Young entrepreneur sets out her stall in Newcastle

The brightest and best young entrepreneurs in the North East were on show in Newcastle recently as part of the regional final for the Young Trader of the Year awards.

Lucy Ritson, with Cllr Ged Bell, Lord Mayor David Cook and Lady Mayoress and Michelle Percy, Acting Director for Place, Newcastle City Council

The talented young people were a mix of very recent start-ups and young entrepreneurs already making their mark on markets and in retail settings across the region. All were vying for the prestigious title and a chance to represent the North East at the finals.

The awards are part of the NMTF (National Market Traders Federation) Young Traders Market programme.

Lucy Ritson was crowned the winner after a panel of judges voted for her and her new zero waste business Nil Living. She will now take her place representing the North East at the national final in Stratford-upon-Avon at the end of August.

Nil Living is an innovative new brand offering customers opportunities to cut down on their plastic usage, providing a refill station for household and personal goods and swapping empty bottles for refilled ones.

Lucy was inspired to start her business when she realised her actions at the time were damaging the planet. As she explains: “I must admit I was the biggest culprit and unaware of the damage I was doing by putting all sorts of plastic in the bin. I now want to help others make the change I have. Nil Living will help them to do this.

“My message is this – consume less, think more and support local traders.

“I am very proud of my business and delighted to win this award. I hope I do the North East proud at the national finals.”