Teenage Markets in Warwickshire
Interested in Hosting a Teenage Market?
Please contact j.barratt@placeforyouth.org or s.barratt@placeforyouth.org
Know anyone who wants to become a Young Trader?
They can sign up on The Teenage Market platform and will be notified of any events coming up in their area where they can then apply to trade.
Teenage Markets, operated by Place for Youth CIC, has gained momentum as a youth enterprise initiative in Warwickshire, helping young people build confidence, develop business skills and gain real-world trading experience while bringing fresh energy into town centres across the county.
The journey began when the concept was first introduced through the Warwickshire Towns Network. North Warwickshire Borough Council was the first area to embrace Teenage Markets locally, developing a successful programme through UK Shared Prosperity Fund investment. The events quickly became a firm favourite with residents, helping to inspire a wider county-wide roll out that now includes Nuneaton, Rugby, Warwick, Stratford-upon-Avon, Kenilworth and Bedworth.
The Teenage Market initiative forms part of the Council's commitment to supporting thriving town centres, encouraging entrepreneurship, and creating opportunities for young people to develop valuable skills for the future. It also aligns with Child Friendly Warwickshire, a County Council initiative bringing the county together in a collective effort to ensure that all children and young people have a voice that is heard, that they are safe, happy and healthy and that they are equipped with the skills to have the best lives they can.
Impact so far
Since launching across Warwickshire, the programme has:
- Supported 70 young traders
- Created 119 trading opportunities
- Generated £12,835 in sales
- Sold almost 4,000 products
- Achieved an average satisfaction score of 4.75 out of 5
- Seen 96% of participants report increased confidence
- Seen 98% report improved business skills
- Seen 99% say they would take part again.
Working in partnership
The programme is delivered through close partnership working. Partners have included North Warwickshire Borough Council, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, Rugby Borough Council, Stratford-on-Avon District Council, Warwick District Council, Kenilworth Town Council, Kenilworth Youth Council, Stratford-upon-Avon BID, Nuneaton BID, All Communities Matter CIC, Believe in Bedworth, Healthy Futures, Stratford Youth Collective.
Together, these partners help create opportunities for young traders to take part in high-profile events and festivals in their own communities, providing the support, infrastructure, promotion and mentoring needed to make each event a success.
Supporting Warwickshire's town centres
Teenage Markets deliver benefits beyond individual traders by increasing footfall, animating public spaces and encouraging positive interaction between generations. The first Nuneaton event attracted 3,823 visitors and increased average dwell time by 5.12% compared to the regular market.
The programme has also helped young people shape their communities through projects such as the Stratford Youth Collective's event artwork and Kenilworth Youth Council's first public engagement activity.
News and media coverage
Warwickshire County Council articles
Teenage Market and Place for Youth articles
- Place for Youth - Rugby Springs to Life with an Easter Teenage Market
- Place for Youth news and updates
Media coverage
BBC Coventry & Warwickshire interviews with Warwickshire young traders ahead of the Warwick event
Video
YouTube - The Teenage Market at Love Rugby Festival - Saturday 4 July 2026
