Ever fancied having a go at running your own small business but don’t know where to start?
Lancaster City Council is inviting budding local entrepreneurs to give running your own business a try with the offer of free pitches on Lancaster’s historic Charter Market.
Lancaster’s bustling Charter Market can be found along a number of pedestrianised streets in the heart of Lancaster City Centre every Wednesday and Saturday from 9.00am to 4.30pm.
Throughout September and October, an opportunity awaits anyone wishing to sample running their own business or wanting to test their ideas in a market trader environment. Perhaps you can bring a unique craft to the market or add a new and interesting commodity to the range of products already found amongst more than 40 stalls currently trading on some some of the city’s busiest streets.
Anyone wishing to take up the offer will also be able to tap into the expertise of established traders as well as benefit from both regular customers to the market and those visiting Lancaster for the day to combine shopping with sightseeing.
“Lancaster’s historic Charter Market will give local budding entrepreneurs a real taste of what it’s like to be their own boss and to run their own business in a busy outdoor environment,” says Councillor Jon Barry, Cabinet member with responsibility for markets.
“As well as being popular with local people, the market also benefits from those visiting Lancaster for the day and we are delighted to be able to give people the opportunity to bring something fresh to the market as well as to provide what might prove to be the first step on the ladder to a successful career running a small business.”
Applicants must not have traded on the Charter Market in the last two years. Commodities currently represented on the market or widely available in City centre shops will not be considered. The offer is limited to two free pitches per applicant (one Wednesday and one Saturday in any one week) and is dependent on availability. Applicants must provide their own stalls and gazebos. The council reserves the right to refuse applications for this offer without explanation.
• More information and a registration form is available at www.lancaster.gov.uk/chartermarket. Alternatively you can call the Markets Office on 01524 414251 or send an email to markets@lancaster.gov.uk