Horncastle
As a direct result of support provided by the High Streets Task Force through its Developing a Shared Vision programme, Horncastle committed to running a series of Teenage Market events to help put the market town on the map
The first Teenage Market in Horncastle took place in July 2022 following engagement with the High Streets Task Force’s Developing a Shared Vision programme.
Local decision makers committed to work with the Teenage Market team to set the initiative up in order to diversify the town’s market offer and connect with a younger audience of shopper and market trader.
That initial event took the whole town by storm and a number of further events have followed, including in the nearby market towns of Spilsby and Louth.
The exposure that each trader has received as a result of trading at the event has been instrumental in building their confidence and entrepreneurial skills. Products sold include jewellery, artwork, paper crafts, paintings, taxidermy and even hand-forged designs from young blacksmith Conor Simons!
“It’s fantastic to see Teenage Markets running regularly in our towns as they have had such a positive impact on our young people, giving them a platform to show off their creative talents.”
As well as showcasing the talents of young entrepreneurs, also in attendance at the event were Horncastle Young Farmers, a local young farmers club who hoped to recruit new members, as well as Horncastle Primary School PTA, who were raising funds for their local primary school and Banovallum School who provided an excellent set from their talented students, including beatboxing and drumming.
Samantha Phillips, Place Officer for East Lindsey District Council, said: “East Lindsey needs young entrepreneurs to become the next generation of independent shop owners, crafters, entertainers and market traders. We really want these Teenage Markets to be a platform for young talent in our area, which we hope will provide a boost to Horncastle and our other districts markets for years to come.
A real success story that has been achieved as a direct result of the Teenage Market events in Horncastle is how the young trader, Victoria Heward, aged 20, was inspired to take on an empty shop unit on the high street to grow her small business Natures Promise, which specialises in crystal healing.
“I wanted to say a massive thank you for allowing me to take part in the Teenage Markets as without them I would’t be in the position that I am and have the confidence to open up a shop in Horncastle. I have learned so much and am so grateful for all that you have done and continue to do.”
Speaking about this process of scaling-up Samatha Phillips said, “Seeing Victoria from Nature’s Promise take the next step into taking a unit on the high street in Horncastle must be one of my proudest moments. Her professionalism and dedication to her business is phenomenal and I just know she will continue to develop and grow her great business.”
Victoria has also received support from other shop owners, including Shelley Mayes, the owner of Flang & Prong, who said, “We just love Victoria and have watched her grow in a couple of years to who she really is, this incredible driven business woman. We will be there to watch her flourish.”
Victoria is now acting as an ambassador for our events and recently joined an assembly to share her story and talk about taking part in The Teenage Market, hopefully inspiring others to take their first step into trading.