Entrepreneurs invited to Love Your Local Market Fortnight

Budding local entrepreneurs are being invited to bring their ideas and products to Lancaster City Council markets in Lancaster and Morecambe during this year's Love your Local Market Fortnight.
 
From 14th – 28th May, the council is offering free stalls and pitches to new business owners at its historic outdoor Charter Market in Lancaster and Morecambe's covered Festival Market.
 
Anyone who can bring a unique craft to the markets or add a new and interesting commodity to the range of products already on offer is eligible to apply.  Young entrepreneurs are particularly encouraged to come forward to explore this opportunity.
 
The offer is limited to one free stall/pitch per person for a maximum of two days during the fortnight (subject to availability).   Traders must provide the necessary equipment including a gazebo for pitches at the Charter Market.  Stalls at the covered Festival Market will be provided.   
 
The offer is also open to local charities although preference will be given to sole traders.
 
Young entrepreneur, Billy Howard, aged just 17 is enjoying success and a fan base of regular customers by selling free range eggs laid by hens on his grandfather's farm at Lancaster’s Charter Market. 
 
He said:  “I’m really enjoying being a trader at the Charter Market and being amongst such friendly supportive traders who have taught me a lot. I also enjoy the banter I have with customers and seeing them come back again and again. 
 
“I would certainly recommend other young people to give market trading a try as a stepping stone into business.  With the right equipment and stock  from the offset it’s great fun and every day is different.”
 
Coun Jon Barry, Cabinet member with responsibility for markets, said:  "Love your Local Market Fortnight provides us with the ideal opportunity to encourage more young people to give running their own business a try.  Successful applicants will be able to tap into a wealth of expertise from established traders and perhaps be inspired to join them on a more permanent basis.”
 
Anyone interested in filling a gap in the markets for free can apply for a stall by completing the on-line form at www.lancaster.gov.uk/markets