Market stalls in York are being offered for discount rates by the city council in order to coincide with National Markets fortnight, running from 23 June until 8 July.
The discount prices, which are being offered by the York City council markets team, are available to both new and existing market stall holders for the fortnight. The scheme aims to try and attract new market traders, alongside showing that markets are a valuable community asset.
Councillor Sonja Crisp, cabinet member for leisure and tourism said “One of the council’s priorities is to create jobs and grow the economy, and York’s markets are a great way for people to start new businesses”
The campaign, which links in with the Market Enterprise, is a scheme jointly run alongside Future Prospects since 2011.
Local trader, Terry Horton, is an example of someone who has taken advantage of the scheme and is now trading independently in the Newgate Market area of town. He said “it was a really good way of trying out my business ideas in a low risk environment, and I have discovered that there is a real demand for niche and hand made products within the crafts market that really appeal to both residents and tourists alike”
This initiative is part of a commitment to invest in the city centre by the council, as it looks to maximise the opportunities which flow from the government funded initiatives such as Super-connected cities and the Portas review pilot, with partners across the city
Sonja Crisp went on to say “Mark & Spencers, Tesco and Morrisons all started as market stalls, so they’re a great opportunity to start a career. This campaign gives people the chance to have a go at market trading, and see where it takes them.”
Traders who already hold a stall can get five visits for only £5 each in addition to their regular day. New stall holders can get a stall for £1 per day during the National Markets fortnight, with one available per day on a first come first serve basis during this period.
How to become a market trader is well documented on the York City Council Website. Outside of this two week period, midweek stall prices range from £12.25 to £24, depending on the stall position and day.
