As independent and micro businesses across Liverpool city region get set for Small Business Saturday Liverpool BID Company and Wirral Chamber urge people to show their support. Tony McDonough reports

 

Independent creatives, makers, foodies and crafters are all set for Small Business Saturday taking place on December 2.

And Liverpool BID Company, which represents more than 800 businesses in Liverpool city centre, as well as Wirral Chamber, are urging shoppers across the region to show their support for the independent sector.

There will be a series of arts and craft markets to mark the day and to showcase the best of Liverpool’s ‘Indies’.

You’ll find everything from homemade honey, natural art and jewellery, fabrics, prints, winter warmers, mince pies, mulled wine, local choir performances and more. The markets will be:

• ​​The Art Quarter Market at Metquarter on Saturday, December 2, 11am to 5pm
• The Bloom Winter Market at Mann Island on Saturday, December 2, 11am to 4pm
  The Royal Liver Building Market on Monday, December 4, 11am to 3pm

Among the traders taking part is artist and illustrator Rebecca Christian. She creates fabrics and wallpapers and is a Northern Design Award finalist.

Rebecca said: “It took me until I was 40 to finally give myself permission to call myself an artist, despite having used my illustration skills in every job I’ve held.

“The design industry experience I gained is invaluable and essential to everything I do and create within my business today.

I initially gained a degree in scientific illustration then worked as a web/graphic designer in the education sector for over 20 years, which allowed me to develop my artistic and technology skills.

“I love to create nature inspired artwork which is used to make products including greeting cards, art prints, scarves and jewellery sold through local museums/ galleries and online worldwide.”

Find Rebecca on her website on Etsy and on Instagram and at the Metquarter market on December 2.

Julie Emelogu is the woman behind Joolzery jewellery. She explained: “My craft is handcrafted metaphysical wearable pieces of natural art.

“I use traditional metal smithing methods and technique to create distinctive, organic and quirky statement recycled copper, sterling silver and healing crystal jewellery, which includes elegant pendants, contemporary rings, hoops and studs and boho-chic earrings.

“I taught myself metalsmithing during lockdown, watching YouTube videos and practising in my attic usually into the early hours of the morning.

“I love sourcing the more unusual stones, or if a common stone like amethyst I will go for something a little different such as tripache which has wonderful dark amethyst inclusions within the stone.”

Find Joolzery at www.joolzery.co.uk and Instagram @Joolzery and at the Metquarter on December 2.

Wallasey based Joy Worsely offers handmade and bespoke childrens wear under the name Little Badger.

She added: “I make bespoke skirts, aprons, and bags for children.  People can order a skirt made specifically to their child’s exact size.  I get all my orders in the post within 24 hours.

“I use mainly upcycled material that I buy from charity shops or online sites. This way my designs are totally unique and never repeated twice.”

Find Little Badger on Instagram and Facebook and at the Liver Building on December 4.

 

 

Wirral Chamber is also urging people to support small businesses on the ‘Left Bank’ of the River Mersey this weekend. Chamber chair Paula Basnett said: “This weekend is an opportunity for us all to come together and celebrate our small business community.

“We’re calling on all Wirral residents to get involved in the campaign. If everyone in Wirral were to spend just £1 per week on a small business, it would generate an extra £16.64m a year into our high-streets and small business economy.

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“Generally, it’s been found that a pound spent locally, stays local and its impact on our communities is far more significant. 

“That’s the message we’re pushing out as a Chamber and we’re calling on local people to help boost our small businesses this upcoming Small Business Saturday.”

In anticipation of the day, many small businesses in the Wirral area are gearing up to participate by hosting events and offering special discounts to attract customers.

This not only helps boost sales but also creates a festive atmosphere that encourages community engagement.