We’re offering an exciting new opportunity to market traders as part of our ongoing investment in local towns and villages.

Traders signing up for a stall at the market in Wombwell High Street will be able to apply for a £500 business start-up grant.

The grant, which will be supported by funds secured by the South Area Council, is available to businesses that do not currently operate within Wombwell.

New and existing businesses can apply online for the grant, for which they will be required to meet the following terms, including:

• They do not already trade in Wombwell.
• Traders who are new to trading will be required to join the National Market Traders’ Federation , the cost of which can be reclaimed via any grant award.

Wombwell Market is open every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday in the High Street, which has benefitted from street scene and public realm improvements this year, including updated paving, extra seating and new lighting.

The new grants scheme follows the success of a similar initiative for traders signing up to trade at Goldthorpe Market, which encouraged several businesses to take up spots at the town’s new Horse and Groom square.

One of those is Kim Cheesmond, of Pick n Mix Sweets, who said trading at Goldthorpe had helped her to take her business to the next level.

Kim said: “Being able to trade on the new Goldthorpe Market is the start of something amazing for me.

“The grant I received has given me the opportunity to really make a go of my business.

“I’ve been able to get promotional materials and branded uniforms and I’m in the process of getting a website up and running so I can really get my business out there.

“You have no idea how much this means to me: being part of something like this really is a new level.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity and proud to be able to build my business further.

“I know the Council are making a grant available for Wombwell Market, which I think is great news. It shows the Council’s commitment to supporting new businesses.”

Supporting our high streets is one of the main aims of the Council’s Principal Towns and Local Centres Programme. We’ve already invested £5 million in our towns and high streets to help them thrive.

Cllr Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “This new start-up grant initiative for Wombwell builds on our successful work supporting traders to open stalls at Goldthorpe.

“We continue to work towards enhancing our district markets and supporting traders to grow their business.

“We are investing in our high streets and local village centres as part of our Principal Towns programme to provide welcoming places for people to shop, work and visit and ensure everyone can enjoy a safe and pleasant shopping experience.

“Whether you run a small business and are looking for somewhere to showcase your products, or you are an established trader looking to attract new customers, I would encourage you to consider applying for this grant.”

To find out more about becoming a trader on Wombwell Market and applying for the start-up grant, email PrincipalTownMarkets@barnsley.gov.uk, call 01226 773320 or apply online.