News: Rotherham trader's success at National Youth Market

An enterprising market trader from Rotherham has been highly commended at a national youth market competition.

Lauren Charlton, who sells handmade illustrated designs and prints under her Yorkshire Print brand, was recognised by markets industry experts at the recent National Youth Market, held in Stratford-upon-Avon.

The National Market Traders Federation (NMTF) runs the nationwide competition that celebrates young entrepreneurs trading on our markets, festivals and fairs.

A number of local events, including one in Rotherham, were hosted earlier this year and two traders from Rotherham were chosen to go through to trade at the regional Yorkshire finals at Leeds' famous Kirkgate Market on August 1.

Lauren was joined by Jordan Mangnall, who runs Jaded Heart in Rotherham town centre, at the regional event - and both were selected to go to the national final!

At least one trader from every area was offered a pitch on the National Youth Market in Stratford-upon-Avon on August 31 and September 1, where a £500 prize was up for grabs.

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Lauren set out her stall with her products that feature unique drawings and prints of local skylines of cities and towns. A special Stratford skyline was created for the event.

The art teacher at Clifton Community School competed against over 30 other traders from different regions and was one of only five award winners on the day.

Lauren Charlton, founder of The Yorkshire Print (pictured), said: "What an amazing year it's been for me as a new business. First I won "Yorkshire Young Trader Of The Year 2018" at Leeds Kirkgate market at the semi finals. Then I've only gone and been awarded "Highly Commended" at this year's National Youth Market 2018!

"I'm so grateful to Dean [Thurlow, manager] at Rothetham Markets for putting me through to the semi final and to NMTF for all the help and support, but mostly the opportunity to trade with them."

Yorkshire Print website
Jaded Heart website
NMTF website

Images: NMTF / Yorkshire Print

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News: Rotherham traders head to Yorkshire Youth Market

Young entrepreneurs representing Rotherham will set their stall out this week as part of a competition to find the county's best young stallholder.

Rothbiz reported in May on the work of the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF) in running a nationwide competition that celebrates young entrepreneurs trading on our markets, festivals and fairs.

A number of heats - including Rotherham on May 26 - have provided opportunities for young people to gain experience in trading. Markets are low-risk, affordable, and flexible platforms to test out, launch and grow a business and young people aged 16 to 30 from around the UK have taken part.

Two traders from Rotherham have been chosen to go through to trade at the regional Yorkshire finals at Leeds' famous Kirkgate Market on August 1. The largest covered market in Europe was the founding location of Marks & Spencer which opened in Leeds Market as a penny bazaar.

Jordan Mangnall, who runs Jaded Heart in Rotherham town centre will be taking part tomorrow. Aged 20, Jordan opened her store on Moorgate Street in March 2017 and has since launched over 170 products including exclusives from Bomb Cosmetics as well as clothing, alchemy and jewellery ranges. Jordan plans to introduce a further 80 products to the store to mark a period of strong growth and significant increases in both sales and footfall.

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Also taking part is Lauren Charlton from Rotherham who sells handmade illustrated designs and prints under her Yorkshire Print brand. Enterprising Lauren, 27, decided to launch the business whilst studying fine art at Manchester School of Art.

At the end of the event, one young trader will be crowned Yorkshire's Young Trader of the Year and three Highly Commended trophies will be awarded. Judging will be by markets industry experts.

At least one trader from every area will be offered a pitch on the National Youth Market in Stratford-upon-Avon on 31 August and 1 September. A £500 prize is up for grabs.

Joe Harrison, chief executive of the NMTF, said: "The event is a real demonstration of the potential of the region’s markets to support young entrepreneurs to test, grow, and launch a lean business.

"Yorkshire is leading the way in the UK – this event is the first of its kind in the country. Market operators have come together to support young traders with enthusiasm and professionalism."

Jaded Heart website
Yorkshire Print website
NMTF website

Images: Jaded Heart / Yorkshire Print / facebook

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News: Young entrepreneurs giving high street a heartbeat

Rotherham-based young entrepreneur Jordan Mangnall is one of a number of young people that are committed to reviving Rotherham town centre.

