Budding businessowners are being encouraged to take part in a town’s plans for a new market launch.

Copeland Council is inviting all young entrepreneurs to get involved with its new market idea for Whitehaven after the original market was closed in March due to Covid-19.

The council took the closure as an opportunity to review the market, with a public survey carried out during the summer – which saw more than 600 responses.

The team is now analysing this feedback as it plans the market’s future.

And while a date for the original market’s relaunch is yet to be confirmed, the council is hoping to launch a young entrepreneurs' market in Spring 2021, giving those between the age of 16-25 the chance to hire a stall – initially for free – to sell and showcase their crafts, hobby, talent or passion.

Young traders who are interested in getting involved are encouraged to register their interest now – before all the stalls are taken.

Sarah Pemberton, Copeland Council’s director of corporate services and commercial strategy, said: “The enforced pause in the market has given us the opportunity to think about how we could do things differently and how we could provide a local, thriving and more sustainable market in the future.

“There are a number of options under consideration, one of which is to provide a fresh platform and exciting opportunity to Copeland’s budding entrepreneurs and talented young individuals on a regular basis, as part of a more enhanced and inclusive market offering.”

The extremely high level of interest and response to the council’s survey confirmed that there is significant interest for a local market in Whitehaven, and people have outlined the type of market stalls they would like to see and the sort of events that will attract them.

Jenny Brumby, Copeland Council’s new Shop Local coordinator, said: “One of my first steps has been to research the possibility of a young entrepreneurs' market.

“During my first two months in post, I have taken the opportunity to raise this with Whitehaven Town Council, many local shopkeepers, retailers and businesses and the support for such a potential market has been overwhelmingly positive.

“If you have a business, hobby or craft to showcase, or a passion for a topic, please get in touch with me.

“I’ll also be contacting all our schools, colleges and youth groups to work with them on these plans.”

To get involved with the young entrepreneurs market, contact: Jenny on jenny.brumby@copeland.gov.uk.