News: Entrepreneurs invited to test the market in Rotherham
Rotherham Council has teamed up with the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF) to encourage entrepreneurs to start a business on the market.
Through a scheme called First Pitch, future small business owners can trade for up to 12 months at discounted rent on Rotherham's Centenary Outdoor Covered Market in the town centre. They will also receive personalised support from the NMTF, the Barnsley based trade association representing 30,000 market traders in the UK.
First run in 2011 with a limited budget, First Pitch was open to everyone in the UK and received 150 applicants. From these, 35 candidates successfully "test- traded," were given a mentor for one year and entered into a competition for £2,000. The quality of the final 35 candidates was incredibly high and a third are still trading on markets today.
The NMTF has been awarded £50,000 from the RBS Group's Inspiring Youth Enterprise programme to expand First Pitch for 2013.
Joe Harrison, chief executive of the NMTF, said: "Many of our well-known brands started life on the markets and we know many people want to take that leap into starting their own business – First Pitch will give you the support you need to bring a product or service to the market."
Councillor Gerald Smith, cabinet member for Regeneration and Development at Rotherham Council, added: "If you're selected as a finalist, you are given free membership of the NMTF, a free copy of a market trader training guide and a mentor, someone who has a wealth of business and market trading experience."
"This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone wanting to launch their own business. Rotherham Market is a focal point in the town centre and is the perfect place for someone to set up a new business.
"We are delighted to be able to offer these stalls because the market complex is a hugely valuable community asset. It has so much to offer and is an integral part of the Rotherham town centre shopping experience."
To be able to trade for 12 months at discounted rent, entrepreneurs must set out their stall on a free pitch for up to five days during "Love Your Local Market" from May 15 to 29 and be assessed by the NMTF.
Four pitches are available in Rotherham and the deadline for applicants is April 19. More information and application forms can be found on the NMTF website.
Rotherham town centre website
Images: RMBC
Through a scheme called First Pitch, future small business owners can trade for up to 12 months at discounted rent on Rotherham's Centenary Outdoor Covered Market in the town centre. They will also receive personalised support from the NMTF, the Barnsley based trade association representing 30,000 market traders in the UK.
First run in 2011 with a limited budget, First Pitch was open to everyone in the UK and received 150 applicants. From these, 35 candidates successfully "test- traded," were given a mentor for one year and entered into a competition for £2,000. The quality of the final 35 candidates was incredibly high and a third are still trading on markets today.
The NMTF has been awarded £50,000 from the RBS Group's Inspiring Youth Enterprise programme to expand First Pitch for 2013.
Joe Harrison, chief executive of the NMTF, said: "Many of our well-known brands started life on the markets and we know many people want to take that leap into starting their own business – First Pitch will give you the support you need to bring a product or service to the market."
Councillor Gerald Smith, cabinet member for Regeneration and Development at Rotherham Council, added: "If you're selected as a finalist, you are given free membership of the NMTF, a free copy of a market trader training guide and a mentor, someone who has a wealth of business and market trading experience."
"This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone wanting to launch their own business. Rotherham Market is a focal point in the town centre and is the perfect place for someone to set up a new business.
"We are delighted to be able to offer these stalls because the market complex is a hugely valuable community asset. It has so much to offer and is an integral part of the Rotherham town centre shopping experience."
To be able to trade for 12 months at discounted rent, entrepreneurs must set out their stall on a free pitch for up to five days during "Love Your Local Market" from May 15 to 29 and be assessed by the NMTF.
Four pitches are available in Rotherham and the deadline for applicants is April 19. More information and application forms can be found on the NMTF website.
Rotherham town centre website
Images: RMBC
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