Nuneaton hosted its first-ever Teenage Market on Sunday 22nd March. The event drew a large number of visitors to the town and created vibrant opportunities for young traders and performers, demonstrating the impact of strong partnership working across local organisations and businesses.
The young entrepreneurs taking part achieved impressive commercial success and collectively sold over 446 products – selling a range of items such as jewellery, 3D prints, cards, crochet and photography. There where over 44 applications for the 20 stalls available for this first event demonstrating a strong demand for opportunities like this and highlighting the enthusiasm of local communities to support the next generation of business owners.
Reflecting on the day
Julie Flower from
Nuneaton BID said,“The atmosphere in the town centre on Sunday was fantastic. The young traders brought real energy, and the entertainment created a vibrant setting that visitors clearly enjoyed. We’re proud to have supported an event that not only showcased young talent but also boosted footfall for local businesses.”
Emma Cluem from
All Communities Matter CIC, saidm “ The Teenage Market brought a fresh dynamic to Nuneaton, and it was brilliant to see so many young traders growing in confidence throughout the day. We look forward to building on this momentum.”
Teenage Markets provide young people with a platform to showcase their creativity, develop trading skills, and gain confidence. Through selling, performing, and interacting with customers, young participants build practical business experience that supports future career pathways.
Delivery across Warwickshire is funded by Warwickshire County Council and overseen by
Place for Youth CIC, which delivers the Teenage Market initiative across the country, providing the online platform for applications, and offering guidance to young traders.
Joe Barratt, Executive Director of
Place For Youth CIC, said, “Our aim has always been to give young people a free and accessible platform to express their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Seeing Nuneaton embrace its first Teenage Market so strongly is incredibly encouraging. The partnership work here sets a great example of how communities can empower young people and we look forward to bringing our events to more towns across Warwickshire over the next few months.”
The success of the Nuneaton Teenage Market was made possible through a strong collaboration between
All Communities Matter CIC and
Nuneaton BID who collectively brought operational expertise and connections to the event. The BID also enabled an amazing range of local young bands and performers to the take to the stage, through commissioning
The Crew, a local rock bar to build a fantastic covered stage bringing a real buzz to the event.
Mark Ryder, Strategic Director for Communities at
Warwickshire County Council said,“Warwickshire County Council is committed to creating opportunities that help young people develop skills and aspirations. The success of this first Teenage Market reflects the power of collaboration and the enthusiasm of young residents who are keen to try something new. We’re excited to see this programme continue to grow across the county.”
Any towns or villages in Warwickshire interested in holding a Teenage Market event can email Joe at
j.barratt@placeforyouth.org and if you know any budding young entrepreneurs, creatives or entertainers who may be interested in becoming a trader or performer at these events they can go to
https://theteenagemarket.co.uk/ for more information and to sign up.
The next market to take place in Warwickshire will be in Rugby Town Centre in collaboration with Rugby Borough Council on Saturday 4
th April as part of their Easter Weekend Celebrations and will sit alongside the regular market along with a host of family activities. Applications are still currently open for both Traders and Entertainers at
https://theteenagemarket.co.uk/events/rugby-easter-teenage-market/