Local trader praises Ashfield District Council’s ‘Test Trading Scheme’

The initiative offers aspiring traders four days of free trading at any of the Council’s local markets (subject to availability), along with access to a £500 grant to help get their business market ready.

The scheme is part of Ashfield’s allocation from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and aims to boost market occupancy, encourage entrepreneurship, and support the growth of local retail.

One of the scheme’s recent participants, Victoria Bradley, launched her organic mobile coffee and cake business earlier this year, operating from a converted horse box. She used the grant to purchase a generator, enabling her to trade independently.

“Schemes like this are invaluable for new traders when you’re starting out, and I’m really pleased I applied,” said Victoria.

Cllr Lee Waters, Ward Councillor for Hucknall Central, commented:

“Victoria’s feedback proves that this new programme is a fantastic opportunity for anyone thinking of starting their own business or branching out from selling products online. It removes financial barriers and gives people a chance to experience what it’s really like to trade at one of our bustling markets.

Thanks to this scheme, businesses like Victoria’s are awarded opportunities that they may not have had before. By encouraging new traders, we are diversifying our markets and taking another step forward on our mission to make Ashfield a fantastic place to visit and do business.”

The Test Trading Programme is designed to inspire confidence in new traders, offering a low risk way to test business ideas in a real-world setting. It also supports the Council’s wider ambition to revitalise town centres and encourage long-term investment in local retail.