Business Markets

Budding entrepreneurs are being invited to try out their business ideas at two youth markets in Carmarthenshire next month.

More than 100 pupils from the area’s primary and secondary schools have been asked to come up with innovative products and services.

Young People’s Business Markets will be held at the St Elli Shopping Centre in Llanelli on Tuesday November 15 and at the outdoor market place in Carmarthen on Wednesday November 16.

The youngsters will seek the views of shoppers as part of the Markets which will run from 11am to 3pm. There will also be an opportunity for shoppers to purchase some of their new products on the day.

The event is being organised by Carmarthenshire County Council’s business development teams, in partnership with Careers Wales.

It is part of their efforts to encourage young people to venture in to the business world and to explore ways of gaining support and employment opportunities locally.

The aim is to create a pool of skilled and talented young people who don’t feel the need to move away from Carmarthenshire to get the expertise needed to support their business growth.

This, in turn, would create a strong and prosperous economy for Carmarthenshire’s future.

Business Development Officer Lesley Lewis said: “The event is an opportunity for young people from the age of 9 to 25 to bring their business products or services to sell to the public.

“This event helps develop their communication skills, numeracy, business and organisational skills. The business markets provide the young people with real scenarios all relevant in the world of work.”

Local businesses and employees will be encouraged to experience the young people’s ideas, and to offer any advice and support that they can.

Cllr Clive Scourfield, executive board member for regeneration, said: “We hope that members of the public will be supportive of the business ideas these young people have developed.

“We have many, many skilled and talented young people who have got a wealth of ideas for future businesses – all they need now is support to turn their ideas in to a reality.

“Their business skills bode well for Carmarthenshire’s future, and we need to fulfil their needs so that they do not feel the need to move out of the county to pursue their skills and talents elsewhere.”

For further information about the business markets in Llanelli and Carmarthen, call Lesley Lewis on 01554 744325 or email LALewis@carmarthenshire.gov.uk