Aged 20, Jordan opened Jaded Heart on Moorgate Street in March 2017 and has since launched over 170 products including exclusives from Bomb Cosmetics as well as clothing, alchemy and jewellery ranges. Jordan plans to introduce a further 80 products to the store to mark a period of strong growth and significant increases in both sales and footfall.

Jordan was as runner up of Rotherham Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2017, alongside neighbour Tom Ridgeway of Cutthroats Barbershop. The main award was won by another town centre based entrepreneur - Emily Dawson from the Holy Ghost Tattoo Collective.

An advocate of bringing life back to the high street, Jordan describes the past eighteen months as being "a whirlwind of emotions" following a period of extreme anxiety and depression, during which the business idea was born.

From starting off as a solo entrepreneur pursuing a passion, Jordan has grown the business considerably to date having received a grant from the UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE) Kickstart Fund. The retailer has recently introduced loyalty cards for her mounting customer base and will be attending the upcoming Rotherham Show to display her impressive range of products.

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Jordan Mangall, founder of Jaded Heart, said: "I have always had a passion for aromatherapy and relaxation products and as a teenager I would spend all of my pocket money on bath bombs and candles. I discovered whenever I was feeling anxious and needed to relax, the first thing I would do was run a bath and fill it with any product I could find!

"My business has been founded on bringing a sense of relaxation in times of need, and I really can’t quite believe how it has taken off. I never could have imagined that within my first year of trading I'd be shortlisted as Rotherham Young Entrepreneur of the Year and nominated for a Yorkshire Choice Award, let alone becoming a major stockist of a global brand!"

The UKSE Kickstart Fund was launched with support from RIDO and Rotherham Youth Enterprise and is dedicated to supporting people looking to establish a business in the local area.

Allan Wood from UK Steel Enterprise, said: "It's uplifting to see the success that Jaded Heart has achieved in such a short space of time after receiving a grant from the UKSE Kickstart Fund.

"Testament to Jordan's perseverance, dedication and overall business acumen, I have no doubt that the future of Jaded Heart will be a prosperous one."

Jaded Heart website
UKSE website

Images: UKSE

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News: Jaded Heart opens in Rotherham town centre

A young entrepreneur has brought her range of relaxing products into Rotherham town centre as the independent retailer opens her heart.

Jordan Mangnall launched her bath, body and clothing business Jaded Heart just 13 months ago after finishing college and taking a gap year whilst studying a Social Media and Marketing apprenticeship. Whilst Jordan's love for aromatherapy and relaxation has been ever present, it was during a period of extreme anxiety and depression when the idea of selling scented goodies to the masses was born.

With a desire to enable people to buy affordable aromatherapy and relaxation products easier than ever before, the 20 year old from East Herringthorpe began selling bath bombs and candles at events and markets in Sheffield, Barnsley, Leeds and Sleaford to name a few.

Last year, after receiving free business help and advice via the Rotherham Youth Enterprise (RYE) programme, Jordan gained a stall at the Rotherham Show and was awarded with a £100 prize from the Mayor of London Lindsay Pitchley for having the best stand within the RYE tent.

Now Jordan has brought her business to Rotherham town centre after securing business premises on Moorgate Street, where she has sourced a comprehensive range of bath and body products as well as alternative clothing, candles, incense and official Harry Potter merchandise.

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Jordan Mangnall, Founder of Jaded Heart (pictured at the store opening with the mayor), said: "I have always had a passion for aromatherapy and relaxation products and as a teenager I would spend a ridiculous amount of money on bath bombs and candles. I discovered whenever I was feeling anxious and needed to relax, the first thing I would do was run a bath and fill it with any product I could find!

"During my gap year and after I had left my apprenticeship, I realised that I wanted to help people access affordable yet luxurious products to help them relax in the way it helped me when I was at one of my lowest points. I simply asked my Mum what she thought of the idea then set to work contacting suppliers, setting up a website and registering to attend markets up and down the country.

"When I heard about the Rotherham Youth Enterprise, I was ready to take the next step on my business journey and knew I wanted to open a shop one day. My advisor, Darren McDool, has been a great support and helped me to prepare a business plan, win the grant from Tata Steel and secure my first business property. My mum has also been an integral part of this whole journey. Without her support, I wouldn't be where I am today, opening my first store at 20 years old!"

Jaded Heart website
RYE website

Images: Jaded Heart / Facebook

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