Inclusive Christmas fair supporting young entrepreneurs
ENTERPRISING: Luke Garner
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A Christmas fair with a difference will give shoppers a one-off chance to snap up quirky festive gifts and support young entrepreneurs who have overcome adversity to launch their own businesses.
The fair will take place as part of a Christmas Exhibition in Hull’s Guildhall from 11.30am until 3.30pm on Friday December 13. Organised by the Youth Enterprise and Microbusiness Team at Hull City Council, the event will showcase the work of business owners aged 16 to 29 who are either neurodivergent and/or have experienced the care system.
Among the businesses selling gifts are Coco’s Hampers and Creations, Edwards 3d Manufacturing, Jesy’s Jewellery, Donche Designs & Events, Cait’s Witchy Creations, IW Clothing & Co and Ward Wax Co.
Fuelling the festive mood will be Anna Beaumont of Cone Queen Bakery with her delicious freshly baked brownies and cakes, and Host with the Most presenting their party and event services which include running weekly SEN sessions at the Freedom Centre in Preston Road, Hull.
Organisations taking part include Special Stars Foundation, which provides specialist services for people with disabilities and neurodiversity and sells ear defenders, fidget toys and more, from a shop in Princes Quay.
Ganton Special School will also be present, selling items made by the students under the Blue Ceramics brand, which was set up to provide valuable work experience.
They will be joined by care leavers and care experienced people based at Room 42 at Hull City Council, young people who have been working hard making cards and other items to raise money for charity.
In addition to sorting their Christmas shopping, visitors will be able to chat to stallholders and find out more information about the individual businesses. Tea, coffee and cake will be available and there will be a prize draw with the chance to win a selection of goodies.
FESTIVE MOOD: Anna Beaumont
Paul Smith, youth enterprise and micro business advisor at Hull City Council, said the theme of the fair is part of the team’s commitment to the Inclusive Entrepreneurship Charter and its partnership with the Neurodiversity & Entrepreneurship Association.
Paul said: “We recognise that many individuals may not typically feel comfortable running a stall at events like this, and we want to ensure they feel welcome by addressing their specific needs.
“To create a more inclusive environment, we’ve held feedback panels and made key adjustments such as providing low-noise spaces, offering pre-arranged layouts and walk-through videos for familiarisation and many more adjustments.”
The research deepened the team’s understanding of a variety of neurodiverse conditions, and they then drew up a manifesto of how they were going to best work with aspiring young entrepreneurs who are neurodivergent to foster inclusive entrepreneurship.
It is estimated that 25 per cent of business owners are neurodivergent, with conditions including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia and Tourette's.
Amanda Brockwell, youth enterprise and micro business advisor at Hull City Council, said the Christmas fair is all about inclusivity.
She said: “Inclusive entrepreneurship is vital for the future, especially as we recognise that a significant number of entrepreneurs are neurodiverse. Creating opportunities where everyone can succeed, regardless of their neurological differences, is not only the right thing to do but also crucial for driving innovation and diversity in business.
“As council employees, we also take our corporate parenting responsibilities seriously, ensuring that care leavers are equally supported and given the opportunity to be a part of our events.”
‘EXCITING’: Rob Edwards
Rob Edwards of the Neurodiversity & Entrepreneurship Association highlighted the importance of the partnership.
He said: “It is exciting to see Hull leading the way in how its support programmes are best suited to the subtle differences in approach that can really make neurodivergent business owners thrive.
“Working with the teams, we looked at how neurodivergent qualities like creativity, resilience and enthusiasm align so well with the skills necessary to run a business, whilst also appreciating how feelings like overwhelm, and a heightened sense of imposter syndrome and rejection, can cause challenges for many neurodivergent entrepreneurs.
“Having an understanding now of these advantages and the obstacles means that the teams are in a great place to offer the very best in enterprise support to this sector of the business world that is often overlooked.”
Luke Garner is looking forward to the occasion as an ambassador for the autistic spectrum and will be showcasing his own business – Happy Dragon Writing and Illustration. Luke will also be promoting his first book ahead of its forthcoming release.
He said: “The book is a grand adventure that shows the importance of teamwork, using your initiative and not losing your cool. It also features the Big 13 skills which are really important.
“I’m over the moon that the Christmas fair this year will be more inclusive and feature neurodiverse participants. The holidays are all about bringing people together and that’s what the fayre will do!”
The Christmas fair is open to all but advanced booking is advised. To register in advance please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mc4c-christmas-exhibition-tickets-1047728252407