A member of Devon’s Work Hub network has produced a handy Christmas gift guide to encourage people to make one switch this festive season and buy from women-owned businesses.
Stacey Sheppard, the founder of The Tribe in Totnes, Devon’s first female coworking space, is spearheading a campaign to shop local.
She has created an 18-page downloadable gift guide that features women-owned businesses, many of whom are connected to The Tribe, and their products that would make fantastic Christmas gifts.
Stacey has also created an advent calendar on Instagram which she is sharing every day until Christmas Eve. Behind each window is a different woman-owned businesses that people can shop with this holiday season.
“I want people to know about the amazing female talent we have in the county and I am encouraging everyone to share the gift guide and the Instagram advent calendar with their friends, family and co-workers so that they can make one switch this year and help support local women-owned businesses,” says Stacey.
“The current business landscape is challenging for all small businesses right now. In fact, the 2023 Small Business Report found that 60% of small businesses fear closure in the coming year due to inflation, increased costs, and an economy teetering on the edge of recession.”
While the climate is tough for businesses in general, Stacey says that the after-effects of the pandemic and the ongoing struggle with affordable childcare has widened the gender gap leaving female entrepreneurs more at risk than ever.
However, research by NatWest has shown that there is huge unrealised economic potential linked to female entrepreneurship in the UK and supporting female entrepreneurs could play an integral role in kickstarting the economic recovery by unlocking £250 billion in economic value.
Stacey adds: “The convenience of shopping with huge multi-national companies like Amazon cannot be denied. But in doing this we risk seeing the many independent businesses that populate our highstreets and Christmas markets, disappear from the map. So, it’s important that we take action at this time of year if we want to see these businesses survive.”
Inspired by the likes of entrepreneur Holly Tucker who founded the online marketplace notonthehighstreet.com and who now champions the nation’s entrepreneurs through her platform Holly & Co, Stacey decided to do what she could to highlight all the incredible women-owned businesses in Devon that need our support during the holiday season.
Stacey says: “According to research by Holly Tucker, if we all bought one gift from an independent retailer, we could re-allocate £2.7 billion and that would go a really long way to helping these businesses survive.
“I am always trying to be a cheerleader for the women who are part of our coworking community, whether they work in our space, come to our events or simply follow me on social media. I know that we are stronger when we work together and bring our different skills and experience to the table.”
Bespoke + Local is one of the businesses included in the gift guide. Founder Alison Logan curates luxury gift boxes which feature products from local Devon artisans.
Alison says: “Collaboration within communities is so important to ensure local business grows and thrives. At Bespoke + Local, we proudly champion over 30 talented Devon artisans. By choosing a Bespoke + Local gift box, you directly support these individuals and help to keep artisan craft alive across many local communities in Devon.”
Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Cabinet Member for Economic Recovery and Skills, said:
“Stacey’s campaign has highlighted an important issue and I hope everyone gets behind it and takes a look at the gift guide. It’s always worth supporting local businesses at any time or year but if you’re doing some Christmas shopping this week and looking for last minute gift ideas, it’s worth thinking about where your hard-earned money is going. Buying from Devon-based businesses keeps money in the county, which in turn has a significant impact on our local economy.”
You can download the gift guide and shop with local Devon-based, woman-owned businesses here.
Made in Devon, which we run as an extension of the Trading Standards Service’s well-established Buy with Confidence trusted trader scheme, also has a Christmas gifts page on its website promoting independent businesses in the county. Businesses are Trading Standards Approved, so you can shop knowing you’re supporting trustworthy, Devon-proud businesses.