Published: 16/11/2020
COPELAND Council is inviting young entrepreneurs to get involved with Whitehaven’s relaunched town market.
The market has been closed since March due to Covid-19, and the council is taking the opportunity to carry out a review.
A late summer public survey attracted over 600 responses, and the council is analysing this significant level of feedback received as it plans the market’s future. A date for the market’s return is yet to be confirmed, and its continued absence is in line with compliance to government guidelines and regulations issued.
The council is proposing to launch a “Young Entrepreneurs Market” in the spring in which people aged between 16 and 25 will be able to hire a pitch/stall – initially for free – to sell and showcase their wares, crafts, hobby, talent or passion. Potential stallholders are invited to get in touch now to register their interest.
Sarah Pemberton, Copeland Council’s Director of Corporate Services and Commercial Strategy, said: “The enforced pause in the market has given us the opportunity to think about how we could do things differently and how we could provide a local, thriving and more sustainable market in the future.
"There are a number of options under consideration, one of which is to provide a fresh platform and exciting opportunity to Copeland’s budding entrepreneurs and talented young individuals on a regular basis, as part of a more enhanced and inclusive market offering.”
The extremely high level of interest and response to the council’s survey confirmed that there is significant interest for a local market in Whitehaven, and people have outlined the type of market stalls they would like to see and the sort of events that will attract them to visit.
Jenny Brumby, Copeland Council’s new Shop Local Co-ordinator, said “One of my first steps has been to research the possibility of a young entrepreneurs market.
"During my first two months in post, I have taken the opportunity to raise this with Whitehaven Town Council, many local shopkeepers, retailers and businesses and the support for such a potential market has been overwhelmingly positive.
“If you have a business, hobby or craft to showcase, or a passion for a topic, please get in touch with me. I’ll also be contacting all our schools, colleges and youth groups to work with them on these plans.”
To express an interest in being part of a young entrepreneurs market, contact Jenny on jenny.brumby@copeland.gov.uk.
