AN Oxfordshire market will have a representative in this year's National Young Market Trader of the Year competition.

Bicester entrepreneur Hannah Dolden, who runs a knitwear business called Hannah Dolden Textiles and a stall at Bicester Market, has been fast-tracked as a finalist.

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The 23-year-old is the recipient of the golden ticket which was given to Bicester Market by the National Federation of Market Traders recognising the work undertaken by the market coordinator Emma Gould in supporting young traders.

Traders usually have to qualify for the final through regional competitions that are held around the country. But the organisers have the discretion to award what are labelled 'golden tickets' which are nominated by local markets.

The competition is held over two days in Stratford-Upon-Avon where finalists run their stalls and a trader is titled National Young Market Trader of the Year.

thisisoxfordshire: Young market trader Hannah Dolden pictured at Bicester market with market manager Emma Gould. 20/08/2021 Picture by Ed Nix

During the course of the event, it is estimated to attract a footfall of up to 90,000 customers.

Ms Dolden said: "I have been really buzzing since hearing that I was going to the national finals. It is a great honour to be able to represent Bicester at this prestigious event and I am grateful to both Emma Gould and the Market Federation for giving me the opportunity to show off my products to a national audience."

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Hanna Dolden Textiles is currently evolving with new products being introduced on a periodic basis.

Ms Dolden uses a wide range of colours with original designs. In addition to her degree, she received a grant from The Worshipful Company of Framework Knitters - a livery company in the City of London - to go towards her venture.

Bicester Market Coordinator Emma Gould said: "Bicester Market is a trader-run and financed market and we feel passionate about making the market a reason for the public to visit the town centre. Post-Covid has seen a huge increase in trader numbers.

"We have capitalised on the demand by offering the community stall to young entrepreneurs as well as other sectors of the community. We are extremely proud of Hannah; to have Bicester represented at Stratford is a huge achievement.

"I would also like to thank the Market Federation for all the help and support they’ve given us."

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Trading on Fridays from 9am to 4.30pm, Bicester market is a good basis for local entrepreneurs to bring their wares to the attention of local customers.

The competition final will be held this Friday and Saturday.

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