Anna Joan’s Art, Bury St Edmunds, wins eastern region young market trader of the year

A wildlife artist has scooped the regional title of young market trader of the year.

Anna Sutton, of Anna Joan’s Art in Bury St Edmunds, won the title at the competition, held in Bury marketplace on July 31.

Some 23 traders from across East Anglia took part and the winners of each category will go on to the national final later this month.

Anna also won the arts and craft category, while Sophie Aris of Handmade Galore, Bury, won general retail, James Larder of Roasters Coffee, Bardwell, won food and drink, and Rebecca Bridges of B.B’s Bakery, Diss, won the groceries category.

The annual competition is run by the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF) and all contestants are aged between 16 and 30-years-old.

Each trader was assessed across a range of criteria such as product quality, customer service and how they interacted with other participants.

The judges for the competition were Cllr Cliff Waterman, leader of West Suffolk Council, Cllr Diane Hind, mayor of Bury St Edmunds, and young trader Sophie Mann, from Long Melford, who won the national title in 2022 with her stall selling textile designs.

Cllr Waterman said: “It is encouraging to see the energy and innovation these young entrepreneurs bring to our local markets.

“Their passion and creativity are key drivers for the sustainable growth of the markets and contribute significantly to the economic vitality of the area.

“This competition is just a small part of the work West Suffolk Council is putting into developing our thriving communities and sustainable growth for the benefit of all our residents and businesses.”

Cllr Indy Wijenayaka, the council’s cabinet member for growth, said: “We are thrilled with how successful the competition has been this year.

“It is a wonderful way for young people to boost their market presence as well as develop and harness vital skills in a safe and welcoming environment.

“Not only is it a great opportunity for those trading, but also for visitors who are able to support the local community and small businesses within it.”

The national final will be held in Stratford-upon-Avon over the August bank holiday weekend.