Native Makers is at the heart of our programme; it’s a platform for people to show their creations and reach more people, helping us support and promote brilliant small businesses – many of whom are our friends, our neighbours and part of what makes Plymouth so unique.

The past year has been the most difficult commercial landscape to operate in and now, as many businesses continue to pick themselves up, changing our habits to shop from local independent businesses has never been so important.

Not only are small businesses essential for our local economies, they truly are the social infrastructure and heart of our society – so we all have a part to play in their survival.That’s why we hosted this weekend’s online market event, to ensure that these brilliant creative minds had a platform that could rival the online powerhouses.

The online market was a great success and really well attended, allowing Native Makers to secure their final festive orders. And if you missed it don’t worry as you can still find RIO gifts guides for Her, Him, Kids, gifts under £30 and many more linked below.

From illustrated house portraits from Sarah Smalldon, gin gift sets from Chameleon Gin, plants from Nook Houseplants to an 8-week Mindful Art wellbeing course, there’s something for everyone. Also check out our brilliant, full gift guide here.

Looking ahead to 2021, it’s vital that we continue to be a voice for local small businesses, and we’ll be hosting more makers events which you can register for here.

For more information about local makers and all of the great independent businesses at Royal William Yard, please visit the virtual open studios on the ‘Ocean Studios’ Instagram and Facebook pages to learn more about our incredible resident makers and creatives here, and discover how you can get involved!