Market launches initiative for young traders

Entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30 have the chance to get a free stall at a popular outdoor market

A popular market is offering free stalls to young entrepreneurs as part of a new initiative.

Gloucester Green Market in Oxford is launching Young Traders Fridays on the third Friday of every month, starting on 15 March.

It said the initiative would nurture young talent as well as enhance the "vibrancy and diversity" of the market.

Artist Alice Smith said the "fantastic" idea would allow her to build a customer base and "steer" her business towards her end goal of owning a shop.

The initiative offers people aged between 18 and 30 a free stall at the market as a "low-cost, low-risk avenue" to allow young traders to connect with customers, GGM said.

Ms Smith, who creates artwork from maps, said the opportunity to have a free stall would help her "get my business in front of more people more frequently, and for free".

"This would help any young start ups because being able to save on store fees is amazing, because as soon as you make a sale you're making money that can be reinvested back into the business," she said.

Siobhan Noake from LSD Promotions, which operates the market, said she was "excited to provide a platform for the next generation of entrepreneurs to thrive".

"Our aim is to support creativity, innovation, and economic growth by supporting young talent in our community," she said.

People interested in taking part can contact LSD Promotions via its website.