TWO brothers who launched a microbrewery in Warrington are in the running to be named Young Traders of the Year.

Jon and Jim Waldron-Swift, from Modern Day Monks, have already been crowned the region’s best as part of a national competition which supports the next generation of start ups.

Heats for the National Market Traders Federation event were held across the north west before a regional final was held at Warrington Market at the beginning of the month.

Modern Day Monks came out on top when more than 25 budding businesses showcased their products and services to around 4,000 people.

Jon and Jim introduced shoppers to their current core range which includes a Californian lager, a stout and a pale ale.

Warrington Guardian:

Now the duo, who make beer inspired by their travels around the world, will battle it out with other finalists from across the UK at the grand final of the Young Traders Market on August 30 and 31.

Twelve other traders from the regional final – including 10 from the Warrington heat – were also brought forward for the final in Stratford-upon-Avon.

This gives the town a good chance of retaining the Young Trader of the Year title after it was won by Warrington Market’s own greengrocer, Rob Leicester, last year.

Other Warrington businesses to move forward in the contest include Sustainable Living, a category winner on the day, The Botanical Boutique and Warrington Market’s own Zack’s Pet Stop.

Council leader Russ Bowden, judged the traders on the day, alongside Harriett Roberts from Warrington BID.

Cllr Bowden said: “It was a pleasure to judge so many talented young traders from across the north west this weekend.

“The Young Traders Market is a great initiative and we’re very proud to have so many people from Warrington through to the national final.

“We are investing in the future of our town centre with the multi-million pound Time Square development, including a new indoor market, which will provide opportunities for young traders and independent retailers to grow their businesses in Warrington.

“I’d like to wish all of the finalists the best of luck in the next stage of the competition and hopefully it will be another Warrington trader taking home the title.”

Joe Harrison, chief executive of the National Market Traders Federation added: “We had a fantastic day in Warrington and the market management did us proud. We were delighted with the layout and all the young traders enjoyed themselves – as well as taking a few bob on the day.

“For the National Young Traders Market to succeed it needs the full support of market operators, and on Saturday this was there in abundance.

“We wish all the north west young traders who have got through to the national final the best of luck.

“I’m always amazed at these events that the professionalism and expertise of these young people are at such a high level.”