Supporting Businesses
Business Support
At Make it Market Drayton, we’re here to support small businesses and give you the support you need to grow. We will provide you with the skills and support needed to expand your business. Below you can find a variety of resources and workshops.
Free Training
We offer a variety of free training workshops here.
Free Networking Opportunities
There are plenty of networking opportunities available at Market Drayton.
Free Business Directory
Check out our free business directory.
Free Stalls At Events
There are a variety of free stalls available at our events.
Make it Market Drayton, local businesses and the community are at the heart of everything we do. We are passionate about helping businesses grow and thrive, especially when it comes to establishing a strong online presence. That’s why we provide free training and support to help local businesses improve their digital skills, enhance their online visibility, and drive growth. Although we don’t have an office, we love meeting with business owners in one of the town’s fantastic cafes, pubs, or restaurants, or even visiting you directly at your shop. If you’d like to catch up and discuss how we can support your business, please get in touch with us via the contact form – we’d love to help you succeed!
Free Training for Businesses
Market Drayton offers a wide range of practical and engaging workshops designed to support local small businesses at every stage of their journey. These sessions cover essential skills such as marketing strategy, social media management, public speaking, and many other areas that are vital for building confidence, increasing visibility, and reaching new customers.
Whether you are just starting out or looking to strengthen and expand your existing business, these workshops provide hands-on guidance, expert advice, and opportunities to learn alongside other local entrepreneurs. By taking part, you are not only investing in the growth and success of your own business, but also helping to strengthen and support the wider local economy in Market Drayton.
You can sign up for all of our upcoming training workshops, as well as explore additional learning opportunities, by using the link below:
Business Networking
At Market Drayton, we know that great things often happen when people connect, share ideas, and support one another. That’s why business networking is a core part of what we do — bringing local businesses together to build relationships, spark collaboration, and grow stronger as a community. We host monthly coffee mornings at the Hideout once a month which you are invited to attend. We also host evening networking events at the Royal British Legion club. You can sign up for this by clicking on the button below.
What Is Networking?
Business networking is about more than just handing out business cards — it’s about creating genuine, ongoing relationships with other business owners, makers, and professionals who understand your challenges and opportunities.
It’s a chance to:
- Meet new contacts who might become collaborators, customers, or advocates.
- Share insights and experiences, learning from others who have been there before.
- Find practical support and encouragement in a friendly, informal setting.Raise your visibility within the local business community and beyond.
Networking isn’t just a one-off conversation — it’s an investment in your business’s long-term health and resilience. Relationships you build today can lead to referrals, joint ventures, and even fresh ideas that help you adapt and grow.
We’d love you to join us…
Join the Business Directory
To help make finding local businesses for the services you need we are building an online directory. The aim is to include all of the businesses from cake shops to window cleaners and everyone inbetween. You can sign up your business to our online directory here.
The Market Drayton Business Directory is all about supporting local businesses and helping customers find what they need, right here in our town and surrounding areas. By joining the directory, you become part of a growing network that champions independent businesses and keeps money circulating locally.
When people want to shop local, they need to know who and where you are. Being listed in the directory makes it easier for residents, visitors, and other businesses to discover your products and services in one trusted place.
A directory listing gives your business an online presence that works for you 24/7. It helps raise awareness of what you do, links people directly to your website or social media, and puts your business in front of customers who are actively looking to buy local.
Joining the directory isn’t just about promotion — it’s about belonging. You’ll be part of a wider community of Market Drayton businesses that support one another, collaborate, and grow together through local initiatives, events, and networking opportunities.
Being listed in a local business directory shows customers that you are a genuine, established business in the area. It reassures people that they are supporting real local traders and helps build confidence in choosing your business.
Help shape Market Drayton’s business community!
Take part in our Connecting & Strengthening survey to support, promote, and celebrate local business. It’s quick, anonymous, and helps us plan events and support that work for you. Leave your details at the end if you’d like to get more involved
Free Resources
As part of our committment to supporting local businesses we are delivering a range of free workshops. Just scroll down to view the upcoming workshops below and you can download the slides from previous workshops here.
Powerpoint Slides available are:
Some of our best highlights include:
Gingerbread
Market Drayton is the home of gingerbread, with a rich baking heritage dating back to 1793
Historic Markets
The town hosts one of the country’s oldest traditional markets, running since 1245, alongside a monthly artisan market
Shopping
Market Drayton is a shopper’s paradise, with plenty of charity shops, unique boutiques, antiques, and farm-fresh produce.
Outdoor Spaces
Market Drayton offers scenic walks, tranquil canalside paths, and beautiful green spaces for outdoor lovers
Events & Festivals
From the renowned Ginger & Spice Festival to Christmas markets and summer fairs, there’s always something happening.
Great Food & Friends
A variety of cosy cafés, country pubs, and fine dining options make Market Drayton a fantastic foodie destination.
Arts & Culture
Discover local arts and experience the vibrant culture.
Charity & Community
Supporting the local community and charitable endeavours.
Education & Learning
Find out more about local schools and community learning.
Food & Drink
Enjoy the town’s famous gingerbread and local foold in cafe’s and pubs.
Health & Wellbeing
Benefit from local health and wellbeing services available in the town.
History & Heritage
Explore Market Drayton’s rich heritage and medieval architecture.
Money & Finance
Access local financial institutions offering finance products and advice.
Shopping
Enjoy local shops and market stalls offering a range local products and crafts.
Sports & Leisure
Join in the fun with the variety of the sports and leisure activities.
Parks & Community Spaces
Enjoy the outdoors in a variety of parks and community spaces.