Young Trader Market winners revealed
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
The district's first ever Young Trader Market was held at Castleford Indoor Market on Saturday, with all stalls being set up and run by young people aged 16-30.
The young traders were battling it out for a place in the Young Traders Regional Final, with the ultimate goal of reaching the national final in Stratford-upon-Avon and being crowned Young Trader of the Year 2024.
Saturday’s winner was Libby Ramsden from Herd & Hive, selling goat milk soap, raw honey and beeswax products made from their own farm. Our highly commended runner-up was Katy Slatter from Candlelit Creations UK, selling handmade candles, wax melts and personal care products.
Libby said: “Herd & Hive is proud to be supporting local markets and showcasing our fabulous farm produce. The Young Traders initiative is a great way to get the future generation of market traders into the industry. Herd & Hive is excited to be representing Castleford at the regional finals.”
They will now progress to the regional final in Skipton on 4 August.
“It was fantastic to see all the young traders taking part in the event on Saturday. It was great to see the market busy and the whole town felt the buzz the event created. Congratulations to Libby and Katy.
“Being a market trader can help people to set up or expand their business. We want to encourage and support the next generation of traders.
“We wish them both the best of luck in the regional final, and hopefully the national final.”
Cllr Michael Graham
Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth
The event coincided with the launch of the newly refurbished Castleford Indoor Market. The £2.644m investment has enabled improvements both inside and out, with new lighting, signage, fascias full replacement of the Carlton Street façade and the creation of a new event space. This new space has already enabled the hosting of a private market from local company KLH Events, and the first ever Young Trader Market.