Shropshire Growth Hub launches the Shropshire Artisan Showcase at The Darwin centre in Shrewsbury

Shropshire Growth Hub has announced a new initiative, in partnership with The Darwin centre in Shrewsbury, offering a unique opportunity for eight Shropshire designer makers and producers to be part of the Shropshire Artisan Showcase in April 2024.

This fully-funded opportunity is designed to give the artisanal businesses the opportunity to have free pop-up retail space, and the successful businesses will also benefit from free retail, sales, and marketing workshops in the lead-up to the pop-up event, delivered by Buy-From Creative Agency.

Anna Sadler, speaking on behalf of Shropshire Growth Hub, said:-

“We are so excited to be able to offer this unique opportunity to eight creative Shropshire businesses. Being able to back up the retail opportunity with free training as well, means that this is an opportunity that lasts four months, and will hopefully leave a genuine legacy of success and growth for the businesses who take part.”

Lezley Picton, Leader of Shropshire Council, added:-

“The pop-up shop provides a great showcase for our dynamic independent businesses.  Moving businesses onto the next stage of their growth, and working in partnership with other organisations to provide opportunities, is what Shropshire Growth Hub is all about. It’s terrific to see this initiative being repeated following the previous successful one in 2018.”

The Darwin centre in Shrewsbury has a long history of supporting independents, as exemplified by The Collective, a permanent showcase for local, small businesses in the centre.

Meg Hawkins, of Meg Hawkins Art

Speaking about his support of the Shropshire Artisan Showcase, Kevin Lockwood, The Darwin centre manager, said:-

“I am delighted to be able to support this initiative by the Shropshire Growth Hub, which is a fantastic retail opportunity for the creative businesses who are lucky enough to be accepted. My team and I will be offering retail guidance and support throughout as well, so we are confident it will be a huge success.”

The Shropshire Artisan Showcase at The Darwin centre is on Monday 15 April – Saturday 20 April 2024. Register your interest by Monday 22 January 2024 by emailing marchesgrowthhub@shropshire.gov.uk 

For media enquiries please email Louise Welsby: louise@buy-from.com