Kirklees Together

Some of our most enterprising young people in our area have joined together for an awards night.

Young people who have been taking part in the Alternative Market and the Test Town competition celebrated their achievements at the event.

Our Deputy Mayor, Cllr Jim Dodds, and the creator of the national Teenage Market, Joe Barratt, presented awards for the best business growth, unique products, and best overall displays among others.

And the overall Test Town winner Adriana Tavares-Green will now represent Huddersfield in the national finals in Glasgow for a week of intensive training where she will compete against other regional winners, and the chance to win £10,000 investment in her business.

The schools and colleges which have offered the biggest contribution to enterprise among young people were also rewarded. Prizes foe the Alternative Market categories included awards for the most distinctive product, best business growth, best overall display and most committed performer.

Earlier this year, Huddersfield entered the national Test Town competition and – with the Welcome to Huddersfield initiative – won a place with nine other towns in the national finals.

Many young traders took part and were judged on quality of product, pricing, overall presentation, customer service and viability of their business.

Cllr Jim Dodds, our Deputy Mayor, told the young entrepreneurs:

Often young people are overlooked when it comes to business, but this shouldn’t be the case. This evening is about celebrating the achievements of all the people who have taken part. There have already been 26 markets in the first year, and the feedback we get about the markets, the training sessions and the performances has been excellent.”

Alternative Market winners:

Most unique product

Amanda Walker – Claws and Fangs

Interesting stall

Kieran Mahoney – He Sells Sea Shells

Greatest achievement under 16

Rebecca Barnes and Cora Lundy – LB Bakes

Best business growth

Dom Irwin – Amazing Entertaining

Most committed performer

Kirsty White

Best overall display

Jess Sims – Leaf England

Locally innovative product PJEA – with Huddersfield bags

Test Town awards:

Overall winner: Adriana Tavares-Green from Adriana Tavares Rugs.

Runner-up: Stephen Bond from handmade liqueur company Panda’s Kitchen

Highly Commended:

Natasha Lee from graphic design company Lockwood Cottage

James Gomez-Siquera from skateboard upcycling company SESH

School with greatest contribution to enterprise: Upper Batley High School

Best support organisation for Enterprise Kirklees College: Peter Jones Enterprise Academy

Are you a budding young entrepreneur?

–  For more info on how to get involved Like Alternative Markets on Facebook and check out Test Town’s website