Indoor markets at Dundee’s Wellgate Shopping Centre to showcase local firms

By Maria Gran

November 3 2022, 2:48pm

Owner of Ginger Pixie Designs Orla Timmins, Women's Business Station chief executive Angie De Vos and Stone Zoo owner Sarah Harvey in the Wellgate. Image: Kim Cessford/DC Thomson

A programme of monthly indoor markets showcasing makers and local businesses is starting in Dundee.

Every first and third Saturday of the month will see the Women’s Business Station premises in the Wellgate filled with local entrepreneurs.

The first edition, on Saturday November 5 from 10am to 4pm, will feature Ginger Pixie Designs, VLK Designs and others.

On the third Saturday of the month, a holistic health and wellbeing fair will give local practitioners the chance to demonstrate and sell their services and products.

Pop-up cafes will also be at the market, offering businesses the chance to sell homemade treats.

Women’s Business Station chief executive Angie De Vos aims to support the socio-economic empowerment of 10,000 local women by 2030. Image: Kim Cessford/DC Thomson

Chief executive Angie De Vos said: “We understand that setting up a business can be daunting, but our safe, supportive and welcoming space allows like-minded women to engage and interact, share experiences and build a community.

“The markets will also give the local community a chance to shop where their hearts are and support small businesses and the people behind them.

“Many of us are opting for sustainable, lasting products which mean something, rather than handing our hard-earned cash over to a faceless retailer and, with Christmas coming, this is a great chance to do just that.”

New Dundee indoor market

Women’s Business Station member Orla Timmins sparked the idea to host indoor markets.

As well as running Ginger Pixie Designs, Orla has now become market and events coordinator at Women’s Business Station.

The indoor markets will be held inside the Place of Possibility. Image: Kim Cessford/DC Thomson

A former NHS physiotherapy assistant, Orla launched her Dundee business creating personalised decorations in January.

She said: “I didn’t know anything about Dundee when I moved here, but once I’d decided to leave the NHS, I was determined to get going with my business idea.

“However, because I was new to the city, I needed support. As soon as I heard about Women’s Business Station and walked into their hub, I knew I was in the right place.

Locally made jewellery from Sarah Harvey are among the products on offer at the market. Image: Kim Cessford/DC Thomson

“They welcomed me with open arms and, through the aspiring women programme, gave me the confidence and skills to get the business going, reach out to potential customers and make it happen.”

In August, Women’s Business Station unveiled its new hub called Place of Possibility.

The 2,000 sq ft space on the first floor of the Wellgate has space for 20 market tables available for both members and non-members.