Morpeth students show their talent for business at their own Youth Trader Market

Morpeth students show their talent for business at their own Youth Trader Market

3 December 2013

Students from King Edward VI School in Morpeth took over the town’s market at the weekend to show they’ve got what it takes to run a successful business.

Twenty teams took part in the Christmas Market challenge at the new look Morpeth market on Saturday - testing out their business skills by selling everything from cupcakes to chocolate, jewellery, clothing and gifts.

The teams traded throughout the day and were judged by former BBC1’s Apprentice contestant Adam Corbally along with Dave Robinson who owns and runs The Corbridge Larder at Sanderson Arcade.

And the company Jam Jars and Driftwood – who make beautiful gifts from raw materials – were declared the winner at the end of the day’s trading.

The four strong team made up of Sophie Barr, Naomi Lane and Charlotte Hall, all aged 14, as well as 15-year-old Sarah Armstrong, was awarded £300 to put back into the business. The pupils all described the experience as “amazing.” 

The initiative was a collaboratively organised venture between the team at Sanderson Arcade and Morpeth market group working with The King Edward VI School. Both Adam and Dave spent the day giving tips and advice to the young businesses and were impressed by the determination of all the students.

Victoria Najafi, Student Voice, Leadership and Enrichment Co-ordinator, said: “Congratulations to all KEVI students who were successful in obtaining a KEVI Christmas Market stall at The Sanderson Arcade Youth Trader Challenge on Saturday, the response from the public has been overwhelming, the students really did themselves proud, and I have no doubt that we have some future Apprentice stars!”

“Congratulations in particular to the winners ‘Jam Jars and Driftwood’ - I have no doubt that they will reinvest their money well to develop their fantastic business idea.”

Adam, who started out in business as a market trader, said: “All the students did a great job, they came up with really good ideas and showed some fantastic skills. Nothing beats practical experience when you’re learning about business.

“This really was a great event to be part of and I’d like to congratulate all the teams taking part with of course a special congratulations to the winners.”

Dave, from The Corbridge Larder, added: “I was really impressed to see the thought and hard work that went into the young businesses; it was really hard to pick out a winner as the standard really was high and I hope all the young people who took part got something out of the event.”

Morpeth Market was re-launched at the beginning of October with new look stalls and branding, the organisers of Saturday’s event are now hoping to make the Youth Trader Challenge an annual competition.

Medi Parry, centre manager at Sanderson Arcade, said: “I think everyone was impressed with what the students have achieved – so well done to everyone involved and thank you to everyone who came along and supported the young businesses.”

Morpeth market is managed by Northumberland County Council and Sanderson Arcade, working in partnership with other local representatives on the Morpeth market working group.

Picture shows the winning team Jam Jars and Driftwood with judges Adam Corbally and Dave Robinson as well as the team from Sanderson Arcade.

For further information, contact:

Public Relations Department, Dransfield Properties Ltd
Tel: 01226 360644
Email: pr@dransfield.co.uk