Young entrepreneurs use improved Chapel Market to hone their skills

Works to improve the market were completed earlier this year, providing a new events space, better facilities for traders and customers, and making it easier to walk, cycle or wheel around.

The event, organised by the National Market Trader’s Federation, included a competitive element as the young traders did their best to impress a panel of judges. The winner, Jess, runs a business selling hand-made accessories for dogs, called When Dogs. The traders will get another chance to compete at the regional final event at Portobello Road Market later this month.

An arts workshop run by the nearby Cubitt Gallery also made use of the new facilities in the market.

Cllr Santiago Bell-Bradford, Executive Member for Inclusive Economy, Culture & Jobs, was one of the judges. He said: “Chapel Market has a long history of supporting new businesses and I am so pleased to see the next generation of traders making the most of the improved facilities here at Chapel Market. Both their goods and selling skills were impressive and I wish all the traders the best of luck at the regional final event.

“We want Islington to have a strong economy that works for everyone, where people from all backgrounds are able to succeed in business. Our fantastic street markets offer those opportunities to entrepreneurs with good value stall rents and great locations in central London.”

Joe Harrison, Chief Executive of the National Market Traders' Federation, said “We are delighted that Islington has joined our Young Traders Market campaign, using the truly iconic Chapel Market.

“The campaign is now in its twelfth year and continues to grow at a rapid rate, which we are absolutely thrilled about as London has so many good markets that have such a great history.

“It is great to see so many wonderful, talented young people plying their wares at these markets - it bodes so well for the future of London’s brilliant markets.”

The development project at Chapel Market was funded through £1.6million of contributions from Islington Council and the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund Accelerator.

The works included:

• creating a more welcoming entrance at Liverpool Road with a new paved crossing
• creating space for events and guest markets, with a canopy to enable year-round use
• improved market pitches, with new trees and planting at the eastern end of the market
• a new wash up area included for market traders
• improved storage facilities for market traders in Warren Court
• pedestrianising Chapel Place