By Dan Thompson
A series of practical workshops will help local designers and makers to develop the skills they need to grow their small businesses.
Brighter Days Academy is delivering a Summer Series of workshop sessions that will help people hone their messaging, develop their websites and social media, and show them how to expand their networks and build a customer base. The aim is to help them to sell to the public, shops and galleries.
The sessions are open to all small creative businesses and free to those that are based in Thanet (outside of area, there is a minimal charge of £5 per session). They will take place at Marine Studios, Albert Terrace, Margate.
The sessions will also lead to the production of Brighter Days Magazine, promoting makers, artisans, craftspeople and artists in the important run up to the festive season. People who can’t make the Summer Series workshops will still have an opportunity for inclusion in the magazine, both as a maker, or by listing upcoming events.
Brighter Days Markets was established in 2013 and was awarded CIC (Community Interest Company) status in 2024 to provide benefit to makers, craftspeople and artists. It supports their activities through professional development, and by providing selling opportunities. In 2024 alone it offered selling opportunities to 42 East Kent independent small businesses, and in the first six months of 2025 it has worked with over 50 creative people.
Brighter Days is part of Craft UK, a network facilitated by Crafts Council for organisations from across the craft sector, and a member of a-n, The Artist Information Company.
The Brighter Days Academy’s Summer Series has been made possible by funding from Margate Creative Land Trust , funded by Thanet District Council through the Margate Town Deal.
To find out how to take part and sign up, visit https://brighterdaysmarkets.co.uk/brighter-days-academy/.
The next Brighter Days Market takes place Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th September, 10am to 4pm:, at Turner.
