Member Article

Crafty Collaboration aims to celebrate Best of Barnsley

A group of crafty creatives is offering a rare chance for individuals to try their hand behind the potter’s wheel as well as finding out more about the wide range of hand crafted goods which have been produced by independent artisans working in Barnsley.

Organised by Crafty Business Barnsley in collaboration with the Sheffield City Region Launchpad programme, the free event takes place on Saturday 3rd December at the Digital Media Centre between 10:00am – 4:00pm.

The event will showcase the work of more than 24 Barnsley-based craft businesses, giving visitors the opportunity to find out more about the wide range of independently owned businesses currently trading in Barnsley. As well as offering this great Christmas shopping opportunity visitors can enjoy live performances from a number of Barnsley-based musicians throughout the day, food, drink & family craft activities including the chance to have a try their hand on the potter’s wheel.

It is the first time Etsy Made Local has been held in Barnsley and follows the success of Crafty Business Barnsley’s first Makers Market which took place in Penistone in October and forms one of 25 craft markets taking place across the UK this weekend.

Since its launch in 2014, the Craft Business Barnsley Network has forged a membership of nearly 600 individuals who come together regularly to share tips on how to run a successful craft business as well as exploring opportunities to work collaboratively.

Organisers Steph Cronin and Tracy Mawson who run a graphic design company and ceramics business respectively, decided to bring their successful event to Barnsley after securing help from the Sheffield City Region’s Launchpad programme.

Launchpad is a unique scheme which forms part of the Sheffield City Region Growth hub. The programme provides free help and support to budding entrepreneurs in the Sheffield City Region who are thinking of starting their own business, or have started trading within the last two years. It is funded by the European Union Regional Development Fund and delivered by Local Authorities within Sheffield City Region and the Princes Trust.

Paul Tinsley, Start Up Manager for Launchpad in Barnsley said:

“Through our work with Crafty Business Barnsley we were able to help them find a suitable venue for the exhibition, which promises to be a must see event: For some it will provide a chance to pick up some unique hand crafted gifts, whilst for others, it provides an opportunity to find out more about what’s involved with running a business in the craft industry.

“The aim of the Launchpad programme is to illustrate that anyone can be an entrepreneur and the success enjoyed by many of Crafty Business Barnsley’s members illustrates how some people are transforming their hobbies and passion for creativity into successful business ventures.”

Aiming to inspire and encourage more people within the borough to follow their creative dreams and transform their passion and love the arts into successful businesses, the first fifty people to visit the Crafty Business Stall will all receive a free goody bag, which features work from many of the individuals taking part in the event.

Tracy Mawson, Crafty Business Barnsley Network said:

“Since Crafty Business was launched just over two years ago, it’s grown from being a relatively small support organisation to one which has attracted nearly 600 active members. It’s a great opportunity to be able work with Launchpad & support the amazing makers we have here in Barnsley.’’

Steph Cronin, Crafty Business said:

“The event is being hosted in collaboration with the Sheffield City Region Launchpad programme which gives individuals a chance to find out more about what’s involved with running a business as well as celebrating the work of local artists”

To find out more about the Launchpad programme in Barnsley contact Enterprising Barnsley on 01226 773003 or The SCR Growth Hub Gateway on 03330 00 00 39 and visit: www.scrlaunchpad.co.uk

The Craft Business maker’s market will also return to Penistone Barn on 11th December.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by SCR Launchpad .