Child Friendly Warwickshire

Warwickshire’s young entrepreneurs are getting ready to bring some extra festive spirit to town centres later this month, with three Teenage Markets taking place alongside Christmas celebrations in Rugby, Kenilworth and Bedworth.

The events will give residents and visitors the chance to discover unique products from talented young traders aged 13 to 25 years, while supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs as they gain valuable experience of running their own businesses.

From creative crafts and artwork to gifts, fashion, food products and collectibles, the Teenage Markets offer young people a supportive way to test their business ideas, meet customers, build confidence, and develop practical skills such as trading and networking.

The three Teenage Markets joining festive celebrations across the county in November are:

• Rugby, Saturday 21 November, 3pm to 8pm: The Teenage Market will form part of the town’s Christmas Lights Switch-On and Drone Show, delivered in partnership with Rugby Borough Council.
• Kenilworth, Friday 27 November, 5pm to 8pm: Young traders will join the festivities at the Kenilworth Christmas High Street Lights Switch-On, with the Teenage Market being delivered in partnership with Kenilworth Youth Council and Kenilworth Town Council.
• Bedworth, Sunday 29 November, 10am to 3pm: The Teenage Market will return to Bedworth Market as part of the town’s Christmas celebrations. Visitors will also be able to enjoy an ice rink, delivered in partnership with Believe in Bedworth and Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council.

The festive programme follows a Halloween-themed Teenage Market which recently took place in Warwick on Wednesday 28 October, in partnership with Warwick District Council and Warwick Town Council.

The latest Teenage Market events provide an opportunity for festive shoppers to discover something different while directly supporting young people from across Warwickshire. By bringing new traders, products and visitors into town centres, Teenage Markets also help to create a vibrant atmosphere and encourage footfall for surrounding businesses.

Councillor Rob Howard, Warwickshire County Council Portfolio Holder for Economy and Rural Development, said:

“This festive season is a wonderful opportunity to get behind Warwickshire’s talented young entrepreneurs while enjoying some of the fantastic Christmas events taking place across our towns.

 

“Teenage Markets give young people the chance to turn their creativity and ideas into real trading experience, helping them to build confidence and develop valuable business and employability skills.

 

“The programme has achieved some fantastic results this year, and I would encourage residents and visitors to come along to Rugby, Kenilworth and Bedworth, discover something unique and support our young traders while enjoying the festive celebrations.”

The November events build on a successful year for the Warwickshire Teenage Markets programme. The recent Bedworth Teenage Market in September welcomed 18 young entrepreneurs who sold more than 450 products and generated around £1,700 in sales. Across the countywide programme this year, more than 100 trading opportunities have been created for young people, with participating traders generating more than £12,000 in sales. Of those taking part, 96% reported improved confidence and 98% said they had developed their business skills.

The Warwickshire Teenage Markets programme is delivered by Place for Youth CIC in partnership with Warwickshire County Council, district and borough councils, town councils and community organisations committed to supporting young entrepreneurial spirit across the county. The programme also supports the ambitions of Child Friendly Warwickshire by creating opportunities for young people to develop their skills, confidence and potential.

Young people aged 13 to 25 years who sell crafts, artwork, gifts, food products, fashion, collectibles or other creative products can register through The Teenage Market website to apply for a stall and hear about future trading opportunities across Warwickshire.

Local groups, organisations, councils or schools interested in hosting a Teenage Market in their town or community can email towns@warwickshire.gov.uk.

To find out more about Teenage Markets in Warwickshire, visit the Warwickshire County Council Teenage Markets webpage.