With over 1 million people expected to visit the Belfast Christmas Market, entries into this year’s Jolly Big Business Boost competition, designed to offer trading opportunities at one of the UK’s award-winning Markets, have been impressive.
Operators of the Belfast Christmas Market, Market Place Europe, run ‘The Jolly Big Business Boost’ competition each year, with the lucky winners being given the opportunity to trade for FREE at the Belfast Christmas Market. To boost their chances of retail success, the winners are also supported by the Christmas Market team with business mentoring and PR opportunities.
Andy Pidgen, Market Manager said: “The Jolly Big Business Boost is an excellent opportunity for ambitious, local entrepreneurs wanting to get their foot in the door and build awareness of their brand. The competition has proven to be very successful with businesses who have previously won the competition, such as OutsideIn, Wave The Animals and the Belfast Beard Company, building a large following and coming back to trade at the Christmas Market each year since. ‘’
This year’s winners are the impressive Bathe Botanicals, who offer unique artisan soap, bath and body products with a Northern Irish twist. Imagine a soap made with Buckfast. Visitors to the market looking for the perfect stocking filler will be rushing to try Bathe Botanicals “boozy bar” range. These refreshing, fun soaps are made using popular tipples such as Buckfast, Irish stout, beer, cider and Irish coffee. Bathe Botanical owner, Christine McCaughey, uses natural ingredients such as essential oils and coconut milk to create soothing, cruelty-free, vegan products.
Christine McCaughey company owner said: ‘’I am blown away that I have won this year’s Jolly Big Business Boost Competition. This is a lifechanging experience for my business and I am so excited to take part in this award-winning Christmas market.‘’
This year’s competition was judged by Jordan Arnold who represented our media partners Q Radio, Fiona Liversidge from Tourism NI and Andy Pidgen, Manager of the Belfast Christmas Market.
Jolly Big Business Boost Judge and Q Radio presenter, Jordan Arnold said: ‘’This year’s competition got off to a great start with many strong applications, showing the extent of Northern Ireland’s young business talent. Even though it was a tough decision, Christine from Bathe Botanicals really stood out as an impressive female entrepreneur with a distinct Northern Irish product offering that I will definitely be giving as a gift this year!’’
Belfast Christmas Market will be open on the 18 November at 12 noon.
Opening hours are:
Monday – Wednesday 10am – 8pm
Thursday – Saturday 10am – 10pm
Sunday 12noon – 6pm