Six Redcar and Cleveland start-up businesses have won the opportunity to trade at a series of Christmas markets held at Kirkleatham Museum.
The 'Test Trade' experience is part of a wider business support scheme for the local area, organised by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's Business Engagement team and Enterprise Made Simple, funded by Anglo American, owners of the Woodsmith Mine site near Whitby and polyhalite processing plant on Teesside.
The business owners had their first taste of Christmas trading on 4 and 5 December and are preparing now for two more events, also to be held at the Museum this weekend, on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 December.
Each business entered an application to win their place, with a panel of judges selecting the winners based on a range of criteria, including business plans.
Competition winners were supplied with a £500 grant to pay for business insurance for the events, with any leftover funds going towards stock or the creation of new products. Purpose-built, festive wooden chalets were also bought and decorated for the businesses to base themselves in over the four days.
Laura Mactaggart, who owns personalised gift company Archie & Bea with partner Chris, said:
“We were approached about the event when working with the team at Enterprise Made Simple, who told us that the Council's Business Engagement team were looking for new businesses to offer a free chalet hut to at the markets. We thought it sounded like a great opportunity to showcase our products, so we filled out an application form to submit with our business plan. Previously, we had only sold online.
“Both the team at Enterprise and the Council were hugely supportive with the application process and the run-up to the event, even coming along over the weekend to make sure we didn't need anything. The event itself was great; we met lots of new people and had lovely feedback about our set-up and products. We used the opportunity to talk to people about our new shop, which will be opening soon in Saltburn. We can't wait for the next Christmas event on the 18th and 19th."
Councillor Chris Gallacher, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, commented:
“The first of these Christmas markets, on Saturday 4 December, was also national Small Business Saturday – wonderful timing for doing something that supports our area's small new ventures. After the challenging time that many businesses have experienced off the back of the pandemic, it is so important to support local retailers and give brand new businesses a chance.
“Supporting independent retailers is better for the local economy; you can deal directly with the business owners to get good advice or sometimes a better deal, and it keeps our carbon footprint lower by not having products shipped from further afield. We should all support local."
Phil Teasdale, CEO of EMS, said: "We have loved being involved with the Christmas Market event, run by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council. We have worked with and met some really fantastic individuals from right across the borough, and this event has given them both the experience and a much-needed grant to really test their ideas, products and customer reaction.
“This scheme has been a great example of how a public/private sector partnership between RCBC, Anglo American and EMS can make a huge difference to those residents of the borough who are interested in exploring a business idea. This is a great place to explore starting a business, with an excellent range of support and help available for those with new business ideas and those looking to grow and build their existing business; it's a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of the area that such a wide range of individuals, with wonderful ideas, applied to be part of this fantastic Christmas experience."
Angela Bartram, owner of Moor & Marsh Designs, a bespoke gift, card and jewellery business, also won a spot at the events:
“I found Kirkleatham pop-up Christmas Market to be a really valuable experience. Despite challenging weather, it was an impressive footfall which was an invaluable opportunity to use the event as a shop window for my small business. I met some amazing people and would like to thank Ainsley and the Business Engagement team for the opportunity. I would do it again in a heartbeat!"
As well as gifts, there is a diverse range of other businesses at the market. Rebecca and Toni of Doe & Deer Baby Boutique were also competition winners:
“We started 'Doe & Deer Baby Boutique' in October which is our online baby and children's shop. We sell unique and luxury items, perfect for gifting newborns and toddlers, along with the essentials every baby needs. We were so honoured to be one of the new businesses chosen to participate in Kirkleatham Christmas Market and had a brilliant time. We are very grateful for the opportunity and can't believe how much support we have been given by the Council and Enterprise Made Simple. We can't wait to be there again this weekend. There will be so much fun and entertainment, a place the kids and parents can enjoy Christmas!"
Gareth Edmunds, Corporate Relations Director at Anglo American's Crop Nutrients business, said: “We are committed to supporting our local communities and the local economy, so are delighted to have been able to offer this opportunity to start-up businesses in the Redcar area."
Catch these new businesses amongst others for your last-minute gifts and other festive entertainment at Kirkleatham Museum on Sat 18 and Sun 19 December. For more details, visit Enjoy (redcarcleveland.co.uk)