The home of independent shopping where we support small businesses to reach their audience

This is the brainchild of Nicola Hudson, the owner of Little Hummingbird Events, and now a place where makers and creators, crafters and artisans and all kinds of small independents come together under 1 roof to share a beautiful space in which each of them supports one another to reach their ultimate trading goals. 

 

The Hummingbird Collective first opened its doors in Wakefield in November 2023 inside the Ridings Shopping Centre – and working with the centre management it grew very popular, very quickly. 

 

This past year has seen unprecedented growth within the company and in June 2024 particularly the launch of a further 3 more stores to the collective brand and more and more creators have come forward to work in this type of environment which has quickly been named “their happy place”. 

 

Being involved in a “collective” is not for everyone – but if you love what you do and like other people who share your passion, then you are halfway there!

 

In order for you to consider if a “collective” is something you’d like to be involved with – and for those who have never heard of one before – it is simply a coming together of crafters, makers and creators in 1 place.  Quite simply, you each hire space in the shop where you can display your products, create and collaborate with other like-minded small businesses, reach new audiences and regular customers and more importantly actually meet people who love what you do (and your products) and probably do the very same themselves!

 

Maybe you are at that stage of your life/career and considering a change in job, hobby, or even retirement.  Perhaps you are searching for something new to do and/or make your hobby or crating pay for itself - or maybe its just that you always fancied having a little shop!  It could also be that you have less time to spend ‘eventing’ as you juggle a full-time job, family and other commitments. Or it could ultimately be that your hobby is starting to pay and you are getting busier and busier and you want to get your products before a wider audience. Either way, and whatever your circumstances this may work for you.

 

Collectives and craft hubs have proven popular in these difficult times where people can no longer afford to go into business in such a big way or indeed have enough product to fill a shop on their own, let alone the business knowledge and legal skills to navigate the set-up and execution of a new business. But doing it this way (sharing space and having support and guidance around you) is why a collective might just work for you. 

 

We now have 4 stores and each one has its own unique style with plenty of space to show your products in their best light.  You will work with the owner to discuss how to display, promote, and highlight your section to get the very best from the environment and the lighting.  

 

So, if you have read this far, and are still reading – see below:-

 

To be considered to join able to qualify for a spot in our collective you must bear the following in mind :

 

* You should want to be involved in and promote the collective for a minimum period of 6 months initially; 

* You should be able to get to the shop to stock, re-stock and display your products in a good manner; 

* You will pay a monthly rent fee; 

* There will be no commissions taken during this period;

* You will display your business name (and ideally a logo, a business card or sign – which we will help with if needed); 

* You must be able to give at least 1 day per week of your time to work in the shop;

* You should be available for shop opening hours on your chosen day of work;  

* You must have your own insurance just like you do for trading at markets;

* You should be willing to join a Whatsapp Collective group and be part of a group of like-minded people who all wish to help each other succeed.

 

The rent involved vary from site to site based on different rate bands and will be discussed with you privately.  We will provide the majority of the shop fittings unless you have a unique set-up or stand or space that you want to bring along. This is encouraged as nobody knows your product as well as you do. We appreciate that each creator will require different things from us so we remain flexible.

 

The Collective is a friendly group of makers and creators. We help with set up, display and merchandising, setting up social media if you don’t have it etc.  For those new to retail we will handhold as much as you need.

 

This group was formed to help talented makers get their products to market – especially those who don’t know how or where to begin. 

 

If you are still interested after reading all this “bumf” I will need from you, the following:

 

* Your name, mobile number and town where you live;

* Your business name and social media links - where possible; 

* A few images of your products so I can see the type of work you produce;

* Details on which site you are wishing to join; 

* Confirmation you can set up a monthly Direct Debit for rent. 

 

All of the information required above should be inside 1 email and directed in confidence to Nicola@littlehummingbirdevents.co.uk

 

If you have any further questions – please ask them within the same email. It is essential that we choose the right type of people to work together comfortably and easily.

 

We look forward to welcoming you to one of our collective stores soon