Applications open for young traders wanting to take part in Wirral’s Youth Market in March

Wirral’s Youth Market is coming to Birkenhead this March, and is now open to applications from the next generation of young traders who want to launch or build their businesses at the event.

Open to those 29 and under, Youth Market gives young people a free platform to showcase their products or services within the local community.

The next event, which takes place in the run up to Mother’s Day, offers an ideal free opportunity for makers and young founders to test their ideas with the public. It will look to build on the success of the previous two Wirral Youth Markets at the Cherry Tree Centre in Liscard and New Brighton’s Victoria Quarter, which attracted over 3,500 and 5,000 visitors respectively.

Youth Market is funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, through the city region’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation. The event has proven to be a successful springboard for local young people looking kickstart their business, with several previous traders going on to grow their companies after launching at the event.

Wallasey-born Harrison Hindley and Dom Ward, who run eco-friendly brand Distinct Sportswear, were named ‘Stand Out Traders’ at the Liscard event. They’re now running a growing online business, as well as continuing to trade at in-person events – and have sold over 2,000 units of their athleisure collection.

Harrison said: “I loved showcasing our brand and products to the local community. It was amazing to see how many people came down to the event and supported all the businesses there, and the difference Youth Market has made to our brand is massive. So if you’ve got an idea, you just need to sign up and get yourself out there!”

Another success story is Jess Lord, who started her business The Possible Kitchen at the Liscard event, specialising in gluten and dairy-free cakes. Her bakes went down such a storm that she took a space at the second event in New Brighton. After being nominated as a ‘Stand Out Trader’, she was subsequently invited to the National Market Traders Federation regional final – picking up the ‘Highly Commended Award’. She said: “If it wasn’t for the Youth Market event, The Possible Kitchen wouldn’t exist!”

Councillor Tony Jones, Chair of Wirral Council’s Economy, Regeneration & Housing Committee, said:

“Wirral’s Youth Market offers a brilliant, low risk way for young people to test their business ideas out and get them out there into the local community.

“The last two events attracted over 8,500 people between them, so there’s huge potential to get exposure and hear valuable feedback from customers. And we know it works, as several businesses that started at Youth Market are now growing enterprises. I’d really encourage as many local young people as possible to sign up and use this as a platform to get their business idea off the ground in 2025.” 

Councillor Mike Wharton, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Cabinet Member for Business, Investment and Trade, said:

“This is the perfect opportunity for Wirral’s young entrepreneurs to set their stall out and show off their products.  As well as supporting young people to develop their businesses it will also be a great day out where visitors can find all manner of unique products while supporting great local businesses.”

As well as offering opportunities to shop local from up-and-coming brands, there will also be a programme of family entertainment, as well as food and drink and an immersive live art experience to enjoy on the day.

Youth Market is open to traders of all levels of experience, from people wanting to test the water with a new product idea to those who have already started to build established businesses. Previous events have attracted a wide range of traders, from those selling crafts, art and design to clothing and accessories, as well as street food and delicious bakes.

The third Youth Market will take place in Birkenhead Market’s covered space, and this is the rearranged date after the original had to be postponed due to Storm Darragh in December. It’s totally free to apply for a pitch at the market, and tables, chairs and covers will also be provided. Applications are also encouraged from performers who would like to showcase their talent during the event, such as musicians, dance groups or choirs.

The Youth Market takes place on Saturday 15^th March from 10am – 4pm in Birkenhead Market’s covered outdoor space next to the Bus Station.

You can apply to trade at Wirral’s Youth Market here.

Find out more news from Wirral here.