Young Traders Market 2026 campaign is now CLOSED

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THE NMTF’s Young Traders Market 2027 application is coming soon.

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MP NMTF Young Traders Market Support

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Local Young Trader Markets can be found here !

The 2026 Young Traders Market marked a significant milestone with the Midlands region been split into two, the West and East Midlands. Now spanning twelve regions throughout the United Kingdom, in 2027 the YTM initiative continues to grow and provide a vital platform for young entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative products and ideas. YTM markets are pivotal to the industry, revitalising markets across the UK and bringing new ideas into the fold. Over 90 young traders made it to the national final in Stratford-Upon-Avon, from over 1,000 applicants who traded at over 70 local markets and eleven regional finals, many of whom can now be found trading on a regular pitch at a market near you! The campaign looks ahead to 2027 with opportunities abound for young traders to get involved and make their mark in this exciting movement, see below to find out how you can be involved for the 2027 campaign, as a trader or an operator.

For those who are thinking about organising a local event, but aren’t too sure, we have a helpful guide you can access here.

Operators — if you want to get involved email the team — [email protected]

If you would like to see the judging criteria, we have a guide that you can access here.

Picture below – The opening of the 2026 Young Traders Market National Final.

From left to right – LSD Promotions Director Dermot McGillicuddy, Cllr Mike Rice, Chair of Stratford Upon Avon Council, Mayor of Stratford-upon-Avon Cllr Samantha McNaught-Barrow and NMTF President Mike Riley.  

From the local YTM markets, eight to ten traders were selected and offered a sought after opportunity to trade at one of the twelve YTM regional finals (see right). These are held at prolific locations throughout the UK and NI and are kindly hosted by the market operator as to where they are located.
In 2026 the number of YTM regionals has also increased to 12, following the Midlands being split into the East Midlands and West Midlands. We worked together with operators to bring local events, with more being arranged for 2027.
That gives you an indication of just how major the YTM project has become.
Above all YTM is about encouraging young entrepreneurs to try market trading and hopefully decide it’s the way forward for them.

To read all about the 2026 campaign — including the results of the grand final — click here.

Pictured with Alex Ward, the NMTF’S Young Trader of the Year 2026.

Regional Finals 2027

Please see the locations of the Regional Finals below