Wirral’s Youth Market has broken its own attendance records, drawing an estimated 10,000 visitors to West Kirby on August 23 and establishing itself as one of the country’s biggest youth entrepreneur showcases. The event featured 45 young traders selling handmade goods ranging from crocheted crafts to jet-washing services, alongside live music performances and free family activities throughout the day.
The market’s rapid expansion reflects a deliberate strategy to give young people hands-on trading experience in real-world conditions. Since launching in Liscard just over two years ago, the initiative has grown from a single event to multiple markets across the borough, each attracting larger crowds and more participant traders. The West Kirby market represents the fourth event since July 2023, following successful runs in Liscard, New Brighton, and Birkenhead.
Council leadership credits the format with creating genuine business pathways for the next generation. “Local people have really got behind Wirral’s Youth Markets,” said Cllr Julie McManus, Deputy Leader of Wirral Council. “Saturday’s event in West Kirby broke our previous records for attendance and the number of young entrepreneurs taking part, making Wirral’s among the biggest and most successful in the whole country.”
Building Support Beyond The Day
The market structure goes beyond a one-day sales opportunity. Young traders gain access to workshops, one-to-one mentoring, and practical business guidance designed to help them develop business plans and understand enterprise growth. This support extends through the Wirral Business Support Service, which pairs the trading event with specialist advice on starting and running a business.
Funding comes through the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Local Growth Fund and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation. The dual support structure means young entrepreneurs are not left to figure out next steps alone after the market closes. Instead, they can develop concrete business plans with expert guidance and mentoring that continues beyond the event itself.
Previous youth markets have supported hundreds of young traders and performers. Many have gone on to develop successful businesses, build new customer bases, and gain wider recognition for their work. The events have also driven measurable footfall into town centres across Wirral, demonstrating economic benefit to participating communities.
Lessons From Established Markets
Youth markets are not a new concept, but their deliberate application as business incubators represents a proven pathway. Historical markets have provided the perfect launch environment for countless enterprises that became household names. M&S, Morrisons, Superdry, TESCO, Barbour, and Home Bargains all emerged from market stall origins.
Wirral’s approach recognizes this pattern by combining immediate trading experience with structured mentoring. This combination addresses a common gap in youth entrepreneurship support: access to real-world feedback and customer interaction, paired with guidance on scaling beyond a single event.
Expanding The Model
The August 23 event in West Kirby attracted record participation partly because of warm Bank Holiday weather. Registration numbers for the 2024 events have surpassed previous application records, suggesting growing awareness among young traders. The next market is planned for the run-up to Christmas, with formal announcements expected in autumn.
Cllr McManus highlighted the caliber of young businesses on display. “Some of the artisan crafts were fabulous,” she said. “The stories our young people shared of how they developed their businesses sometimes with difficult hurdles along the way, it is really inspiring to see the next generation of businesses flourish in front of us.”
Specific traders demonstrate the range of businesses participating. Jenni from Moth Mans Milk won the Stand Out Trader Award. Other participants included Emily from Ursa Bears, Sian from Beldam Boutique, Yasmin from El Mercado, and Layla from GloCandleGlo, alongside performers and artists such as Kieron Jones, Rachael Eve, and Zhanna Zhukova.
What Comes Next For Young Traders
The structure of future markets will continue to emphasize business development beyond the day itself. Young entrepreneurs will not simply sell products and leave; they will access the practical advice, mentoring and guidance needed to take the next step on their business journey.
Council leadership views the expansion as an investment in Wirral’s future. “We don’t know where the next successful local business, entrepreneur or employer will come from,” said Cllr Paula Basnett, Leader of Wirral Council, when the August 22 Bromborough market, which drew more than 85 traders and performers, was announced. “But initiatives like this help create those opportunities. By investing in our young people today, we are investing in Wirral’s future.”
The record turnout in West Kirby and growing registrations suggest the model is gaining traction. Whether this momentum leads to sustained business growth for participants, and whether the mentoring and support infrastructure can scale as event participation rises, will likely shape the program’s long-term impact on youth entrepreneurship in the region.