Bid for funding for future shopkeepers

Paul O’Brien, of Candy Love, in Bath Place, Worthing, has applied for £15,000 from the Community First fund to set up a youth market, for young people to learn all about the basics of business.

Mr O’Brien hopes the initiative will highlight how the high street is a good opportunity for a future career.

He said: “The high street has taken such a battering and it is seen as a poor man’s trade.

“But if you look at some of the most recognised business people, the likes of Phillip Green and Theo Paphitis, they all show how you can be successful.”

The funding will pay for equipment and running costs, including street closure, with the anticipation the market could be run on a monthly basis.

It is Mr O’Brien’s second youth initiative in recent months, with a youth involvement activity try out day planned in the town centre for Saturday, April 12.

Mr O’Brien said: “It will teach them things like how to make a profit and the whole process of running a business.

“Opening a new business is tough as there are lots of start-up costs and one of the ways many people start is by running a market stall.”

The idea would run in a similar way to Young Enterprise, a national scheme aimed at giving students a taste of being an entrepreneur.

The charity ran a trade fair in Montague Street last Saturday, as part of the year- long project, which takes place annually.

Secretary to the South Downs area board, Wendy Wiggins, said: “We have seven companies from across the region involved this year.

“One of them, Seven, from Sir Robert Woodard, sold on the day, and I think the event was affected by the bad weather.

“Normally, all seven would have attended but Seven did well on the day.”

Mr O’Brien’s bid has been backed by a panel of residents and is awaiting confirmation from the Community Development Foundation.