Pontefract market trader wins award
Pontefract Market trader George Pugh has won a prestigious award.
George won the People's Choice award at the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Final of the Young Traders Market held in Barnsley at the weekend.
He previously won Wakefield's young trader of the year award in a competition run by the National Market Traders Federation.
George, who runs The Yorkshire Flower Basket Co, started running a stall at Pontefract Market in May and is there most Saturdays.
George said: "I'm overwhelmed and grateful to everyone who voted for me. The local support makes it all worthwhile."
The 29-year-old was previously a car salesman and ran his own garden maintenance business.
He runs his flower basket business while working full time as a grounds maintenance worker at Farmer Copleys in Featherstone.
George had been selling flower baskets on Facebook for around five years before he started the market stall.
He said "We charge exactly the same as what a premium bouquet of flowers would cost, but our baskets last twice as long."
George said social media is a "massive help" for his business and he regularly posts on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
And he has stated a YouTube channel called George's Yorkshire Roots, which promotes businesses in Pontefract and across Yorkshire.
A spokesperson for the Young Traders Market, said: "The finalists showcased their creativity, passion and entrepreneurial spirit to both the judging panel and the visiting public.
"From innovative products to exceptional customer service, the standard of trading was outstanding throughout the day.
"With a fantastic atmosphere, plenty of support from shoppers and a wealth of talent on display, it was a truly memorable event and a brilliant celebration of the next generation of market traders."
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