New look for Frome Super Market

FROME Super Market will be changing its name in time for the first market of the year. The popular markets will also promote even more local artisans, local groups and charities and young entrepreneurs.

The organisers say, “Frome Independent Market is a name that better reflects the essence of the market, with the first market of 2014 starting on Sunday 2nd March.”

Claire McDonald and Tabitha Clayson took on Frome Super Market in May 2013 with an aim of promoting Frome’s independent businesses and celebrating the town culture.

Claire said, “We shared a vision to curate a market which better exhibits its traders, allows more space for shop fronts, and offers a visitor experience which is as much about culture, community and celebration as it is about shopping.

“We are really excited about 2014. The market is going to be re-branded, and renamed as The Frome Independent. The essence of the market is buying directly from a knowledgeable expert, or artisan; buying something well-made, well sourced and unique which you’ll appreciate or treasure, rather than something mass-produced and disposable.

“We have spent the winter months working on trader development by running free business development workshops for our traders – offering new skills in areas such as digital marketing, branding and accountancy.  Funded by the market, Somerset County Council’s Creative Industry Fund and Frome Chamber of Commerce, the workshops are proving to be a great success and we’re really looking forward to seeing those businesses who attended grow over the next year.

“One of our key aims is to support up-and-coming makers, fledgling artisans and graduate designers.  The Suitcase Sale on Catherine Hill was conceived as a means of allowing new traders to test their products by taking up a mini pitch (with only as many products as you could carry in a suitcase!).

“In 2014 we are looking to add to our growing community of young, talented designer-makers and entrepreneurs to join us on Catherine Hill – at £15 a pitch or £10 for young designers or entrepreneurs under 26; it’s a great way to test out a product range. Anyone wanting to apply for a Suitcase pitch should apply at www.fromesuper market.co.uk.

“We’re also opening up a rotating opportunity for local not-for-profit organisations or Frome-based charities from March. We are looking for two organisations each month who would like to have a platform to promote their group or activities at the market. We’d particularly love to hear from groups who may be able to demonstrate what they are about and simultaneously offer something new and different to visitors through demonstrations, activities etc – no bric-a-brac stalls please! If your group, organisation or charity would like a pitch please get in touch by email: info@fromesuper market.co.uk.

“Come and reclaim the high street with us!”

 The new Frome Independent Market website has now been launched and can be found at: www.thefromeindependent.org.uk.