A psychology graduate has told how he is enjoying life as a market trader after a lack of jobs saw him decide to try being self employed.

Stephen Gowers graduated from Derby University two years ago.

He left his temporary job working as a cleaner at Asda to launch Markets Treat – a pick and mix sweet stall .

And two weeks into trading, business is going well.

“I had my first day on the Bury St Edmunds market on August 7.

“Before that I worked for a couple of months developing my business plan and went down to Camden market to research and look at a few ideas,” he said,

“I’ve been doing temporary work but I really wanted to get a more permanent job.

“But there is not much out there. I think everybody is finding it difficult at the moment. So I decided it was time to move on and take the steps into self employment.

Stephen is classed as a casual trader at the moment which means his spot on the market varies – but he hopes to become a permanent trader soon.

He is also working at Sudbury market on Thursdays and is looking to start trading at Diss market on Fridays.

In the future Stephen said he would also like to start selling party bags, wedding favours and to cater for Weddings and other events.

You can contact him by emailing marketstreats@hotmail.co.uk or phone 07854 090674.