Businesses make Madeley Market their new home
Two more businesses are being given the opportunity to make their presence felt on the high street after launching at Madeley Outdoor Market.
Cookes Crafty Creations and Roots an Shoots have both received business start-up trial grants through Telford & Wrekin Council’s Pride in Our High Street programme.
Jennifer Cooke decided to expand her home based Cookes Crafty Creations business and the market stall will enable her to grow her customer base.
She has received a £2,058 grant to support her business which specialises in handicrafts such as clothing, baby gift sets, blankets, booties, hats, cardigans and patchwork quilts.
Jennifer has used sewing to boost her mental health and what started out as a hobby to get her back on track has now led to a full on business venture.
Jennifer said: “I want to thank the Pride in Our High Street team for their help in making my dream become a reality.
“I have had a great deal of support from the businesses in Madeley, particularly Julie Lovett at Allsorts Wool & Fabric, as well as other business owners on the market who have all made me feel so welcome.
“This is a wonderful new experience for me and after some very challenging years it’s my chance to show off my handmade items and I’m looking forward to meeting new people each week.”
Madeley Market is open on Tuesdays (9am-3pm) and Saturdays (9am-2pm).
Mobile fruit and vegetable business Roots an Shoots is branching out to open a permanent base at the market.
Owner Bernie Beardmore previously owned a shop in Madeley which was popular with customers before she went mobile.
Now she is keen to sell her produce in the heart of Madeley again and will use the £1,990 grant to support start-up costs so she can sell fruit, vegetables, wreathes, cut flowers and eggs from her plastic free stall.
Bernie said: “I was doing mobile fruit and vegetable deliveries which went through the roof during the lockdowns but there are still people who like to collect their produce in person.
“This start-up trial grant has given me the opportunity to set up a permanent base on Madeley Market and I’m really grateful for the support I’ve received from Telford & Wrekin Council to get this off the ground. I’m looking forward to having a regular presence in Madeley again.”
Madeley Market is open on Tuesdays (9am-3pm) and Saturdays (9am-2pm).
Councillor Lee Carter (Lab), Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, Regeneration and the High Street, said: “Trial start-up grants give businesses the opportunity to launch on the high street for a period of time, through market stalls and empty retail units, but often lead to them becoming permanent additions in our towns.
“Roots an Shoots and Cookes Crafty Creations are two fantastic new Madeley Market stalls which we are sure will be popular with customers in Madeley.
“Jennifer’s products have already caught the eye and this stall will give local people the opportunity to see her work in person, while Bernie’s grant will give her the chance to re-establish herself in Madeley once again.”
You can find out more about business trial start-up grants here.
Photo Jennifer Cooke (far right), with Cllr Derek White and Cllr Janice Jones.