Aylesbury Market helps start-up businesses to flourish

Aylesbury Market has built a fantastic reputation for being a place where market traders can start off their business with minimal financial outlay, giving them time to understand what does and does not work in the local area and how best to serve customers and tailor their offer. Aylesbury Market has already seen several traders move successfully from the market into bricks and mortar.

“As the operator of Aylesbury Market, it’s great to see a number of our market traders now stepping up to run their businesses in fixed retail units,” said Gareth Williams, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration. He added: “The market is a great way for new businesses to get started, and it’s also a business ‘incubator’, helping to nurture local businesses. It’s worth noting that high street names such as Morrisons and Marks & Spencer started out as market traders.”

In the last few weeks, four Aylesbury Market traders have decided to expand their business and put down roots in bricks and mortar in the town. These four businesses join three others who have made the transition in the last eight months.

S&S Kitchens have taken over the unit in Kingsbury that was previously occupied by Pizza Express. They have transformed it into a cool and colourful Caribbean restaurant – which is now open and ready for business.

Owners Steve and Stevie said: “We’re glad to be moving from street food trading, where you endure all sorts of weather conditions, into a warm restaurant. However, we don’t expect the workload to get any easier, but we’re excited to be developing our business to the next level. Our street food will still be available for events.”

Eco Bonobo, a plastic free, zero waste, vegan-friendly business has recently moved into Duck Farm Court.

Natasha May, the owner of Eco Bonobo, commented: “I started Eco Bonobo in Aylesbury in 2019 by trading on Aylesbury Market after seeing a requirement for plastic-free shopping in the community. After expanding my market range into local towns, my brand started to grow in popularity. I quickly realised there was a need for me to have a permanent base. Aylesbury is my hometown and I want to help the community make positive changes to the environment.”

Bokkie Foods has also moved into Duck Farm Court with a fabulous deli where you can enjoy a great range of food. Claire Alderton, the owner of Bokkie Foods, has set up the unit as an additional offer to the South African street food and event catering in and around Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire that she already runs.

Claire said: “This has come about because of the pandemic, I was doing everything single-handed and not really able to grow the business, so I knew that something had to change. That was when I decided to invest in a property where I could employ staff to continue the growth of the business. I would like to thank all my ongoing customers for their support to get us to this stage.”

Secret Asia still has a stall on Aylesbury Market but have also opened in the retail unit on Cambridge Place previously occupied by the Peking Inn restaurant. Secret Asia bring inspiration from Japan, Korea and South East Asia, to help you feel a touch of Asia in their very own Asian grocery store. They are committed to continually bring the latest authentic Asian groceries to you and offer great value.

If you’d like to find out more about becoming a market trader, please contact the Market Manager, Paul Kirkham on 07738 314088 or email him at paul.kirkham@buckinghamshire.gov.uk. You will have the opportunity to trial or expand your business idea in a safe and welcoming environment.

More information about Aylesbury Market can be found at: www.visitaylesbury.co.uk/aylesbury-market