Young entrepreneurs will be given the chance to showcase their products and services when the Wirral Youth Market comes to Birkenhead. Tony McDonough reports

Young entrepreneurs will have the chance to showcase their skills in March when the Wirral Youth Market comes to Birkenhead.

Taking place in the covered outdoor space at Birkenhead Market on Saturday, March 15, the event follows on from the success of the previous two Wirral Youth Markets at the Cherry Tree Centre in Liscard and New Brighton’s Victoria Quarter.

These market days attracted more than 3,500 and 5,000 visitors respectively. This next event offers an ideal free opportunity for makers and young founders to test their ideas with the public and young people, aged 29 and under, are being invited to apply for a stall.

Youth Market is funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, through the city region’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation.

It has proven to be a successful springboard for local young people looking to 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 more than 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.”

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’.

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Cllr 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.

It’s free to apply for a pitch at the market. 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. Click here to apply.