Warrington entrant, Ellie Francesca Design, was crowned North West Young Trader of the Year alongside taking first place in the arts and crafts category. Ellie impressed judges with her collection of hand drawn prints inspired by music and lyrics.
There was more success for Warrington’s traders on the day as Ma Lumiere and Sway progressed to the next stage. Our Warrington Young Trader of the Year, Cheshire Botanicals – who also took first place in the food and drink category at the regional final – also moved on to the grand final, which is due to take place in Stratford-upon-Avon next month.
Holly Challinor of local spirits business Cheshire Botanicals, who produce Nantwich Gin, impressed judges with her family business at Warrington’s local heat earlier this month, securing the Warrington Young Trader of the Year title.
Warrington Market held its annual celebration of young traders at its local heat, with over 30 entrepreneurs taking part in the competition. Over 7,500 people came down to support the young business owners at Time Square, as well as enjoying some local musical talent thanks to a live music stage hosted by Warrington Music.
The Young Traders Market scheme is a nationwide competition hosted by the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF) set up to encourage young business owners across the country, to utilise local markets as a viable trading space, while also aiming to find the National Young Trader of the Year.
Warrington Borough Council leader, Cllr Russ Bowden, was among the judging panel for Warrington’s local heat, along with deputy leader, Cathy Mitchell, Chester Market Manager, Karen Bates, and Marketplace Europe Managing Director, Allan Hartwell.
Cllr Bowden said: “I’m so pleased that some of Warrington’s fantastic young traders impressed at the regional final and will now represent the town at the final stage of the competition. The panel were really impressed with their businesses at the local Warrington heat a couple of weeks ago. A huge congratulations to Ellie on being named the North West Young Trader of the Year and Holly for winning Warrington Young Trader of the Year.
“The Young Traders Market is a fantastic initiative that provides a platform for talented and entrepreneurial young people to showcase of their ideas, creativity and business skills. It’s a great way to support the next generation of business owners in Warrington. Good luck to all of the finalists!”
The judges were so impressed by the high standard and quality of all the businesses that were showcased at Warrington’s local heat that a total of 13 traders progressed to the regional final. This was the highest number of finalists to be put through to the regional round.
The four category winners on the day were Cheshire Botanicals, Clay & Coats, Ma Lumiere and BBQ Up North. Ellie Francesca Design, Sway, Sam’s Bakehouse, Thirty Eight, Calico Collective, Laura Frances Heitzman, Petal n Ink, and last year’s Warrington’s Young Trader of the Year, GeeArte Makes – all of which were awarded Highly Commended in their respected category – made it through to the regional final.
Joe Harrison, Chief Executive of the NMTF, visited the heat in Warrington and was blown away by the standard on show. He said: “What a great visit it was to Warrington for their local competition. Warrington never fails to disappoint us with their showcase of young business talent and once again the event blew me away. All of the businesses involved were brilliant with some truly unique products on offer and with the added addition of the young musician stage, the atmosphere was truly great to see.
“Year on year we experience an increase in interest for the Young Traders programme, which is an even bigger demonstration of what great young entrepreneurial talent the UK has on offer and it’s a great boost of enthusiasm for UK markets and their future.”
Keep up to date with what’s going on at Warrington Market on social media @Warringtonmkt.