People out of work in Shropshire are being urged to go back to basics to beat the recession – by becoming a market trader.

An information pack for traders has been launched by the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF) to help newcomers get started.

The federation has also pointed out some of the biggest names in retail – Tesco, Marks and Spencer and Morrisons – started out as market stalls.

The NMTF, which has 32,000 members, believes setting up a market stall could provide an alternative for people looking for jobs in the face of Government cutbacks and fewer jobs available.

Chris Bayliss, markets and special projects officer at Ludlow Town Council, said: “Anything that makes traders more efficient can only be a good thing for them and for customers.

“My only concern is how the training is delivered, but I think in principal the scheme is excellent.”

Mr Bayliss said he thought other ways of training might be more effective, but said the content was great.

The NMTF said working as a market trader could be an excellent way of starting a business with reduced exposure to risk, low overheads and manageable outlay from the outset.

It has launched NMTF First, an information service including guides and business tools to provide advice to would-be entrepreneurs.

Joe Harrison, NMTF chief executive, said: “Some of the biggest retail names on the high street started out on market stalls including Tesco, Marks and Spencer and Morrisons, proving the sky is the limit for those brave enough to take a step into self-employment through market trading.

“Selling goods and services through a market stall enables people to start their own businesses with minimal overheads and at low risk.

“But it’s well-known that if businesses are going to fail it is likely to happen in the first year.

“That’s why we have produced NMTF First, to help traders through those difficult first months.”

Research conducted by Opinion Matters for the Federation to launch NMTF First claims Britain is a nation of would-be entrepreneurs who are held back from starting their own businesses by exposure to financial risk.

NMTF First is available is available to order and costs include membership of the federation.

For more information call (01226) 352813.