Shropshire Growth Hub returns with Artisan Showcase to support local creatives into retail
The Shropshire based designer makers and artists taking part in this year’s Artisan Showcase, and the Shropshire Growth Hub’s Anna Sadler (second from the right)
The Shropshire Growth Hub is bringing creative businesses back to the high street this spring with the return of the Shropshire Artisan Showcase 2026, taking place at Darwin Shopping Centre, Shrewsbury, from 11–16 May.
Now in its third year, the showcase supports Shropshire‑based designer‑makers to step confidently into retail through a week‑long ‘pop‑up’ shop, giving them hands‑on experience of trading in a busy town‑centre location.
Delivered by the Shropshire Growth Hub in partnership with Buy‑From Creative Agency and Darwin Shopping Centre, the programme is about more than shop space. Participants benefit from structured support designed to build retail confidence, strengthen their offer and help lay the foundations for long‑term growth.
Meet local makers
Visitors to the showcase can meet local makers, hear the stories behind their work and discover a wide range of high‑quality, locally made products, including ceramics, jewellery, textiles, illustration and fine art.
Anna Sadler, from the Shropshire Growth Hub, said:
“This is the third time we’ve delivered the Artisan Showcase and it continues to prove how valuable supported retail can be for creative businesses. It gives makers the confidence to test their products, engage directly with customers and build skills they can use well beyond the event itself.”
The showcase highlights how targeted business support can help strengthen town centres while supporting local enterprise.
Councillor Rob Wilson, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Economic Growth, said:
“The Artisan Showcase brings fresh energy and distinctiveness to our High Street while championing local creative businesses. It’s a fantastic platform that highlights just how much the Shropshire Growth Hub can offer entrepreneurs, from practical support to new growth opportunities. I’m delighted to see the Growth Hub not only building on its past achievements but actively shaping a brighter future for Shropshire’s business community.”
Open 11 – 16 May, Monday – Saturday
The Shropshire Artisan Showcase 2026 runs from 11–16 May during normal Darwin Shopping Centre opening hours.
Visitors are encouraged to drop in throughout the week to meet the makers and support Shropshire’s creative community.
Notes to editors
Shropshire Artisan Showcase 2026
Darwin Shopping Centre, Shrewsbury
11–16 May 2026
The Shropshire Growth Hub is part of Invest in Shropshire at Shropshire Council. It provides information and support for businesses in the Shropshire Local Authority area. It runs an extensive yearly calendar of free events and webinars and offers advice on grants, loans, and assistance for companies of any size or sector, from start-ups to established enterprises.
The main contract funding the work of the Shropshire Growth hub is the Marches Growth Hub (MGH) core funding through the Department for Business and Trade.
