Books, handmade products, clothing and big ideas took centre stage at Brent Civic Centre on Friday 30 October 2026, as young entrepreneurs came together for Ultra Education’s Brent Youth Pop-Up Takeover.
For the young founders behind the stalls, it was a chance to put their businesses in front of real customers: to explain what they had created, answer questions and share the work that had gone into it. For visitors, it was an opportunity to discover local talent and support a business at the beginning of its journey.
That is what these events are about. Giving young people room to try, learn and see where their interests can take them.
From creative ideas to a stall of their own
The photographs from the day tell the story through the details: carefully arranged books, colourful accessories, handmade creations and displays built around each founder’s own interests.
Nariyah Rose Story House brought books and merchandise to its stall, while author Israel Allen shared his work with visitors. Elsewhere, young makers presented their products with the same care and pride you would expect from any small business.
Taking part means thinking about much more than the product itself. How do you make your stall inviting? What do you say when someone asks about your business? How do you explain the idea behind something you have made? A pop-up gives young people a place to practise those skills for themselves.
The day in the young founders’ own words
The reflections shared on Instagram afterwards give a lovely sense of what the experience meant to those taking part.
Bjorn, the young founder behind HATITUDEUK, thanked the people who stopped to shop, offer encouragement and have a conversation. His message captured the value of that support:
“Every conversation inspires me to keep going, keep dreaming and NEVER GIVE UP!”
Bjorn, HATITUDEUK
For Squiggly Lines, Brent Civic Centre was a first pop-up experience. The business shared its excitement about taking part and its enthusiasm for more events in the future. Having a first opportunity to show up, set out a stall and introduce your work is a meaningful step for any new founder.
Israel Allen highlighted the part of the day that happens on the other side of the table:
“I enjoy interacting with the public and meeting new customers.”
Israel Allen
And in a post shared with Julian Hall’s account, Knot By Anabia reflected on the encouragement of being around other young entrepreneurs:
“I still have a lot to learn but I’m very inspired and motivated to reach new heights”
Knot By Anabia
A community behind every young business
A purchase matters, but so does taking the time to listen. Asking a young founder about their idea, giving useful feedback or encouraging them to keep going can help make the experience worthwhile.
Thank you to every young entrepreneur who took part, the families who helped them prepare, and everyone who came along to support them. Thank you, too, to the Ultra Education staff, volunteers and the team at Brent Civic Centre who helped make the day possible.
We are proud to create opportunities where young people can do what they love, develop practical business skills and meet others who are working towards something of their own.
Be part of the next opportunity
Whether your child has a business already or is just beginning to explore an idea, our programmes and events offer opportunities to take the next step.