Jan, Paul and the Team in Cotyledon Business and Management CIC are gearing themselves up to give you an exciting variety of themed events and markets leading up to Christmas.

It has been a passion of the Team for more than seven years to build interest in rural markets and widen their offer to communities.  

As a Community Interest Company, Cotyledon commits over 40 hours of voluntary work to make each market a success.  

This involves advertising, liaising with producers, setting up gazebos and facilitating community involvement – vital for each market to have a distinct identity and local ownership. 

“Our markets and events are friendly for both stall holders and customers.  We try to go the extra mile to help producers and crafters get to market” says Jan.  

“Although the markets are hard work, they bring us a great deal of satisfaction and it is always a pleasure to work with such gifted and talented people”.

The ethos underpinning Cotyledon markets is of locally sourced or grown produce; handmade craft and art from within a 30 mile radius. Occasionally they offer something from farther afield with an interesting story attached to them. Examples being Fair Trade, alpaca products from Peru and silks from Ethiopia, always sourced ethically from family-based rural enterprises.

Affordable and inclusive markets is key to our thinking. They encourage local ownership and identity for each market and that means it has to include quality at a price everyone could afford. 

“Our new project, Blas Lleol / Taste Local is receiving a lot of support” explains Paul. 

“Essentially, it is a support project to help more people get to market through a shorter supply chain”. 

The markets offer a practical selling opportunity accompanied by relevant training, support and anything a busy entrepreneur and producer may need to bring their valuable items to market. We are working with a number of local authorities, experts and producers to make the most of the project.  It will also offer employment opportunities in line with our social enterprise activities.

For more information visit www.cotyledon.co.uk, alternatively call 01633 441442 or 07737 630657. You can also contact Paul and Jan direct by emailing paulcottrell@cotyledon.co.uk and janwalsh@cotyledon.co.uk

To keep up to date with the latest news you can like the Facebook page @CotyleonMarkets and also follow on Twitter @CotyledonBMCIC

Cotyledon Markets for Winter 2016

Newport Indoor Market

Saturday 15th October – Celebrating National Chocolate Week 10am – 4.30pm

Saturday 5th November – Sparklers Event 10am – 4.30pm

Friars Walk, John Frost Square, Newport

Sunday 23rd October – National Baking Week Celebration 10.30am – 4pm

Sunday 13th November – First Anniversary Weekend 10.30am – 4pm

Bassaleg / Graig Community Rural Market

Saturday 29th October – There’s something spooky going on in Graig!  10am – 3pm

Saturday 26th November – Christmas market in Rhiwderin Community Hall 10am – 3pm

Rudry Rural Market, Parish Hall, Rudry, Caerphilly

Saturday 20th November – Christmas Cracker Event and Market 10am – 4.30pm

Bellevue Park, Newport

Sunday 6th November – Sparkly food and craft event 10.30am – 4pm

Sunday 4th December – Christmas Celebration 10.30am – 4pm

Pontypool Indoor Market

Saturday 3rd December – Christmas Cracker Event and Market 10.00 – 4.30pm