Islington markets are busier than they've been in many years with traders and shoppers returning in droves following heavy investment by Islington Council in cleaner and safer streets. <br><br>And on the edge of the square mile a new type of trader is in town. The up-and-coming Whitecross Street Market - touted as EC1's answer to Borough Market - is breathing new life into Islington thanks to a joint project by the council and EC1 New Deal.<br><br>In order to capitalize on this 'market fever', Islington Council has developed a FREE Street Trader Workshop with Innovative Enterprise Action (IEA) offering would-be traders the chance to be the next Alan Sugar - who started his multi-million pound business empire from a humble market stall.<br><br>Cllr Marisha Ray, Executive Member for Performance and Community Safety, Islington Council: <br><br>"This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who'd like work in our vibrant markets and start their own retail business. Local entrepreneurs already make a real contribution to our community and I'm delighted that this support will help more Islington residents to find out what they need to become successful traders."<br><br>The Islington Street Trader Workshop will be launched on 12 September in Holloway Road, N7, and aims to stimulate street markets in the borough, by hosting a one-day master class on starting a market stall. Participants will be able to get first hand practical advice from experienced market trader professionals and learn about pricing, licencing and consumer law.<br><br>There'll be a unique opportunity for one entrepreneur to get a free pitch at one of the Whitecross Street monthly food markets to try out their business idea. <br><br>The workshop is aimed at entrepreneurs thinking about starting a retail business or current market traders looking to develop and grow their business. It encourages people to act on their business ideas, showing them that owning their own business needn't be a pipedream but can be a reality. Pitches are available for as little as £51 a week in Islington's bustling Chapel Market - Islington's oldest, continually occupied market. <br><br>Current traders in Islington's markets say that the banter amongst stall holders, good regular customers and excellent public transport access to all of the borough's markets makes Islington the ideal location for their businesses. Market traders who operate their stall several times a week typically earn £15,000 to £22,000 a year but it's the flexibility that comes with running their own business that traders enjoy the most. <br><br>Two of the most popular business ideas - clothes retailing and catering - can be tried out on a market stall. For more information call Islington Council Business Partnership on 0207 527 3185.<br><br>Islington Council has invested in market infrastructure and is promoting markets as a cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternative to the supermarket shop.<br><br>Islington's Street Trader Workshop will be held on 12 September 2007 at The Resource Centre 356 Holloway Road from 10am - 4.30pm. For further information or to book a place call Chantelle Atkinson at 0207 553 7190, or email catkinson@ieaction.com<br><br><br>ENDS<br><br><br><br><br><br>
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009