Free training on offer to potential market stall holders

Budding market traders are being offered free expert training, as well as reduced stall holder fees, in the historic North East Derbyshire town of Bolsover.

The rare opportunity comes after the town won a £750K bid for European funding to brush up Bolsover’s image and boost the local economy, backed by a marketing campaign to increase visitor footfall.

Bolsover has enlisted the expertise of specialist trainer Keeley Flint to run free one-day Market Trading Master Classes, ahead of a bigger and better schedule of traditional and specialist markets being planned in the town.

“I’m truly passionate about the social and economic importance of markets and about their capacity to offer stall holders a good and sustainable income and start earning quickly,” said Flint, who has 20 years experience in running successful market stalls and high street fashion boutiques in Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.”

“I’m a great believer in the unique experience of shopping at a market, “she said.   “And now markets are getting switched on to services that have made shop retailers a success, such as click and collect, to ensure they thrive in today’s shopping culture,” she said.”

“This is a brilliant opportunity for anyone interested in starting a stall, with the investment being injected into Bolsover and also the discounted rates on offer to new stall holders.  Tourist towns like Bolsover have excellent potential for markets, and I can’t wait to be part of it!”

As part of the bid to boost Bolsover’s markets, a limited discount is also on offer for new stall holders  on Tuesdays and Fridays: First week – free, next four weeks – buy one get one free, next 12 weeks – every fourth week free.

Last year Keeley Flint was contracted as a mentor by the National Market Traders Federation as part of its First Pitch initiative, with one of her mentees a semi-finalist in the competition. Her training courses are supported by Social Incubator North.

The free one-day Market Trading Master Classes will be held at Bolsover Assembly Rooms, Hill Top, Bolsover, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S44 6NG on 8 and 11 December (delegates need only attend one of the two dates) 2014 from 9.30am to 4.30pm.
They will cover:

  • Bolsover LogoDeveloping your idea and deciding what to sell
  • Choosing your products
  • Choosing a market stall and getting started
  • Sourcing wholesalers and suppliers
  • Setting up your stall
  • Pricing
  • Selling
  • Customer service – engaging with your customers to keep them returning time and time again
  • Managing your finances and keeping good records
  • All your questions answered

The Market Trading Master Classes will be followed by optional Marketing and Social Media Master Classes for Market Traders in early spring depending on interest and numbers.

The course can be booked via the following:

To find out about the discounts for new Bolsover stall holders, contact Old Bolsover Town Council.

For more information about Bolsover, visit *www.discoverbolsover.co.uk , email info@discoverbolsover.co.uk, follow us on Twitter @alloverbolsover or like our Discover Bolsover facebook page.