LIVERPOOL ‘GREATIE’ MARKET GREAT CHOICE FOR YOUNG TRADERS

Feb 15, 2014 Peter Rabbit Press Releases Comments Off on LIVERPOOL ‘GREATIE’ MARKET GREAT CHOICE FOR YOUNG TRADERS

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Three local entrepreneurs are building their businesses in Liverpool’s Great Homer Street Market through a start-up scheme run by the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF).

“First Pitch” is a market trader start-up scheme run by the NMTF in partnership with Geraud Markets, who operate the market on behalf of Liverpool City Council.

The support package included discounted pitch fees, free membership of the NMTF, a retail training guide and mentoring for 12 months from an expert in market trading.

The market on Great Homer Street, affectionately known as “Greatie Market,” has three traders on the scheme, all of whom started six months ago from a free trial period.

Louise McKeown of independent fashion brand, Wulf Skin, wanted to start a business from an early age and identified the market as an affordable way to sell her clothing:

“First Pitch has given me a great opportunity that I otherwise would not have had to start Wulf Skin with guidance and support from my mentor and the NMTF. 

“Since trading at Greatie Market it has given me the confidence to make Wulf Skin into a business and the chance to meet a group of great people, who are more than happy to help me out if I need it.”

Karla Allende owns cake decoration business, K@rliux. After emigrating from Mexico, Karla was encouraged to trade on Great Homer Street Market by her local Jobcentre. Karla said:

“I feel without First Pitch and the support from my mentor, I would have not had the same success if I had started K@rliux on my own. 

“I am currently taking a break from trading due to my pregnancy, but my plan is to carry on trading at Great Homer Street Market when I am able to.”

Pam Linnett-Richardson, senior markets manager at Geraud Markets manages Greatie Market and is mentoring the traders supported by the scheme. Pam said:

“Our main aim was to help three new market traders make a living, whilst learning how to sustain a business and feel part of the Great Homer Street Market community.

“It is so refreshing to see young people wanting to create something new and we feel it is important that young people are offered guidance and support to develop new businesses through opportunities like First Pitch.”

Geraud Markets also offered the young entrepreneurs opportunities to trade on other markets in Liverpool, including Garston, Monument Place and Speke.

Stephen Foulkes of personalised candle stall, Coral Pearl Candles, applied for First Pitch after meeting Pam at a job fair. Stephen said:

“First Pitch has made me realise that I have the ability to start my own business and make it a success. 

“I also trade at Garston Market which at times can be extremely profitable, but I hope to trade at other markets when I have more time.”

Liverpool’s Great Homer Street Market is open Saturdays 8am to 3pm with over 150 stalls indoor and outdoor. For more information visit www.geraud.co.uk

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• First Pitch, Great Homer Street Market, Greatie market, National Market Traders Federation, nmtf