Love Local, Help us support more creative artists

Aim: Love Local CIC is fundraising for a bigger, more versatile display to champion more local brands and improve the shopping experience.

Help Love Local CIC Build a Brand New Central Display & Showcase Even More Local Businesses!

We're Love Local CIC, and for the past 3 years, we've been passionately supporting independent businesses from Essex and Suffolk. Our shop in Copford is a vibrant hub, where you can discover unique products, connect with local makers, and truly understand the incredible talent right here on our doorstep.

Why we need your help:

Our current display, while functional, simply can't keep up with the amazing array of local businesses we want to showcase. We dream of a welcoming, eye-catching central display that not only presents products beautifully but also tells the stories behind them. A display that encourages you to linger, explore, and fall even more in love with our local artists.

That's where Ben Day of BWD Metal comes in! Ben is a talented local small business owner specialising in handcrafted metalwork. We're incredibly excited to collaborate with him again to design and build a bespoke, unique central display for our shop. This isn't just about functionality; it's about investing in a piece of art that reflects the creativity and craftsmanship of our community, built by a local for local.

This new display will allow us to:

• Showcase MORE local businesses: With improved space and layout, we can feature a wider variety of products and bring even more fantastic local businesses to your attention.
• Create a truly welcoming and unique shopping experience: Ben's handcrafted design will add a unique aesthetic to our shop, making it an even more enjoyable and inspiring place to visit.
• Highlight the stories behind the products: The new display will be designed to better tell the narratives of our local makers, helping you connect deeper with their passion and skill.
• Strengthen our community hub: A more inviting and visually appealing space will encourage more people to visit, browse, and engage with Love Local CIC and the businesses we support.

Who is Love Local CIC?

As a Community Interest Company, every penny we make goes straight back into supporting our local economy. We provide affordable retail space, marketing support, workshops and community events.

Our mission is to ensure that local businesses thrive, keeping money within our community and preserving the unique character of Essex and Suffolk.

Who is Ben Day of BWD Metal?

Ben is a skilled craftsman based right here in Colchester. His passion for metalwork shines through in every piece he creates. Ben made and designed our current wall shelving.

By commissioning Ben, we're not only getting a fantastic new display, but we're also supporting another local small business – keeping the Love Local ethos alive in every aspect of this project!

How your contribution will help:

Every pound you donate will go directly towards the design, materials, and construction of this incredible new central display. Here's a breakdown of what your support could achieve:

• £25 could contribute to the raw materials needed.
• £100 could fund a specific component of the display.
• £2.5k will allow us to fully fund this project and bring our vision to life!

Join us in building a stronger, more vibrant local community!

By supporting our Crowdfunder, you're not just helping us build a display; you're investing in the future of local businesses, empowering talented makers like Ben, and helping Love Local CIC continue its vital work.

Please donate what you can, share our story with your friends and family, and help us make Love Local CIC an even more impactful and inspiring space for everyone.

Thank you for loving local!

Rhianna Essex - Founder of Love Local CIC

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 1st August 2025 at 11:59pm