THERE are some wonderful stories around this country about people with flair, passion and determination, who want to work for themselves.

One route is to take yourself to your local market, and discover whether this will lead you to fame and success on a grand scale - M & S or JJB Sports maybe!

Alternatively, you could develop a smaller, stable and lasting business, still bringing a lot of personal satisfaction, but not forgetting the hard work, of course.

There are traders here on Altrincham Market who have taken this independent route, and developed ‘uncomplicated’ businesses extending over decades and generations of families. You don’t have to emulate the big time operators!

There is still a consistent stream of people turning up to trade and try their luck at Altrincham’s Charter Market. They come in all ages and from all backgrounds and, whether they know it or not, they all share the same business ethos of risk and reward, which drives them to show up and take a chance.

In 2008 and back a decade or more, these entrepreneurial traders have found it harder to get a business off the starting blocks and established than was the situation in the 13th century origins of Altrincham Market or even 20 years ago.

Supermarkets may be convenient, but they exert a stifling pressure on the small trader, as the ‘supers’ grow stronger and widen their range of products on offer.

Undaunted by these odds, young potential traders still come and try their luck - a dozen or so in the past two months. They need your support and loyalty to help them to succeed. It’s a chicken and egg problem - not enough people coming to the market equals can’t buy a crust and certainly can’t buy any jam to put on it!

So do your bit and make an effort. It’s a good social scene, with very personal service in all departments.

Tomorrow (Friday) is the monthly Farmers’ Market day, with lots of fresh farm produce for you. There are antiques and bric a brac on Thursdays, and at Christmas it’s on Tuesday, December 23. The market is open on Christmas Eve, and then re-opens on Saturday, December 27.