£10 stalls at Penkridge Market to help businesses

A cheap rate of £10 per stall will be introduced at Penkridge Market in Staffordshire to encourage traders to use the site.

The discounted price for setting up will be charged on Saturday, June 23, which is designated as National Markets Day under an initiative inspired by high street guru Mary Portas

Market manager Matt Williams said today: "We know how tough it is to set up a business during this difficult economic climate, but a market stall is a great way to try out ideas and get customers feedback, without it costing very much. The market attracts up to 5,000 people from around the region every market day, so it's a great place to start a new business."

Mr Williams will also be on hand throughout the day to give prospective stallholders information about setting up a permanent pitch at the market, based in Pinfold Lane.

The usual charges for stalls start from £25.

Kay Bishop, aged 28, who set up her cupcake stall at Penkridge a year ago, said: "Having a market stall has been an inexpensive and low risk way of me setting up my business.

"The market is a great place to try out any business idea without spending a lot of money."

Ms Portas has been commissioned by the Government to revive Britain's ailing high streets and her market initiative is part of a raft of measures she has come up with.

Under another scheme, Wolverhampton was named as one of 12 areas across the country to win £100,000 of investment and support from Ms Portas.

The city fought off stiff competition as a total of 370 other locations clamoured for a slice of the £1.2 million Portas Pilot funding pot.

Wolverhampton was chosen over local rivals Dudley, West Bromwich, Bearwood and Walsall who were left bitterly disappointed. Ideas include modern-day street criers and a Dragons' Den-style competition for entrepreneurs.