WOULD-BE North-East entrepreneurs could be given six months space in their local market rent-free through a new competition.

Make Your Mark in the Markets offers a low-risk opportunity to start or grow a business, and to help fledgling entrepreneurs to turn ideas into reality.

Now in its second year, the challenge, run by Enterprise UK, works with 80 markets across the UK, to help people follow in the footsteps of the likes of Sir Alan Sugar and Marks and Spencer, both of whom famously started out on market stalls.

Last year, North-East finalist Nichola Ridley set up her business Emily Rose, named after her daughter, which designs and sells retro-inspired baby clothes and accessories. Ms Ridley, from Gateshead, won free trading days at Newcastle’s Quayside market. She said: “The competition allowed me to trial my business idea, which just started out as a hobby. I was able to see how people would react to my range, and what the best sellers were.”

Darlington Markets’ manager Peter Wilson said: “Anyone with innovative fresh ideas that they feel will benefit the local market and attract customers should give it a go.”

The competition is open to two categories – entrepreneurs who have been trading for fewer than six months, and others with older, but still-growing, businesses.

To enter, visit enterpriseuk.org/markets before March 22.