Warrington teenager Robert Leicester has beaten off stiff nationwide competition to become crowned the best young market trader in the country.
Speaking of his accolade from his stall, Warrington Fruit and Veg, on Warrington Retail Market the 19-year-old greengrocer extraordinaire beamed “I am really proud and over the moon to win this honour.
“I had a great time in the finals at Stratford upon Avon. I would like to thank Gary Jaques who nominated me for the competition. This award is great not just for me but for the whole Warrington market community.”
Robert’s victory follows a family tradition of excellence as his cousin, Andrew Leicester of Andrews Fish and Game won Young Fishmonger of the Year in 2010.
Already a recognisable character around the market with his cheery manner Robert is described as “A credit to the market and the town” by Market manger Andy Ward.
Entrepreneurs aged between 16 and 30 from across the country set out their stalls onWaterside at Stratford-upon-Avon on Friday, 31 August and Saturday, 1 September.
The National Youth Market celebrates young traders who are running businesses trading on markets, festivals, and fairs. It is also a competition to find the country’s best young stallholder.
The event is run by the NMTF, the only national trade association for market and street traders in the UK, and is hosted by LSD Promotions with the support of the town and district councils.
Thirty hopefuls took part selling a range of high quality street food, artisan treats, arts and crafts, and handmade gifts. All were competing to be crowned the UK’s Young Trader of the Year.
This year’s winner received £500 in cash, one year’s free membership of the NMTF, and a free mobile payment terminal for 12 months from Chip & PIN Solutions.
Joe Harrison, chief executive of the NMTF, said: “Youth markets aim to support young people to test out, launch, and grow a business – they’re ideal platforms as you can stay lean and flexible.
“Now in its sixth year and at a new venue in Stratford-upon-Avon, the National Youth Market is a real demonstration of the fantastic young talent we have in the UK trading on markets.”
“Congratulations to Robert who the NMTF has crowned the UK’s Young Trader of the Year at this year’s National Youth Market. It was a tough competition, but he beat traders from across the country to take the crown.
“Judges were impressed with his professionalism, enthusiasm, and customer service skills. They were thrilled to learn that he had brought the same offer from his stall at Warrington Retail Market – quality produce at affordable prices.”
“With young people like Robert trading on traditional retail markets, I am confident that our sector will not only survive but flourish. He is an inspiration to people who want to turn passion into a profit and be their own boss.”
Robert is pictured here receiving his trophy from Cllr John Bicknell, Mayor of Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council, John Dyson, President of the NMTF and Cllr Christopher Kettle, Chairman of Stratford-on-Avon District Council.
1 Comment
well done and congrats