Search is on for Best of the West craft businesses to showcase
ARGYLL and Bute Council’s Business Gateway team is once again sponsoring the craft tent at the popular Best of the West festival.
It is also running a competition which gives the best of Argyll and Bute’s craft businesses the opportunity to showcase and sell their products.
The annual two-day event will be held at Inveraray Castle on Saturday and Sunday, September 10 and 11.
More than 5000 visitors are expected to attend the festival over the weekend and there is an opportunity for up to six local crafters to win a trade stand for one day within the craft tent.
Last year, the competition attracted a strong response from craft businesses across the area which resulted in six winners selling their goods at the festival.
Proving a huge hit with festival goers, all six businesses had a successful weekend, not just in raising their profile but in making sales.
One of last year’s winners, glass artist Kirsty Brady of A Touch of Glass, said: ‘I was delighted to win the competition for a place in the craft tent at the festival. ‘It was a huge success and I not only sold on the day but it has expanded my customer base as I was able to meet and show dozens of new and potential customers my products.’
Another winner, Margaret Kerr of Moine Mhor Jewellery, who creates silver jewellery and mosaics, added: ‘The BOW festival was a fantastic opportunity to showcase my work and promote Moine Mhor.’
To enter, craft businesses are invited to describe in no more than 250 words why their craft business and the products it sells represent the best in the west.
The presentation can include up to five photographs and links to relevant websites or social media in support.
Entry is via email to business.gateway@argyll-bute.gov.uk.
The closing date is 5pm on July 15, 2016. Competition terms and conditions are available at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/business-and-trade/business-gateway-service.
The winners will be selected by a panel of judges including festival host the Duchess of Argyll, Fergus Murray, Argyll and Bute Council’s head of economic development and strategic transportation and Councillor Aileen Morton, Argyll and Bute Council’s policy lead for sustainable economic growth. Eleanor Campbell, Duchess of Argyll and festival organiser, said: ‘We are delighted to continue to provide an opportunity for a local business to showcase and sell their products at this year’s BOW Festival. ‘Celebrating the variety and quality of products produced on the west coast is at the heart of our festival, which is set to welcome more guests than ever before, building on last year’s record breaking numbers. ‘BOW has festival fun covered for the whole family, with more details to be announced in the coming months. Tickets are available now, so make sure you grab yours and do not miss out.’ Mr Murray added: ‘Last year’s winners did a fantastic job of representing not just their own craft business but showcasing the wealth of creative businesses we have here in Argyll and Bute.
‘It is great to see local businesses shine at an event like this and we look forward to receiving high quality applications again this year.
‘Our Business Gateway team works with hundreds of local firms giving them support and advice through every stage of their business and this competition further adds to the development of local enterprise in Argyll and Bute.’