Warrington Market welcomed the Young Traders Market North West regional final to Time Square on Saturday 3 July, as the hunt for the UK’s Young Trader of the Year continues.

Following last month’s local heat, where 12 Warrington based businesses were crowned local champions, the next stage in the national competition brought 28 businesses, owned by people aged 16 to 30, together from across the North West to battle it out for a place in the Grand Final.

Despite the rainy start, over 6,000 people came down to Time Square to show their support for the traders and watch as 13 young traders secured their spot at next month’s final.

Sarah Chalke of Rub & Roll, who creates spices and seasonings for food, was crowned the North West Young Trader of the Year and also came top in her category, with other category winners being named as URURA, Entwined Kokedama and Archchis.

Also making it through to the Grand Final from Warrington are GeeArte Makes, Kingswood Candle Co, Ellie Francesca Design, Trufflicious & Sweet Stephella – all of which were awarded Highly Commended in their categories.

Other winners on the day were Sam’s Bakehouse, CMD Tutoring, Scrunchie Shack UK and What We Made, who will join the other finalists in Stratford-upon-Avon on 27 and 28 August to represent the North West.