Get a taste of market trading for free

If you’ve ever fancied being your own boss or getting your business established on the high street, then Lancaster City Council’s Charter Market might be the answer.

The council is giving budding entrepreneurs the opportunity to get a taste of traditional outdoor market trading for free during the summer season.

The city’s historic Charter Market can be found every Wednesday and Saturday from 9am to 4.30pm in Lancaster city centre.

New traders to the market are being offered free pitches for two Wednesday markets, followed by a further two free pitches on Saturdays as well as full support to get started by the council’s dedicated markets team.  It should be noted that there are currently no vacancies for those selling hot take-away food and drink.

New traders who might prefer to do business in a covered market setting are also being invited to take up discounted rental of stalls at the council’s Festival Market in Morecambe.

The market is open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 9am – 5pm and has several vacant stalls and shop units to rent at a discounted rate of just £100 per month for the first three months of trading (terms and conditions apply). 

Commodities must be new or currently absent from the market.

Councillor Tim Hamilton-Cox, Cabinet member with responsibility for Sustainable Economic Prosperity, said:  “Markets provide the perfect incubators for start-ups and small businesses to establish themselves locally and are a great place for entrepreneurs of all ages to try out new ideas. 

“Our current offers of free and discounted rates for new traders along with support from our markets team provide a fantastic opportunity for budding business owners to get off to a flying start and benefit from the additional footfall to our markets during the summer months.”

For more information on the markets for new traders or to register an interest, visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/markets or email markets@lancaster.gov.uk.

Last updated: 15 June 2022