Pitch for a Free Market Stall at Harborough Market

Harborough District Council is offering new food businesses the chance to test their business ideas for free at their award winning Harborough Indoor Market.

Harborough Market, which is operated by Market Place, is participating in the high profile, Love Your Local Market Campaign led by the National Association of British Market Authorities.

They are offering a 6-week rent free period in a bid to attract new traders to the hall and to promote the market as the ideal location for start-up businesses.

Sairah Butt, Market Place and Harborough Market Manager said, “Many well-known brands started life on a market stall. Getting started in business is not easy, especially in today’s economic climate, but markets can be a great way to launch a business with relatively low risk, whether it be in a fixed unit or a one day pop up stall.”

Budding food business owners who want to bring a new product to the market are invited to send in a written pitch of no less than 500 words, detailing why they should be chosen for the prize, with the successful business receiving 6 weeks trading free of charge.

“We don’t have anyone on the market selling bread, Indian food, cookware or baking essentials, so there is plenty of scope for fresh ideas at the market,” Sairah added. “We are looking forward to seeing the entries.”

Harborough Market is an ideal venue and a proven catalyst for encouraging business people to start or develop their own business. Special rates are offered in the general hall for crafters and a new starter discount scheme is in operation to help pop up traders test trade for 12 weeks.

The competition is open to UK residents aged over 16 and with less than 12 months’ experience of trading. Closing date Saturday 4^th June.  Applications should be sent to sairah@mpel.co.uk