Try out trading at your local market

National Market Fortnight in Northumberland will see budding business people have the opportunity to try out market trading for just a tenner.

Stalls are being offered at markets managed by Northumberland County Council for just £10 a day to attract new market traders and provide opportunities for new and start-up businesses.

The council is supporting National Market Day and the two weeks from June 23 to July 8 which are being promoted by national market organisation NABMA in conjunction with the recent Mary Portas Report into regenerating town centres.

Anyone can be considered for a trial stall – from enterprising high school or college students to retired people looking for a small business interest.  It might be just an experience, or it could be the start of a career in market trading.

Councillor Alan Thompson, executive member responsible for neighbourhood services at Northumberland County Council said:  “We want our markets in Northumberland to be at the heart of the local community and a community asset contributing to future sustainability.

“We recognise that markets have a key role to play and can be a significant economic driver in the success of a town. 

“Attracting traders is key to keeping our markets healthy and thriving.  We want to provide opportunities for new and start-up businesses and we hope that through promoting this initiative we will get more people involved in market trading.”

A limited number of stalls are being made available at markets run by the council in Ashington, Bedlington, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Blyth, Haltwhistle, Hexham, Morpeth and Ponteland on market days from June 23 to July 8. 

Bookings will be taken on a first come first served basis and applicants must not have traded on a Northumberland market during the preceding 12 month period.

The £10 charge will cover the pitch, and where the council provides stalls they will be free too.  Insurance will be covered so long as relevant details are provided. 

The council’s market officers will also be able to provide advice and guidance to those who wish to know more about market trading.

Contact names for booking stalls are:

Blyth, Ashington and Bedlington markets:

Pat Walsh – Patricia.Walsh@northumberland.gov.uk or 01670 542445 / 07900052447

Morpeth market:

Neil Brown - Neil.Brown@northumberland.gov.uk or 01670 535322 / 07713115204

Hexham, Ponteland and Haltwhistle markets:

Keith Gray - Keith.Gray@northumberland.gov.uk or 01670 625577 / 07966 568612

Berwick upon Tweed market:

Peter Martin – Berwick.Depot@northumberland.gov.uk or 01289 301863 / 301821, or on Wednesdays and Saturdays on mobile 07826893350

Notes to editors:

Starter stalls will be available* at the following markets on market days from June 23 to July 8:

*Stalls will be subject to a limited number at each Northumberland market, and conditions apply.