Ambitious business owners who are looking to grow and expand can benefit from support from Babergh District Council as their Innovate Local scheme in Hadleigh Market is extended.

Businesses interested in taking part in the Innovate Local scheme will have access to a free pitch on the market for up to 4 weeks as well as advice and support to help take their business to the next level, engage directly with customers and reach new audiences.

The Innovate Local scheme is available in Hadleigh and Stowmarket and is expanding to Sudbury for the first time. Business owners who wish to take part in the scheme and meet all the criteria, can apply with an overview of their business.

The scheme is being delivered by Suffolk Market Events who provide on-the-ground assistance to start up business owners and guide them through the different elements of running a successful market stall. 

Suffolk Market Events, who recently won the contract to manage Hadleigh Market on behalf of Babergh District Council for the next three years, have supported 9 businesses at Hadleigh and Stowmarket since the launch of Innovate Local in 2021.

The Innovate Local scheme was initially funded from the Suffolk Inclusive Growth Investment Fund (SIGIF) and the Welcome Back Fund (from the EU Regional Development Fund) as part of Babergh District Council's package of measures to support business post Covid.

Cllr John Ward, Babergh leader and cabinet member for economic growth said: "The Innovate Local scheme provides a unique opportunity to experience a busy local market.

"I would encourage any business owner who has wanted to grow their business in a market environment to take part in the scheme and receive the support and guidance to help them flourish."

Hadleigh Market runs every Friday and regularly welcomes around 18 regular traders.

Justine Paul, Suffolk Market Events, who also runs the market in Lavenham which was recently named best UK Market 2022, said: "'I am absolutely delighted that Innovate Local is coming back for a second year. This brilliant project is all about enabling small businesses to grow from the Kitchen Table to a Market Stall. Last year nine applicants went through this scheme and all have continued trading - it really did have a huge positive impact on every single person involved and it's great to be able to run it again in 2022." 

In December 2021, Babergh District Council surveyed stall holders and regular visitors to Hadleigh Market to help shape its future. The majority of respondents stated the market was a key asset for Hadleigh and had been particularly important during the Covid restrictions. 

Over the next three years, Suffolk Market Events will focus on how to enhance the unique community value of the market at the heart of the town and explore opportunities for growth and development.

To find out more and apply to take part in the Innovate Local scheme, please contact: Justine Paul by email [email protected] or call 07704 627973