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Middlesbrough indoor market launches enterprise initiative to boost new business

Middlesbrough’s Dundas Indoor Market, part of the town’s Dundas Shopping Centre, has launched a new initiative to help entrepreneurs test out their retail business ideas by minimising costs and risks.

Offering a limited number of units for £60 per week all in, the market scheme could boost startups and independent traders looking to launch new operations in the region.

Businesses in the indoor market will also benefit from the shopping centre’s weekly footfall of more than 60,000 and the support of more than 20 fellow market traders.

The market’s new enterprise initiative is the brainchild of Dundas Indoor Market Manager David Harris.

He explained: “We appreciate how costly and difficult it can be for businesses to get off the ground, so we are providing an opportunity to trade in an established market setting in Middlesbrough town centre at a hugely reduced cost and on flexible terms.

“It’s a great way to try out a business idea in a secure, managed setting, especially in the run up to Christmas.

“Some of the 20 independent businesses in Dundas Indoor Market have traded here for more than 20 years, but we also have a strong track record in seeing businesses grow and move out into the larger retail units in the Dundas Centre.”

Robert Lewis runs low cost printers LD Printing, which supplies personalised gifts, canvas prints and other bespoke printed products.

Mr Lewis, who has witnessed his business grow substantially over the past 12 months, said: “Dundas Market is an ideal location for any business in its early stages or just starting out.

“The units are cost effective compared to the main high street locations and the team here have given me the flexibility to expand and increase my workspace.”

Mr Harris added: “We work closely with new traders to help them get established and we also work closely with local support organisations, so we would like to hear from any former SSI workers, graduates, job seekers or anybody who dreams of running their own business, and we look forward to seeing them in the market.”

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