Residents across Warwickshire turned out in great numbers during the summer months...
Residents across Warwickshire turned out in great numbers during the summer months to support the county's young entrepreneurs, helping a series of Teenage Market events to generate spend and valuable business experience for aspiring young traders.
Delivered at five locations across Warwickshire, the events provided a platform for young people aged 13 to 25 years to showcase and sell their products, test business ideas, and gain real-world trading experience. The markets featured a wide range of handmade crafts, artwork, fashion, gifts and other creative products, while contributing to vibrant and busy town centre events.
Audrey Brown, Sector Development Officer at WCC, Cllr James Crocker, WCC’s Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, and Alison Insley, Mayor of Kenilworth, at Kenilworth Teenage Market.
The Teenage Market is a national initiative that supports young people to develop entrepreneurial, creative and employability skills through live trading opportunities.
Across the summer events in Atherstone, Rugby, Warwick, Stratford-upon-Avon and Kenilworth, a total of over 100 young traders took part, generating over £10,000 in sales.
The results of the latest events build on the success of previous Teenage Markets delivered in Warwickshire and demonstrate the positive impact the initiative can have for both young people and town centres. As well as helping participants to build their confidence, communication, and business skills, the events also encourage residents and visitors to spend time in local high streets and support neighbouring businesses.
Councillor Rob Howard, Warwickshire County Council Portfolio Holder for Economy and Rural Development, said:
"It has been fantastic to see so many young people taking part in this summer's Teenage Markets and the positive response from residents across Warwickshire. The events have created vibrant town centre experiences whilst giving young entrepreneurs the opportunity to gain practical business experience, build confidence, and showcase their talents. The impressive spending figures demonstrate the value of investing in opportunities that support our young people, and I encourage everyone to come along to the next Teenage Market happening later this month in Bedworth."
Councillor James Crocker, Warwickshire County Council's Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, said:
"I'm so proud to see the fantastic work that The Teenage Market is doing across Warwickshire. They give our young entrepreneurs genuine hands-on experience in selling, budgeting and customer engagement that will serve them for years to come. Credit should also go to our amazing officers at Warwickshire County Council who have delivered this highly successful initiative."
Warwickshire County Council continues to support the expansion of Teenage Markets across the county in partnership with Warwickshire’s district and brough councils, and Place for Youth CIC, which delivers the Teenage Market initiative nationally. To date Teenage Markets have taken place across Warwickshire twice in Nuneaton, twice in Rugby, once in Stratford, once in Warwick, and once in Kenilworth.
The next Teenage Market is due to take place on Saturday 19 September at Bedworth Indoor Market, 9am to 3pm, and will coincide with Bedworth Almshouses Open Day with more than 26 young traders ready to take part. The latest market is being delivered by Warwickshire County Council in partnership with Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, Warwickshire Community and Voluntary Action, Believe in Bedworth, and Bedworth Market.
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.
Teenage market trader
Young people interested in taking part in future Teenage Market events can register free of charge via The Teenage Market website, where upcoming opportunities will be advertised.
For local groups, organisations, councils or schools who would like to host a Teenage Market, please email towns@warwickshire.gov.uk
To find out more, visit the Warwickshire County Council Teenage Markets webpage.