Young entrepreneurs from West Suffolk and beyond are being invited to trade off in the heats of a national market competition which starts early next month.

The National Market Traders Federation Young Trader of the Year competition begins in Bury St Edmunds on Wednesday 7 July. Those looking to try their hand at trading will be scored by a team of judges including Mark Cordell of Our Bury St Edmunds on their products, customer service skills, professionalism and how they interact with the other market traders.

Three winners will then go through to a regional heat of the competition which takes place in Bury St Edmunds on Wednesday 4 August before progressing to a national finals taking place on 27 August and 28 August at Stratford Upon Avon.

To take part you must be aged between 16 and 30-years-old. West Suffolk Council, which runs the markets, will supply the table and gazebo and cover the insurance costs.

Cllr Susan Glossop, Cabinet Member for Growth at West Suffolk Council said: “It could be that you are looking for a new start, that the pandemic has led to you looking for a new job, or this may be the start of your career. Or it maybe you have simply wondered what if and how to share your creative passion to turn it into a livelihood. Whatever your reason, this competition is an excellent opportunity to bring your ideas to the marketplace, test your products out to see what sells, build your confidence and develop your customer skills. Our judges have will offer helpful and constructive feedback and whether you achieve national recognition in the competition or not, it could lead to something even greater with the start of your very own business here in West Suffolk.”

To take part in the competition, or if you have any further enquiries, please email markets@westsuffolk.gov.uk