Business Q&A: Jackie Crozier, Little Bird Made

For the latest in our series of weekly Business Q&As, we spoke to Jackie Crozier, managing director of Little Bird Made, based in Ripon.

Tell us in fewer than 30 words what your firm does.

We produce artisan markets across North and West Yorkshire at various monthly and weekly largescale events.

What does it require to be successful in business?

You certainly have to have a passion for what you do. If you don't love it, you won't be successful at it. So: passion, dedication and hard work.

What drives you to do what you do every day?

I'm really passionate about small traders, the high street and tourism. If I can out all those things together, I can create something that works for everyone.

It's important to provide opportunities for traders. If I do well in encouraging people to come to the markets, then they'll also use the high street and visit the local tourist sites.

What has been the toughest issue your company has had to deal with over the last 12 months?

The cost-of-living crisis has had an effect on how much disposable income people have, and that doesn't just affect customers – when petrol prices go up, traders can't afford to go as far to get to the markets.

It's taken grim determination from both me and the traders to just keep going.

Which other local firms do you most admire and why?

Harewood House – we do a couple of events a year there. They're an independent business too and they've had their struggles. But they continue to keep bringing in money and support local businesses and tourism.

Who are the most inspiring local leaders?

Lou Jones, who runs Oliver's Pantry in Ripon. She's held community events and really pushed the business forward. She also adapted through covid and came out really strong. She's a real inspiration for me.

What could be done locally to boost business?

We need to use our local businesses more. I'm a local councillor and deputy mayor, and I'm passionate about our local area.

It's important for me to keep the markets going and make sure that money is spent locally. Where possible I use local companies to help keep the local economy going.

Best and worst things about running a business from Ripon?

The best is that we live in the most beautiful part of the world, and it's really thriving.

The worst is the cost-of-living crisis, although we are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

What are your business plans for the future?

My business plan is to make North Yorkshire the artisan capital of the UK. We've got such a lot of great businesses; my job is to promote them.

We've just expanded into Leeds city centre. We'll be holding a monthly artisam market on Briggate from June 23, and there's also going to be a Little Bird artisan village in City Square once a month.

We're also holding a Four Days of Yorkshire event on Parliament Street in York, from August 1 – Yorkshire Day – to August 4.

We'll have an artisan market at the Great Yorkshire Show in July, and we'll be back to Harewood House in November.

What do you like to do in your time off?

Sleep! I've got a dog, Herbie, and he keeps me very active. Kayaking destresses me too. And I'm an independent councillor too, so I keep busy.

Best place to eat and drink locally?

The Royal Oak in Ripon does absolutely beautiful food. Domo Japanese Cuisine in Harrogate is absolutely amazing. The staff are so knowledgeable and the food is to die for.

If you know someone in business in the Harrogate district and you'd like to suggest them for this feature, drop us a line at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.