Fletchers Solicitors in Southport has hosted a special festive-themed ‘Empower Her’ network event.
There were 12 Christmas themed stalls in two rooms of the office on Hoghton Street, giving a platform to a rich variety of local creatives.
Fletchers wanted to support some of the many superb women-led businesses we have in the Southport area. It was a great opportunity for colleagues to buy unique, hand-made Christmas gifts for friends and family.
Fletchers wanted the event to make a positive contribution to the local community, and saw £400 raised for Southport Soup Kitchen.
Staff also brought along food donations to give to Southport Soup Kitchen, which is based nearby on London Street in Southport town centre.
Volunteers there work tirelessly to meet the soaring demand for their services they’ve seen in recent years.
The Empower Her network event provided a great opportunity to female-led local businesses to make some money on the day as well as meeting new customers and letting them know who they are and what they offer.
They were also able to meet each other and build connections.
Local photographer Michelle Foster was at the event taking pictures.
Fletchers Solicitors Head of Learning and Development Lorna Bailey said:
“This event brings the Empower Her network together in the Southport office to recognise and support the brilliant women-led businesses in our area.
“It’s an opportunity for colleagues to connect, discover local talent, and play a part in strengthening the business community around us.
“We also wanted the event to have a wider impact, which is why we’re raising funds for the Southport Soup Kitchen.
“It’s a meaningful way to give back to the community at a time when it really matters whilst having some festive fun.”
Fletchers Solicitors was founded in Southport and has grown to become one of the biggest and most successful law firms across the UK.
It is one of the largest local employers in Southport and remains committed to its roots in supporting the local community.
A spokesperson for Southport Soup Kitchen said:
“We would like to say a humungous, ginormous thank you to Bethany Dean-Coote and the wonderful Southport team at Fletchers Solicitors who organised the empowering ‘for her’ festive market.
“It was a wonderful day and we were so honoured to see so many lovely people come together to support Southport Soup Kitchen. The team raised over £400 in donations along with a bumper collection of groceries that they donated.”
Among those taking part were Nicola Stanwix, the Senior Business Development Manager at Fletchers, who was there with her selection of hand-crafted children’s clothes and accessories with her new Knit-Stitch-Sew brand.
She said: “This is the second event like this that I’ve attended – the first one was at The Grand in October.
“It has been a great day, really busy, and good seeing so many local businesses coming together.”
Louise McElroy, a paralegal at Fletchers, was at the event with her home-made crochet and baking,with Woolou Crafts.
She said: “This has been a really good event! I have enjoyed it. This is my first time doing anything like this.
“I have just set up my new website, and am also on Facebook and Instagram for anyone who’d like to see more about what I create.”
Hannah Zahran was at the Christmas market with her luxury fashion label, specialising in printed textile design.
Zahran has worked in fashion for several years, working for high-end and premium brands such as ERDEM, HOBBS and RIXO.
She said: “I used to work as a print designer in London. I moved to Southport to start a family and start a business, offering a top quality bespoke service. I love it here.
“This is a great idea for an event. It’s really good to meet other creatives and to discover what other brands in Southport are all about and what they offer.
“This is a very creative town!”
Award-winning Southport author Zoe Richards was present with a pop-up bookstall bulging with copies of her two novels – Garden of Her Heart and Tell It To The Bees.
Local people have also enjoyed seeing Zoe at events at the new Wine & Words by Watson venture on Lord Street in Southport.
She said: “It has been brilliant. The staff at Fletchers Solicitors are all so lovely, everyone here has been really supportive.
“They have been friendly, kind, helpful, and really interested in what all the traders here are all about.
“It has been really busy!
“There are so many creative people in Southport. It is a town bursting with creative talent. “Events like this give people a platform to be able to express what they can do.”
The local businesses taking part – check out their social media or websites for more details – included:
Churchtown Pet Boutique – Premium dog food, natural treats, and stylish accessories
Serene Holistics – Holistic therapy packages such as reiki, reflexology, and massages
Tropic Skincare With Aisha – Fast growing beauty company selling ethical and effective skincare
Jessica Bakeswell – Baker selling baking gift jars
Sweet Jaspers– Sweet shop selling childhood favourites and gift sets
Fitzii Jewellery– Handcrafted jewellery using recycled silver, gold, and other precious metals
Dani Williams– Illustrator specialising in wildlife art and children’s illustrations
Andrea Dell Art– Artist selling vibrant paintings
L3 Laundrette – Spanish cleaning and laundry products
Zoe Richards – Author selling feelgood books
Jenny Gavin– Illustrator selling gift wrap, Christmas cards and more
Floral Botanicals – Wonderful floral bundles and Christmas wreaths
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