BUYING local produce does not just mean getting eggs, bacon and vegetables from the nearest farm shop.
Across Worcestershire, independent businesses of all sizes are making, stocking and selling a range of more unusual items. In Worcester High Street this weekend almost two dozen artists will take part in the annual arts market.
The crafts on sale, from dazzling glass jewellery to delicate handmade cards, have been made in and around the Worcestershire area and show how varied and unique local produce can be.
Left and Write, based within family-run Wise Owl Toys, in Charles Street, Worcester, stocks tools for left-handed people such as scissors, pencils, cork screws and more.
It was founded 15 years ago by Worcester couple Mark and Heather Stewart, who also spearhead a campaign for specific guidelines for helping left-handed children.
People from all over the world use their online store (leftshoponline.co.uk).
“The independent stores are what makes Worcester Worcester,” said Mr Stewart. “Without them we’d be the same as any other city. People appreciate the personal service you might not get in big chain shops.”
The Stewarts supply shops all over the UK with left-handed material, write their own books on left-handed handwriting and run workshops at schools.
Worcestershire is also home to outdoor toy maker TP Toys who design and manufacture climbing frames, slides, swings, wooden playhouses, sandpits and trampolines.
The company, co-founded by managing director Chris Martyn-Smith’s father 50 years ago, is based in Stourport and has a large shop on the Hartlebury Trading Estate, near Kidderminster, which was opened in October last year after the firm outgrew the original site.
Another thriving independent is Rose Pure, an organic skin care company which sells natural beauty products made all over the UK. The online company (rosepure.com) is based in Victoria Avenue, off London Road.
As part of our Buy Local campaign, which runs until Saturday, July 4, we want you to recommend your favourite local businesses whether that is the baker, corner shop or toy manufacturer.
Simply fill in the form on this page or go online to worcesternews.co.uk/buy local.
- Click the following link to download your own printable poster - buylocal_poster.pdf
- Click here to return to the main Buy Local page.
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