Now in its 10th year, the Young Traders Market is a countrywide initiative run by the National Market Traders Federation, who aim to nurture young talent by encouraging the next generation of entrepreneurs to trade on the nation’s traditional markets with the event.

Warrington Market is set to bring the event back to the town centre for a third time on Saturday 2 July, with over 40 young-owned businesses showcasing their products and themselves. The event also doubles as a competition with prizes to be won, including the chance of being crowned Warrington’s Young Trader of the Year.

Reigning local champion, Georgia Atkinson will once again be returning to Time Square to defend her Warrington Young Trader of the Year title. She said: “Warrington Young Traders was my first ever market stall and I couldn’t have wished for a better event to start with!

“The organisation before and on the day itself, as well as all the staff, was amazing. I met some lovely fellow young traders who I’m still in contact with today.

“If you’re aged 16 to 30 and have your own business then I would 100% recommend you get involved in the Young Traders programme. I can’t wait for Saturday!”

As well as the market stall offer, the market team has also partnered up with Lee Harman of Warrington Music, who will host a Young Talent Live Music stage to complement the main event.

The judging panel for this year consists of Alan Hartwell, Managing Director for Marketplace Europe, Chester Market Manager Karen Bates and Councillor Tom Jennings, Cabinet Member for Economic Development & Innovation, who will return to judging duties for the second year running.

Cllr Jennings said: "The Young Traders Market is a fantastic initiative, putting our talented, entrepreneurial young people front-and-centre in a showcase of their ideas, creativity and business skills. It’s a great way to support the next generation of business owners in Warrington so I'm more than pleased that it's returning.

“Last year’s event was extremely popular, with more than 5,000 people attending to enjoy all kinds of high-quality products from our young people. I’m looking forward to this year’s event being another big success and being part of crowning Warrington’s Young Trader of the Year 2022.”

Following the judging process, a selection of winners will be chosen to represent Warrington at the North West Regional Final, which this year will take place in Bolton on Saturday 16 July. From here, winners will then be selected to represent the region at the Grand Final in Stratford Upon Avon at the end of August.

Warrington Young Traders Market takes place from 9am on Saturday 2 July – for more information, check out the market’s social pages, @WarringtonMkt or drop an email to jay.seville@warrington.gov.uk.