Young entrepreneurs have completed another successful Teenage Market event in Warwickshire after traders aged 13–25 years generated around £1,700 in sales at the latest event in Bedworth.
Held on Saturday 19 September to coincide with Bedworth’s Almshouses Open Day activities, the Teenage Market welcomed eighteen aspiring young entrepreneurs to Bedworth’s Indoor Market venue for the first time, where they sold more than 450 products and showcased a wide range of creative businesses to local residents and visitors.
The latest event in Bedworth was delivered by Warwickshire County Council in partnership with Believe in Bedworth, Place for Youth CIC, Warwickshire Community and Voluntary Action, and Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council. The aim of the Teenage Market was to provide young people with a valuable opportunity to gain real-world business experience, build confidence, and develop entrepreneurial, creative and employability skills through a live trading opportunity.
The event also attracted families and visitors into the market hall, demonstrating the positive contribution young people can make to their local communities and town centres.
The Bedworth event was the eighth Teenage Market delivered across Warwickshire this year as part of a county-wide programme that has now provided more than 100 trading opportunities for young people. Since the programme launched, participating traders have generated more than £12,000 in sales, with 96% reporting improved confidence and 98% saying they had developed their business skills.
Warwickshire County Council also supports The Teenage Market programme as part of its commitment to creating opportunities for children and young people to thrive. The initiative complements the ambitions of Child Friendly Warwickshire, which works to ensure that young people are heard, valued and able to access opportunities that help them achieve their potential.
Councillor Rob Howard, Warwickshire County Council Portfolio Holder for Economy and Rural Development, said:
"The Teenage Markets programme continues to showcase the wonderful creativity, talent and entrepreneurial spirit of young people across Warwickshire.
"These events provide young people with valuable opportunities to develop new skills, build confidence and gain experience of running a business in a supportive environment. They also support our ambitions through Child Friendly Warwickshire by helping young people feel empowered, connected to their communities, and able to achieve their goals.
“The success of the Bedworth event is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when organisations work together to invest in young people, and we're looking forward to welcoming even more young traders to future events."
Alongside the market, Rachel Taylor MP visited the event, while representatives from Believe in Bedworth spoke with residents and gathered views on future investment priorities through the town's Pride in Place programme.
Marina Kitchen, Programme Director for Believe in Bedworth, said:
"The Teenage Market brought a real buzz to the Market Hall. It was wonderful to see so many young people showcasing their talents and being supported by the local community."
Joe Barratt, Director of Place for Youth CIC (who deliver The Teenage Market), said:
"The response from communities across Warwickshire has been fantastic. Everywhere we go, people are keen to support our young entrepreneurs. What has really stood out is how many people have taken the time to talk to traders, encourage them and buy their products. That support means a huge amount to young people who are just starting out in business."
Following the success of the Bedworth Teenage Market event, young entrepreneurs can now apply to take part in four upcoming Teenage Markets taking place across Warwickshire later this year.
A Halloween-themed Teenage Market will be held in Warwick in partnership with Warwick District Council and Warwick Town Council on 28 October from 11am to 4pm, followed by a Teenage Market in Rugby on Saturday 21 November from 3pm to 8pm as part of the town’s Christmas Lights Switch-On and Drone Show, in partnership with Rugby Borough Council. A festive Teenage Market will then take place at the Kenilworth Christmas Lights Switch-On on 27 November, delivered in partnership with Kenilworth Youth Council, Kenilworth Town Council, Warwick District Council and CJ's Events. A further Teenage Market will also be held at Bedworth Market on Sunday 29 November from 10am to 3pm as part of the town’s Christmas celebrations, alongside an ice rink which is being delivered in partnership with Believe in Bedworth and Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council.
Young people aged 13 to 25 years who sell crafts, artwork, gifts, food products, fashion, collectibles or other creative products are encouraged to register on the Teenage Market website to apply for a market stall and to hear about the next upcoming trading opportunities across Warwickshire.
The Warwickshire Teenage Markets programme is delivered by Place for Youth CIC in partnership with Warwickshire County Council, district and borough councils, town councils, and community organisations committed to supporting young entrepreneurial spirit across the county.
For local groups, organisations, councils or schools who would like to host a Teenage Market in their town or community in Warwickshire, please email towns@warwickshire.gov.uk
To find out more, visit the Warwickshire County Council Teenage Markets webpage.