After hosting their first Curated Makers Market on the 19 - 20 March, Curated Makers is back and showcasing eleven independent local businesses and their handmade products to the shoppers of Trinity Leeds this weekend.
The new market will be the double the size of their debut as it becomes a monthly market operating entirely within Trinity Leeds: meaning there will be over 120 national and international brands under one roof this weekend.
Bridging the gap between independent artists and customers, Curated Markers Market is all about locally made gifts with real people and stories behind them.
The buzzing shopping centre welcomed an array of northern businesses over the weekend, including the likes of candle makers Olive & B, dried flower florist Pampas & Bloom and Leeds based bean to bar chocolate makers, Frankly Delicious- many of which featured in their pop-up store in Trinity over Christmas.
The makers were overwhelmed by the positive responses from passing customers and enthralled in sharing the stories and craft behind their products.
David Maddison, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re proud to support incredible independent businesses and give them a platform alongside 120+ top high street brands, offering a unique shopping experience and giving guests more reasons to visit Trinity Leeds.
"The Curated Makers market is proving popular and we’re excited to welcome them back for their upcoming events.”
Image: Curated Makers Market
The company is hoping to expand into Manchester in the coming months.
Megan Jones, Founder & Director of Curated Makers commented; “Adding another prime opportunity for local makers to trade is something we’re so proud to facilitate. Offering such creative talent to the shoppers of Trinity Leeds to shop from, is a win for everyone involved! We hope these market dates are popped into your diary to support our makers, not forgetting everyone is welcome to the relaunch of our exciting new shop location, to be announced soon.
"We now hope we can find a new home for our market and pop-up concept in Manchester, our home town!’’
The next Curated Makers Market will return on Friday 22nd April - Sunday 24th April. Followed by the 20 - 22 May and 24 - 26 June.
Leeds
Beloved Leeds coffee brand announce opening date for ANOTHER city centre site
One of Leeds' most iconic brands is expanding yet again.
North Star Coffee Roasters are one of the early pioneers of specialty coffee in the North of England and among the UK’s first B Corp-certified coffee roasters.
They've been keeping the people of Leeds awake since 2013, and you'll find their coffee across the country as well as at their current city centre locations.
And there really is no stopping them as just one month after opening a lovely kiosk in the famed Victoria Quarter, North Star is opening another site on Great George Street. Hurrah!
Images: The Hoot Leeds
You can find the new North Star opposite the LGI, sporting its fabulous bright colours that will be sure to wake you up even if the coffee doesn't.
At this site there will be all the caffeinated beverages as well as house-made bakes and sandwiches available to grab-and-go.
And we don't have long to wait to check it out, as they'll be opening their doors this Monday 27 July.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
“While it’s easy to focus on the challenges facing hospitality, we still believe deeply in the role that cafés play in our city's community,” said Holly Kragiopoulos, CEO of North Star Coffee Roasters.
“They are places where people come together, to meet, to pause, to connect. Choosing to invest now is a reflection of our belief in Leeds, and in the long-term value of creating spaces people genuinely want to spend time in.”
“These new sites allow us to create meaningful opportunities for both new and existing team members,” Holly added.
“Hospitality is ultimately about people - both those we serve and those who make the experience possible. As a Leeds-born business, we’re incredibly proud to continue investing in our city. The support we’ve had from day one is what’s made this growth possible.”
Bus operator partners with Leeds hospitals to help mums-to-be make vital appointments
Clementine Hall
First Bus is partnering with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to support vulnerable women during pregnancy.
The bus operator is providing an incredible 1,000 day tickets to help vulnerable mums-to-be make appointments.
The free travel passes can be provided by maternity teams to women mainly from minority or disadvantaged communities, helping them to attent important check-ups and appointments.
A recent review of records estimates that 100 pregnant women every month struggle to make hospital appointments as they have no access to funding support or face other barriers to transport.
Image: Supplied
First Bus will provide 100 day tickets per month until March 2027 for midwives to distribute to women based on travel needs following a financial assessment which is carried out during their initial appointment with the maternity team.
Nada Abdul-Majid, Specialist Midwife Health Equity at the Trust, said: “I’ve seen first-hand how women struggle to get to their hospital appointments if they don’t have enough money to use public transport.
“Our Haamla team carry out home visits to these vulnerable women however, it is important that families are able to travel to the hospital for scans, doctors’ appointments, labour and obstetric emergencies.”
Zoe Hands, Managing Director of First Bus Franchising which includes the West Yorkshire region, said: “Supporting communities in the areas we serve means, where we can, being able to assist people in all stages of life. Nothing can be more important than helping to ensure the health and welfare of mothers-to-be and the benefits this will bring to their newborn children.
“We’re pleased to be working in partnership with the Trust and seeing the positive impact our travel support can make to the lives of vulnerable women in Leeds.
“We’re really grateful to First Bus for providing these tickets for women so they can receive maternity care without worrying about the cost of travel to and from appointments,” added Nada. “This will make a real difference to mothers and babies.”
Sophie Smith -
19th April 2022 
