Council Leader celebrates success of local makers website

The Leader of Lewes District Council has praised a successful online directory that showcases more than 400 local makers and artists, as it marks 18 months since being launched.

TheMakersDirectory.co.uk is a one-stop, searchable online directory established to help connect buyers directly with local makers and artists in and around Lewes district.
This not-for-profit project was set up in March 2021 using funding from Lewes District Council as part of its business support response to Covid-19.
Councillor James MacCleary, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Prosperity, said: “Lewes district is brimming with creative talent and this website is a fantastic resource to display the work of our independent traders in one place.
“Shoppers are enjoying being able to browse a wide range of quality, local goods from furniture to flowers, mosaics to millinery, in the knowledge they are supporting the area’s makers and artists.
“Well done to the Makers Directory team for building and sustaining strong links with the local creative community and making this project a success.”
Creative businesses receive a free listing on The Makers Directory to raise their profile and are given access to additional opportunities to support growth including seller events, networking and exposure to the initiative’s Instagram followers.
Feedback from members has also been very positive with Melanie Ostler, a jewellery maker from Plumpton, letting the Makers Directory team know that she was invited to exhibit her work as a result of her membership.
For more information visit www.themakersdirectory.co.uk