Creativity and enterprise showcased at Craft to Commerce celebration
Thursday 9 July 2026
Local artisans and crafters recently gathered at Tuition Time, Whitehead, to celebrate the successful completion of the four-week ‘Craft to Commerce’ programme, showcasing their skills, creativity and entrepreneurial confidence.
Managed by Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership and delivered by Tuition Time, the programme equipped creative entrepreneurs with the practical business skills, confidence and commercial knowledge needed to grow their businesses.
Funded by the Department for Communities, Labour Market Partnerships develop targeted employment action plans for each council area, enabling local and regional collaboration to help people prepare for and access meaningful work.
Commenting on the programme, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Alderman Thomas Gordon said: "Craft to Commerce provided local makers with a unique opportunity to develop practical business skills, gain confidence in selling their products and connect with other creatives. It has been inspiring to see participants grow over the four weeks, and we are delighted several have already secured new sales opportunities since taking part.
"The final showcase event highlighted not only the creativity and talent of those involved, but also the potential that exists within our local creative sector. We are proud to support initiatives that help people develop their skills, build sustainable businesses and contribute to the growth of the creative economy across Mid and East Antrim."
Throughout the programme, participants combined practical business learning and hands-on experience in a real craft market environment. They also developed an understanding of key business fundamentals while testing their products, engaging with customers and gaining first-hand insight into running a creative enterprise.
Participants also benefited from inspirational visits from successful local self-employed creatives who shared their individual experiences of building businesses within the creative sector. Through these sessions, attendees gained practical advice, encouragement and a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges involved in turning a creative passion into a sustainable business.
Collaboration, shared learning and peer support were central to the programme. Participants strengthened their entrepreneurial skills, improved their confidence in promoting and selling their products, while developing valuable connections within the local creative community.
The programme concluded with a showcase event where members of the public were invited to meet the makers, hear the stories behind their businesses and buy a diverse range of handcrafted products. Visitors had the opportunity to browse and buy a selection of unique creations including - gilding kits, wreaths, decorative cake stands, personalised photo magnets, greeting cards, cross stitch kits and materials - as well as crocheted home décor and wearable items. Attendees also enjoyed demonstrations from participants, offering an insight into the skills and craftsmanship involved in creating their products.
Tangible outcomes have already been delivered by the programme, with several participants securing opportunities to stock and sell their products through established retail outlets in Glenarm and Belfast, helping them expand their creative businesses and reach new customers.
For more information about programmes delivered by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Labour Market Partnership please email lmp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk or phone 028 2563 3363.
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