Budding entrepreneurs are being offered the chance to test out their business ideas with a free pitch at Wiltshire Council-run markets next month.

As part of the national Love Your Local Market campaign, running from May 14 to 28, Wiltshire Council is offering free pitches to schools and individuals at a number of its weekly markets.

The aim is to encourage people to try out their business ideas and experience the benefits of market trading, along with inspiring future business owners.

The council already supports an annual children’s farmers market in Chippenham and is keen to encourage other enterprising projects throughout Wiltshire by offering a free or reduced-rate introductory market presence.

Pitches will be available on: Tuesday at Melksham (Market Place) and Pewsey (North car park); Wednesday at Amesbury (Salisbury Street) and Marlborough (High Street); Thursday at Bradford on Avon (Bridge Street car park), and the Shambles Market Hall Devizes; Friday at Warminster (central car park), Shambles Market Hall, Devizes; and Saturday at the Shambles.

John Thomson, cabinet member with responsibility for markets, said: “This is a real opportunity for people to test out their business ideas in a friendly market environment.

“This year we’re also including schools so young people can have a taste of selling in the real world, which in itself is a great lesson and this could well inspire the entrepreneurs of the future.”

Any interested new traders or schools can email Markets@wiltshire.gov.uk or Wiltshire Council’s communications team at Communications@wiltshire.gov.uk

All traders must have public liability insurance to the value of £5m and be able to provide their own stall. Any trader selling or producing food must be registered with their local council’s public protection team.

For more information about Wiltshire markets, visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk /markets

More information about Love your Local Market can be found at http://loveyour localmarket.org.uk