STUDENTS have helped stallholders at Widnes Market to develop their businesses.

Cronton sixth form business students were given the opportunity to become marketing consultants.

Each group was assigned a market trader as a client.

The project involved interviewing traders to learn more about their business, their target market, business objectives and their range of products.

Students had four weeks to prepare promotional materials including leaflets, posters, scripts for radio and TV adverts, website designs and social media pages.

The teams then presented their work to the traders for feedback.

Clive Middlehurst, from Middlehurst’s Butchers, said he was ‘absolutely delighted’ with the suggestions by students Patrick Nicholson and Lewis Astles as part of a proposed £5,000 budget.

He said: “I am very impressed with the professional approach to the job and professional looking website the students have created.”

Clive hopes to use the website and ideas that the boys came up in the coming weeks.

The project has been hailed such a success, Widnes Market manager Sara Munikwa is keen to run it again next year.

Jo Martin, head of business at Cronton Sixth Form, said: “It makes such a difference when projects are live.

“It gives the students real work experience which strengthens not only their employability skills and confidence, but also their personal statements and CVs.

“It brings the subject to life and enriches the whole college experience which is the very essence of what vocational courses should offer.”

The students have also produced materials for the Halton Council’s stop smoking campaign and have worked to promote Widnes Market itself.