Young entreprenuers out in force at Banbury Trade Fair

One of the showcase events of the local Young Enterprise calendar, it will be on Saturday, February 27 from 9am-4pm outside M&S and Castle Quay Shopping Centre in Bridge Street,

Students are taking part in the flagship ‘Company Programme’, which is aimed at 15-19-year-olds and gives them the chance to set up and run their own company for a year, under the guidance of a skilled business mentor.

They will elect a board of directors from amongst their peers, raise share capital, market and finance a product or service that they create. The fair gives teams an opportunity to promote and sell their products to the public.

Adrian Mason, chair of the young enterprise board for North & West Oxfordshire, said: “Shoppers can expect to see the usual Saturday market injected with new energy as Britain’s next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs demonstrate their abilities and their business ideas to the people of Banbury.

“There will be a wide range of different products on offer and each business has one thing in common – they started from scratch in September with nothing more than ideas, aspirations and enthusiasm, and all of that will be on display!”

The range of products on sale will include phone accessories, jewellery, scrunchies, slate products, cushions, lap top cases, t-shirts, firelighters, key rings, lighting, photo booth prints, boxes, earphones, mugs and placemats.

Judges will visit the stalls throughout the day, with awards being announced at the end of trading for categories including: Best Trade Stand, Best Product and Best Customer Service.

The event is supported by Cherwell District Council and Sketts Quality Events, who operate the Banbury Charter Market.

Banbury Town Mayor, Councillor Tony Mepham will be attending to judge the Best Trade Stand competition.

Later this year, teams will take part in Oxfordshire Area finals, aiming to gain a place at the County Finals in May.

The Oxfordshire winner then progresses to the regional finals, which provides the prospect of advancement to the national and european competitions.