On 10 December 2025, we proudly marked a significant milestone as the 10th annual Big Market took place at the iconic St George’s Market, Belfast. The event was a vibrant celebration of youth entrepreneurship, bringing together students, educators, business partners and the public to recognise ten years of creativity, innovation and enterprise. 

Thanks to the continued generosity of Belfast City Council, who once again provided St George’s Market as the venue, the space was transformed into a bustling marketplace. Over 800 young people aged 9–18 from across Northern Ireland traded their products and services with confidence, gaining invaluable real-world business experience and showcasing the impact of enterprise education in action. 

This milestone event was made possible through the support of our Lead Event Sponsors – Belfast City Council, Go Succeed, Henderson Group and Market Place. As well as event sponsor Davy, our Lead Partner Send My Bag, and our Entrepreneurship Partners A&O Shearman, Danske Bank and Queen’s University Belfast. Their continued support allows us to inspire and equip the next generation of entrepreneurs across Northern Ireland. Their commitment to developing future talent enabled us to deliver a memorable and impactful day for young people. 

We were also delighted to welcome representatives from our sponsors and business partners on the day, all of whom shared encouraging messages about the importance of nurturing entrepreneurial skills and supporting young people to turn ideas into action. 

Carol Fitzsimons MBE, Chief Executive of Young Enterprise NI, said: 

“The 10th Big Market was a fantastic reflection of what can be achieved when young people are given the opportunity to learn by doing.” 

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the students, whose creativity, professionalism and enthusiasm were evident throughout the day; to the teachers and business volunteers who supported them on their enterprise journeys; and to the members of the public whose support and engagement helped make Big Market 2025 such a success. 

Big Market 2025 Award Winners 

We were proud to recognise the achievements of the following teams and companies: 

Special Recognition 

• Parkhall Apprentices, Parkhall Integrated College, Antrim 

• Frame It, St Patrick’s High School, Keady 

• Frame It, De La Salle College, Belfast 

• Looped, Glenlola Collegiate, Bangor 

• Beech-Crafts, Beechlawn Special School 

Business Beginnings Winner 

• Eco Elves, St Malachy’s Primary School 

QuickStart 

• Runner Up: Made for Me, Bangor Academy 

• Winner: Paw-liday Stockings, Cambridge House, Ballymena 

Junior Team Winner 

• Crafty Christmas @Park, Park School, Belfast 

Team 

• Runner Up: Where’s Ma Keys, Park School, Belfast 

• Winner: Teamkind Studios, Hillcroft School 

Start Up 

• Runner Up: The Print Stand, Northern Regional College, Ballymena 

• Winner: Causeway Cups, Northern Regional College 

Company 

• Runner Up: Root & Rise, Lurgan College 

• Winner: Fair Play, Strathearn School, Belfast 

As we reflect on ten years of the Big Market, we are incredibly proud of the young people who have taken part and grateful to the business partners and supporters who have helped make this flagship event possible. Big Market 2025 not only celebrated a decade of success but reaffirmed our shared commitment to empowering young people with the skills, confidence and mindset they need for the future. 

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making Big Market 2025 such a memorable and impactful event.