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Chance to test business skills at Leeds market
Budding entrepreneurs are to be given a chance to follow in the footsteps of Marks & Spencer and use a Leeds market stall as a springboard to success.
Michael Marks began by running a Penny Bazaar in Kirkgate Market and M&S this year celebrates 125 years.
And from June 15 people out to establish a successful business of their own will be given the chance to test run a market stall with little financial risk.
The How Bizaar! market stall, run by Chapeltown-based social enterprise Urban Biz and funded by Sharing The Success, the Government-backed Leeds Local Enterprise Initiative, will open in Kirkgate allowing fledgling firms to sell their products. Prospective stallholders have signed up to take part in the scheme which offers 12 weeks of rent-free space, support and back up from business mentors, Sharing The Success and a newly-appointed sales co-ordinator. The stall will be fully fitted out to allow a range of businesses to take part in the scheme.
Natasha Harris, 33, and Laura Butler, 27, are two of those keen to take advantage of the new stall. Natasha started a social enterprise Oobbaa making retro-style handbags, cushions and jewellery in December 2006. She is now a regular on the arts and crafts fair market and is confident the stall will help her reach more customers and raise her profile.
She said: "Given the economic climate, it's not the right time for me to open my own shop, though I hope to do so in the future, so How Bizaar! has come along at just the right time."
Laura's company, Ringlit* offers an exclusive range of women's fashion each season which is currently sold in boutiques in Huddersfield and Barnsley and, from this month, through online department store Living Circle.
She said: "Everyone has to start somewhere and it's hard to be able to afford to take on retail premises while getting established, so I feel this is a fantastic chance."
The free phone number for Sharing the Success is 0800 0480054 or go to www.sharingthesuccess.co.uk.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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