Run by NMTF, the trade association for market traders in the UK, the event has been hosted by the city council for four years. This is the second year the event has been held in King Street.
Traders aged 16 to 30 will be offering a range of goods to the shopping public, including delicious street food, handmade crafts, artisan treats, vintage clothing and funky own-brand fashion.
The three Kirklees businesses; SESH, Kayley’s Yankee Candle Crumbles and Hand Drawn World were put forward to take part by Kirklees’ Alternative Market – which supports young people aged 13-29 to start or develop their entrepreneurial ambitions through markets.
The three businesses will be in the running for a £500 prize and the chance to be crowned Young Trader of the Year, judged by the NMTF and fellow trade body in the industry, NABMA.
James Gomes-Siqueira, who runs SESH which makes unique jewellery out of recycled skate boards said: “It has been incredibly hard to create a niche handmade business from nothing, so it would mean everything for the brand and designs to be recognised. The markets and festivals are like home to SESH and I feel blessed to meet such inspirational people along the way who help motivate me further. The goal for the future is to keep being inspired by all as well as inspire others to pursue their goals no matter how many doubt or question it. I am very proud to be representing Huddersfield markets and the SESH family throughout the world. I will be going to Manchester with some exciting new designs and promise to not let my hometown down.
Kayley Jaworska from ‘Kayley’s Yankee Candle Crumbles’ sells candles in an alternative form- in the form of crumbles, oil burners, a Himalayan Salt Range and personalised gift sets. She said: “I am so excited for the National Youth Market as I will have the opportunity to show my business off to a larger scale of people and hopefully increase the amount of people in my group and sales- as well as it being an opportunity to get some of my new ideas out there to the public!
Charlotte Kleban, who manages Hand Drawn World and sells a variety of drawn and handmade items for any occasion said: “ I think this experience may benefit my future as I will be meeting lots of new people and reaching a wide audience.”
Joe Harrison, chief executive of NMTF, said: “Trading on markets is an ideal way for young entrepreneurs to test out ideas and build a business with much smaller overheads than a shop. 
“Alongside NABMA, we are actively encouraging initiatives to introduce more young people to markets. Traditional markets are improving because of this surge of new blood into our sector.”
The National Youth Market is open for business in King Street, Manchester, on Friday, September 2 and Saturday, September 3 from 10am to 5pm.
In addition, there will be live music and performances from local artists. More information about the National Youth Market, including a list of traders, can be found at www.nmtf.co.uk/NYM16.
Kirklees traders take on the National Youth Market
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