MEMBERSHIP
PLEASE READ: Due to the high volume of emails we receive requesting stalls at specific events, we are unable to respond to individual enquiries. Before contacting us regarding membership or stall bookings, you must read our membership criteria and selection process.
Made in Shropshire is run entirely by a volunteer committee who also run their own businesses and regularly trade at events. All relevant membership information is provided on this website, with additional details available on our Frequently Asked Questions page.
We are a curated group of makers with no competing products or duplication. This ensures a diverse range of stalls and allows every member to shine. Membership is by application and selection process only and is not offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you live or work in Shropshire and make, design or grow your own produce, and offer a niche product not currently represented, we would be pleased to hear from you.
Please download and send completed application forms to:
membership@madeinshropshire.org
MEMBERSHIP FAQ
Membership means that you are not just a trader, you are part of the team. Each year, we hold an AGM where all members are offered the chance to raise concerns and make a difference and a volunteer committee are voted in to lead the group, advertise and run the fairs and take on other roles and responsibilities to keep the events running smoothly.
Membership of Made in Shropshire requires an annual subscription as well as stall booking fees – paid per event attended. The membership fees are reviewed annually at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and are currently set at £45. Stall fees vary by location and membership status, but are usually around £45 per stall. As a non-profit organisation, all costs and profits are discussed at the AGM for the benefit of all members.
All applications are considered by the Committee at a formal meeting, which takes place approximately three times a year.
During this process, we carefully scrutinise the quality of work, how it meets our membership criteria, and whether the product or genre is already represented within our current membership. As a curated organisation, we do not permit duplication of products or competing genres.
Applications are held securely until a space becomes available within the relevant category. You may be invited to a trial guest slot, so members of the Committee can meet you and discuss your work in more detail.
If successful, membership is offered on an annual subscription basis.
We do not have a set time limit for the waiting list. Membership is considered by the committee and offered as and when space becomes available. If you wish to be considered for a certain amount of time or a particular location, please note this on your application.
To ensure diversity amongst the stalls, we try to accept applications from stall holders with a unique skill, trade or product when possible. Space is not offered on a first come first served basis.
To ensure diversity amongst the stalls, we try to accept applications from stall holders with a unique skill, trade or product when possible. Space is not offered on a first come first served basis.
Booking forms are sent out to all current Made in Shropshire members in late December / early January for the whole year. New membership applications are usually considered once all current members have booked in. Any cancellations or remaining spaces may be offered to guests (see below) as and when appropriate.
A guest place may be offered if a stall becomes available for a specific event, for example due to a cancellation or where a fair is not fully booked.
A guest space is considered a trial event for both parties. It provides you with the opportunity to assess how your products perform at that location, and allows the Committee to review your work and presentation in person, raising any points for discussion where necessary.
Please note: Attendance as a guest trader does not guarantee an offer of permanent membership.
TRADING
No, a commercial gazebo is supplied by an external events contractor. These spaces are approximately 2.5m – 3m square and are usually set up in blocks of two or 4 traders.
No. A commercial gazebo is supplied by an external events contractor. These spaces are approximately 2.5m – 3m square and are usually set up in blocks of two or 4 trader
All members must hold valid Public Liability Insurance with a minimum cover of £5 million. Any staff working at a market must be covered under the member’s policy.
A copy of your Public Liability Insurance certificate (£5 million minimum) must be submitted to the Committee. Food producers must also provide a copy of their Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate (or equivalent). Both documents must be available for inspection at all Made in Shropshire events.
Traders selling alcohol are responsible for obtaining a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for each event.
No animals are to be brought to any MIS events, in the interest of hygiene, as we are a mixed group with food and non-food producers.
PRODUCTS
All products sold must be designed and or produced within Shropshire and must be of a high and unique quality.
No mass-produced items may be sold, unless they are a small part of your product (eg jars, picture frames, prints, chains, etc.). Our committee members will discuss this with you if your application is accepted.
All goods must comply with current copyright and Trading Standards legislation. Products that infringe intellectual property rights or fail to meet legal trading requirements will not be permitted.
Any extension to a member’s product range that significantly differs from their approved core offering must be submitted to the Committee for review.
Initial submission should be made by email, including clear images and any supporting information to assist the Committee in determining whether the proposed extension is acceptable.
Approval must be obtained before the items are offered for sale at Made in Shropshire events. This ensures the extended range does not directly compete with existing members’ products.