Market for young entrepreneurs to showcase their talents proves a hit in Newark

The market took place on Sunday 19 September at The Wharf car park in Newark and saw several a range of keen and ambitious young people selling items, ranging from hand painted canvas’ to homemade jewellery, cakes and treats.

Newark Town Council and Newark and Sherwood District Council partnered with the nationally renowned Teenage Market Company to bring the market to Newark.

A portable footfall sensor installed at the Town Wharf recorded 1,161 unique visitors to the market, a contribution of nearly 30% towards the total footfall in Newark that day.

Live music was provided throughout the duration of the event from SteelGen, a steel band that played Caribbean style popular music, and a DJ set by The Roscoe Bros.

Given the first market’s popularity with stallholders and visitors alike, it is hoped that a full programme of events across Newark and Sherwood can be developed to sustain and grow the potential for young traders.

Councillor Keith Girling, Chair of Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Economic Development Committee, said: “It was fantastic to see so many talented young people showcasing their abilities at what was a very successful market. Hopefully we can now look to set up a network of events across the whole district to give more young people a free platform to experience market trading.”

Ian Harrison, Markets Manager at Newark Town Council, commented: “The market industry needs young entrepreneurs and that is the purpose of these teenage markets which we hope will provide successful market traders for Newark Royal Market and other markets in the region.  The event was a success and we will work with other market operators to mentor and grow the skills of the young traders and our thanks to everyone who visited the market on the day.”

Sarah Payne, Tourism and Economic Growth Officer at Newark and Sherwood District Council, added: “We would love younger people to feel more engaged with retail in our district. They know best what their contemporaries would like to buy and sell.”

Joe Barratt, Co-Founder of The Teenage Market, commented: “It was a real pleasure to have our first Teenage Market since lockdown be delivered in Newark, with the event supporting a number of young traders who, for many, was their first time trading at a market. I believe it’s really important to support our nation's young people as we recover from the pandemic.”