This year’s Small Business Saturday takes place on 4 December when small businesses in Scotland look for some support.
This Saturday GLOW21 at Dovecot Studios offers visitors the chance to buy their Christmas gifts from local, independent businesses and makers.
“GLOW is a direct selling event featuring the work of makers from across Scotland from a mix of disciplines including jewellers, textile designers, ceramicists, accessory makers and beyond,” Edinburgh-based weaver and organiser of GLOW21, James Donald explained.
Mr Donald added: “The GLOW event was organised as a result of a perceived lack of quality direct selling shows for Scotland’s leading designer makers that put makers at the heart of the process of organising a selling event that spoke of quality, originality and affordability in a distinctive space, the Dovecot Studios, within the heart of Edinburgh.”
Sarah Boyack MSP for Lothian region is going to GLOW21 and she hopes many others will join her.
Ms Boyack said: “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy – now more than ever we should do what we can to support them. Covid-19 and the consecutive lockdowns have deepened problems that predated the pandemic, with local businesses and independent artists and makers being amongst the hardest hit.
“Scotland has a remarkable tradition in arts and crafts – GLOW21 is a great opportunity for 26 makers to showcase the best of their work and give us a glimpse into the world of jewellery, accessory making and textile designing, among others.”
Michelle Ovens CBE, Director, Small Business Saturday UK, spoke about the importance of the initiative: “As small businesses get back on feet, facing yet more challenges this winter, public support is vital. The good news is people’s love of small businesses is at an all high time.
“Many are using Small Business Saturday as an opportunity to show their thanks and recognition for the vital role local firms played in supporting communities throughout the pandemic.
“This event sounds exactly like what many small businesses across Edinburgh need right now, and will undoubtedly be very popular.”
Speaking about GLOW21 and the work of independent makers, Celia Joicey, Director of Dovecot Studios in Edinburgh commented: “Dovecot is delighted to host, promote and sell the work of independent designers in our landmark building for contemporary art, craft and design.
“Museum and gallery shops have long provided a crucial route to market for makers of distinction. Visitors have an opportunity to see and value the skill involved in making contemporary design in a historical context.
“As a not-for-profit enterprise, Dovecot welcomes the Small Business Saturday initiative to widen appreciation and footfall for this important work.”
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
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