Worker Bee Markets, which runs regular craft markets in Stockport’s village centres, has launched its first awards for the borough’s artisans.
The Worker Bee Artisan Awards are aimed at microbusinesses who live, produce and sell in SK postcodes and offer cash prizes and mentoring to help local creatives develop their trade.
Judges were selected by Worker Bee Markets’ owner Clare Simpson, due to their connection and support for the local markets. Judging the awards are:
- MP for Cheadle, Mary Robinson
- Sponsor and local estate agent Ric Pickford
- Stockport business owner Dylan Moore
- Greater Manchester food blogger Keeley Watts
- Local artist Natalie Kaciubskyj.
Awards will be open for nominations on 1st May. Winners will receive an award commissioned and handmade by their peers and a cheque for £100 each to help their business grow.
The Worker Bee Markets launched in 2018 and have now grown to include six regular events in Bramhall, Hazel Grove, Cheadle, Poynton, Marple Bridge and Reddish, as well as working alongside the Seashell Trust in Cheadle Hulme to enhance their charity Summer Fair in June.
The Awards, all named after the Worker Bee concept, are as follows:
- Pollen Award, offering marketing support for new businesses
- Honeycomb Award, offering upto £500 towards a piece of equipment to help a business grow
- Beeswax Award, to reward sustainability and green criteria
- Beehive Award, to reward the best stall layout
- Nectar Award, celebrating the best-tasting produce or food
- Traders and Makers will vote for the best venue in the Beekeeper Award
- The public can get involved too by voting for their favourite stall, who they think is the Bees’ Knees.
Further information on eligibility for the awards and how to apply are available from the Worker Bee Markets website.