only nurture young talent and encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs it is also a fantastic opportunity for people to get their hands on a real creative mix of products. So I’d encourage everyone to come along and see some amazing items that you really wouldn’t find anywhere else.”

.The National Youth Market celebrates young entrepreneurs trading at markets, festivals and fairs across the country and provides the opportunity for young people to test out, launch, and grow a business.

For more information or to sign up for a stall, people can visit: https://theteenagemarket.co.uk/events/leeds-teenage-market-7/