Chichester MP, Gillian Keegan spent the morning of Saturday 1st December at Drapers Yard to show her support to small business on Small Business Saturday.
Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and support small businesses in their communities.
The day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses.
On her visit Gillian met with Kay who bought an old pub premises four years ago to house the haberdashery and workshops. In 2016 she erected 13 sheds in the defunct pub garden to create a hub for small retail independents to encourage creatives and their talents.
Now, garden sheds fill the Yard creating a village of sheds housing upwards of 20 different businesses. They are a delightfully eclectic mix with an ever changing offer: from art to textiles; coffee to hairdressing and jewellery to ceramics to name but a few. The Shedquarter ‘Yardies’ come either by the week, month or ad hoc day.
This is a funky little find allows fledging businesses have an opportunity to rent retail space a day at a time to research the market.
After her visit Gillian said, the Yard was a great example of businesses working together and supporting each other.
She said also said the array of artisan products were perfect for Christmas shopping.