Horsham school sets up virtual market to support small businesses

Small business owners in Horsham have been given a boost during the lockdown following the successful launch of a virtual Christmas Market.
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Since it went live more than a week ago, shoppers have already spent hundreds of pounds at the St Mary’s HSA Virtual Christmas Market, which showcases independent traders and local franchises.

The market is the idea of parents at St Mary’s CofE Primary School who are keen to support the local businesses who have generously backed their fundraising campaigns over the years. The school’s fundraising committee, the HSA, will benefit from a portion of the revenue.

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The platform offers goods and services from 24 businesses such as hairdressers, a fashion boutique, artists, craft makers, confectioners, a baker, an Usborne bookstall, and local representatives for major cosmetic and skincare companies.

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In addition, parents and children have come together virtually to produce lovely hand-made crafts and goods. The HSA has partnered with Horsham District Council to also hold an entrepreneurial competition where pupils are working in their year groups and will be posting their products on the virtual market for sale as well. The winning team will receive prizes sponsored by the council for best overall, most entrepreneurial, and highest grossing.

Co-chair of the HSA, Mink Riet-Muller said: “It was obvious as early as the summer that we wouldn’t be able to host a Christmas Fair, which is a really big deal as it is traditionally our biggest fundraiser, so we had to fill the gap. We are lucky to have a great team and they came up with ideas such as the market.

“The support we have had from businesses who have endured their most difficult trading year has been incredible. It is a real thrill to see significant numbers of shoppers support our local business community.”

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Businesses taking part in the virtual market are: Crates Local, James-Miller Hair Design, Frocks and Frills, Button Moon Arts, Mia Makes, Baked by Me, Sussex Christmas Wreaths, Holly’s Heavenly Hair, Edith’s Sweet Treats, Petit Dunnocks, Ashley House Confectionery, Cherry Parsons Art, La Vida Boutique, Gift Tags and More, Trudi Sand Art, Number.9 Aromas, Brick Hats, Bumble Bee Me, Slow Craft, Cool Car Cuffs, Usborne books, Tropic and Avon.

The HSA’s other recent fundraising enterprise, the online Autumn Auction, raised more than £2,000 for the school, with one lucky bidder paying £705 to be immortalised in a future Peter James novel.

For more details on the market, which closes on November 30, visit https://st-marys-hsa-virtual-market.myshopify.com/

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