Mill Lane Collective will officially open its doors in Solihull town centre on Friday 25 September, offering local independent makers the opportunity to showcase and grow their businesses in a high street setting.
Earlier this year, Mell Square hosted two successful pop-up makers’ markets, funded by the Mayor of the West Midlands Market Fund. The markets brought together a diverse range of young local creators and attracted hundreds of visitors, highlighting the demand for unique, handmade products and local independent businesses.
Building on that success, Mell Square is teaming up with the Community Environmental Trust to create a new retail space dedicated to local makers. Mill Lane Collective will provide ten independent businesses with a short term opportunity to trade from a town centre location, helping them develop their customer base and gain valuable experience of running a high street shop.
Located at 5 Mill Lane, the collective will showcase a carefully curated selection of handmade goods, including contemporary abstract art, illustrated stationery, soaps and natural skincare, custom gifts for animal lovers, 3D printed models, activewear, sustainable accessories, bespoke floral arrangements and hand poured candles. Every item on sale will be created by local makers, celebrating the creativity, talent and entrepreneurial spirit of the borough.
Councillor Heather Delaney, Deputy Leader of Solihull Council and Portfolio holder for Economy, Business and Skills, said:
"We are delighted to have created this opportunity for ten talented local makers to take the next step in growing their businesses. Many independents start online or through markets and events, and gaining a high street presence can often be out of reach. Hearing the backgrounds and stories of how these makers have come to be a part of Mill Lane Collective is really inspiring.
“Mill Lane Collective will give these entrepreneurs the chance to showcase their products, reach new customers and gain valuable retail experience in the heart of Solihull. We wish them every success."
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said:
“I set up the Market Fund to give entrepreneurs like the Mill Lane Makers’ Collective their first real opportunity to get their products to market. So, to see the Collective move into a prime ‘bricks and mortar’ shop in the heart of Solihull town centre shows how a helping hand at the right time can lead to much bigger things. Tens of thousands of people will pass that shop window every week. That’s great for the Collective and it will add extra buzz to the high street at a time when we need more of it.
“I know it’s not easy to set up and run a business, and my job is to help where I can. My Market Fund gave that opportunity to 300 local people across the region who had an idea and the spirit and determination to make a go of it. These sole traders are as important to our economy as the big employers, and I’ll keep backing them to succeed.”
The official grand opening of the Mill Lane Collective will take place at 9.30am on Friday 25 September. Visit the store at 5 Mill Lane in Solihull town centre.
