By Rebecca Hannant
A new shop has opened in Hedon showcasing the work of independent traders across the region and further afield.
Made It Studio, which aims to encourage people to support local businesses, is home to more than 20 independents and sells a wide range of products including baby clothes, home scents, sweets and cosmetics.
Owner Hannah Collier-Hadfield also runs makers’ markets bi-monthly, bringing more than 30 traders to the town to give the community the convenience of being able to support the “shop small and shop local” movement.
Hannah said: “It always felt like I had to travel to attend markets. I attended markets around Hull, Leeds and Grimsby. I could see the need for a makers’ market closer to my home town of Hedon.
“It’s important that towns like this are not forgotten – together with the community and fellow shop owners we can build up a vibrant town and make the historic town of Hedon a place to visit and spend time.”
Knowing she had a good group of market trader friends, Hannah set up the first Made It Market in July 2022. It was a huge success, with traders and customers asking for a repeat of the event, and it led to another two markets last year.
This year has seen the start of the makers’ workshops events, which again have been a huge hit with the town and surrounding villages.
Owning her own shop was always on the cards for Hannah, and this year she found the perfect opportunity when a unit in St Augustine’s Gate became available.
She added: “Again, setting up the studio with enough traders was easy. I have worked with many of them over the years and established good bonds. Knowing the quality of their work made it an easy decision to have them come into the studio.
“The feedback so far has been amazing, and everyone is happy to support small and local. I’m always looking for new ways to support my fellow small businesses by either having them in the studio, markets or workshops. Giving them an affordable platform to showcase them is big on my agenda.”
