TWO entrepreneurial sisters are hoping to carry on a family legacy after both launching businesses that were recognised at the national Young Traders Market competition.

Georgia Roberts and Ellie Lloyd both reached the competition’s final in Stratford-upon-Avon.

The North West General Retailer of the Year title went to Georgia for her Sustainable Living brand while her sister Ellie was the runner-up in the National General Retail category for Botanical Boutique UK.

Georgia, whose company focuses on the likes of eco-friendly, Fair Trade, zero waste and vegan products, said: “It was an amazing opportunity to go and showcase our businesses in a tourist hotspot, essentially reaching people from all over the world. The competition element definitely added pressure but it’s great to have a challenge and really go out to prove yourself and your business.

“It’s a great opportunity for young business owners and aspiring young business owners alike, it gave us the chance to really explore working within the market trader world.”

The sisters found the competition more challenging than most as Georgia had to work around being a mum to her son George Denis, who is two next month. She is also expecting her second child in three months.

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Meanwhile, Ellie suffers from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and ME.

The Great Sankey resident added: “I was unable to continue at school past the age of 12. I spent my high school years at home where I was able to observe and learn from my dad’s horticultural business.

“Growing up my interest in plants bloomed and I have found great pleasure in understanding the properties of plants. Both for aesthetic and medicinal reasons. Being able to bring my hobby and passions together in the form of a business is a blessing due to my health restrictions.

“When I started the business in June and then put my name down for the Young Traders event I never expected to come this far so quickly.

“From starting off on day one with a few small home potted succulents to making it through to the national final and coming second in my category has been surreal.

“Opportunities like this need to be grabbed with both hands. To be given the platform to go out and advertise your product to a wide audience will have given all participants a real boost. The knowledge and understanding that comes with it will last a life time.

“I owe a lot of thanks to family and friends who have supported me all the way.”

Market trading is in Georgia and Ellie’s blood as their grandma Sheila Lloyd and great auntie Pat Warburton ran Warrington Health Foods in Warrington Market from 1970 to the mid 1990s.

Georgia, 26, said: “They were promoting a healthier, eco friendly lifestyle in a time when it wasn’t a mainstream idea and a time when it wasn’t as common for women to start businesses.

“It is wonderful to follow in the footsteps of two great female entrepreneurs and it definitely gives us a confidence that if they can do it, we can too.

READ MORE > Eight Warrington businesses make Young Traders' Market final

“We have a lovely photo of our grandma in her shop in the original Warrington Market – it’s a great reminder of everything she achieved.”

Looking to the future, Ellie is aiming to stock a wider range of herbs alongside her succulents and cacti. The 23-year-old is also planning to attend more trader events in Warrington and beyond.

Georgia is growing her business by hosting Sustainable Living pop-up events at Warrington Market with the next one taking place on Saturday, September 28.

She said: “My business will continue to be a whirlwind as I learn to adjust running a business with two little ones.

“I’ve recently been asked to talk at schools, community groups and workplaces about my passion to live a more sustainable lifestyle in a modern world. I’m excited to see where this can lead and hope to inspire lots of people across Warrington and beyond.”

Ellie added: “One day I want to make Botanical Boutique UK my main focus and that will entail moving into more permanent premises and if that did end up being Warrington Market then that would be fantastic.

“The team at the market are fantastic. They have been a source of constant encouragement and mentorship so the market’s future is definitely in safe hands.”