Students set out their market stall

YOUNG entrepreneur: Eric Bishyika will be running a stall at the new Oldham student market in the Hilton Arcade

Young entrepreneurs get chance to shine
YOUNG entrepreneurs are hoping to attract shoppers to Oldham with the launch of the first Oldham student market.

The market opens on April 27 and will feature 20 stalls selling clothing, crafts, beauty therapies, wooden gifts, vintage items, jewellery, cakes and more.

The market (9am-5pm in the Hilton Arcade), is intended to be a place for young people to meet, earn extra money and support local entrepreneurs.

One of the stallholders will be 16-year-old Eric Bishyika who will be selling his “Swagginstien Wear” clothing range.

The Oasis Academy pupil, who also sells from a stall at Affleck’s Palace in Manchester, said: “The Oldham Student Market will inspire a lot of young people to think further and see the opportunities out there.”

When researchers asked local students what they would like to see in Oldham, a student market came out top.

The market will become a regular fixture on the last Saturday of every month. There are also plans to have a live music stage with local acts on May 25.

Student stall holders will receive free product and public liability insurance. Non-students selling in the market will pay £15 for the day and must have their own insurance.

A similar market has been operating in Stockport’s Victorian market hall since April 1 and has been a big success.