New markets to open in Birmingham beauty spots

St Paul's Square in the Jewellery Quarter and Bournville Village Green are set to host regular markets selling local produce, art and more

Two new markets are launching in Birmingham beauty spots in March with local artisans selling bread, meat, art, gifts and more to locals and visitors every month. The team behind the Kings Heath Artisan Market is launching regular arts and produce markets at Bournville Village Green and in St Paul's Square in the Jewellery Quarter.

The first JQ Artisan Market will be held on the old Georgian Square on March 16 while Bournville's first market will be held on the historic village green on March 17. Both markets will be open from 10am until 3pm and will feature a range of makers from the local neighbourhoods and the wider city.

Thereafter, the markets will be held on the third Saturday and Sunday of every month, initially in the same spots but with plans to move around the Jewellery Quarter in the event of weddings and events at St Paul's church or to join in with other planned events taking place in the neighbourhood.

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Pip Bradley, the founder of Brummie condiment brand Pip's Hot Sauce, founded the Kings Heath Artisan Market in March last year. It's success as a 'shop window' for creators who might not otherwise have a platform on which to sell their wares directly to customers has gone from strength to strength on York Road and it's inspired Pip to expand into other Birmingham neighbourhoods.

Pip said: "People at markets can get a different experience, connecting on an emotional level with the product they're buying. Some of our traders at the Kings Heath Artisan Market live in Bournville so it just seemed like a good idea to open there! I want to bring in traders from all around the area saying to locals 'these are people creating in your area, let's support them'."

The artisan markets, Pip says, are particularly helpful for those Brummies who have great businesses but that don't have the online marketing skills or budget to promote themselves on 'crowded' platforms.

Pip said: "The markets are an opportunity to meet producers. It's so crowded online and some of us don't have the skills to do loads of social media. TikTok? What?! I don't have the skills for it!

"We rely on face-to-face interactions for Pip's Hot Sauce, we don't have stacks of marketing budget to get out into that crowded space. What we can do is be there to actually answer questions, talk to customers, explain how we've made things and share that love of what we've created."

Being a trader first and foremost means that Pip's approach to managing the markets has the makers in mind. "I'm organising the events but I am a trader, so it's important to me to keep the fees low. Some markets put their fees up if they're really popular and I don't think it's very fair. It makes it risky for brand new businesses to get out there. We're trying to keep it affordable to encourage new traders to come."

Among the 40 traders lined up to trade at Jewellery Quarter Artisan Market are artists, rum and spirit producers, potters and fresh food traders, including fresh bread and baked goods. "I grew up in Ladywood so I want to bring makers in from all communities around the Jewellery Quarter.

"What a beautiful space to have a little creative village? And then you've got the restaurants and bars all around it. Bournville Village Green is a gorgeous community asset, so we're excited to be there."

The Kings Heath Artisan Market is held on the second Sunday of every month. For more details on the Birmingham markets or to enquiry about selling your wares at the events, contact BirminghamArtisanMarkets@gmail.com.