Young traders have showcased their businesses in a market event within the shopping centre.

On Friday, April 12, ten traders aged between 16 and 30 sold their goods in Queensmere Shopping Centre - with three given special awards for their unique offerings.

Ritsu Ganshani, 24, from Harrow, won the best stall with Ken-Sho, a business that uses leaves to stain fabrics to produce scarves, bags and more.

The process takes two to three days and is inspired by the Japanese meaning of Ken-Sho, 'one's true nature'.

Evie Connolly, 27, was highly commended for her business Poppy Orange Designs.

Evie makes jewellery in a variety of stalls and materials, including pom poms, silicon and glass. Having launched in 2023, Poppy Orange Designs can be found in stalls set up in Brixton Village, Bicester and Oxford.

Marc Brown was also highly commended for Vintage Hill. The 20-year-old launched his vintage clothing business at just 17 and trades mainly in person at car boots and similar markets.

Speaking about the day, Marc said: "Clarissa (market organiser at Slough BID) has done an amazing job. They smashed it."

Other market stalls on the day included Aaliyah Hussain's business Flourish Fragrance.

Aaliyah said: "I jumped at the opportunity when I heard it was in the shopping centre. I would definitely take part again."

Another stallholder, Leah Fletcher, creates art and said: "When you are starting off you are already spending money. Markets like this really help."

The businesses involved ranged from cake making, crochet clothes and toys, artwork, perfumes and jewellery.

Clarissa Parker, Slough BID manager, said: "On behalf of Slough BID, Slough Borough Council, NMTF and Queensmere Shopping Centre, we would like to thank all participants in Slough’s first Young Traders Market. 

"It was a wonderful day, creating an interest and buzz in the town centre. 

"All the Young Traders operated with professionalism, were courteous to all shoppers and the standard of their stalls was of the highest calibre.  

"The aim of the YTM scheme is to bring new blood into the markets sector and to support high streets and town centres to thrive, as consumers seek out new experiences and offers."

Following these regional events, the best traders will be invited to the National Final being held in Stratford Upon Avon in August, organised by the National Market Traders Federation.

It is hoped that the event will return to the town again within the next year.