A PROJECT to promote independent traders in Oxford will open a unit in the Covered Market once again next month.

Independent Oxford looked to boost indie traders in the city and the wider county and hopes to run its second Indie Oxford Market Place in the Covered Market from September to December.

The venture was started back in 2015 to bring businesses together in a supportive and collaborative community of independent traders.

It is now running a Crowdfunder to raise money for the project.

One of its co-founders, Rosie Jacobs – who started it up with Anna Munday – said: “We are really excited about this opportunity to rejuvenate a tired unit in the Covered Market and create a space where small businesses can promote their products and find support and advice to build sustainable futures.”

At least 20 innovative businesses will be showcased as part of the Covered Market project. Workshops and talks will take place to up-skill business owners.

Independent Oxford said it hopes to encourage people to shop nearby and ‘discovered the businesses on their doorstep’.

READ MORE: Shops and businesses in Oxford struggle on through the heat

It says that the market place will ‘provide much needed retail space and marketing exposure for local businesses at affordable rates’.

It adds the store will ‘help to enhance’ the city council-owned Covered Market and city centre.

While it also hopes to draw in people from across the city and the county to the centre and be a hub for collaboration in the future.

The first Independent Oxford hub was held at the Covered Market from November 24 and December 24 last year.

Robbie Haddock, of Oxford Alterations, took part in 2018’s project.

He said: “The Oxford Indie Market Place was an excellent opportunity for us to extend our brand and service to a prime location in Oxford we would not otherwise be able to afford.

“It gave us the chance to trial product lines and for our products and services to sit amongst those of other exciting independent businesses in Oxford. We can’t wait to be part of Indie Oxford Market Place 2.0.”

READ AGAIN: City centre landlords in Oxford urged to let empty units on a temporary basis

Some potential rewards for supporters could include a two-hour interior design session with Oxford-based ByEmmaJaneInteriors.

Others include two friends’ memberships for Modern Art Oxford, worth £50, and an £80 voucher to be used at Iffley Road's Magdalen Arms.

Other £50 vouchers are also up for grabs for Pompette, in South Parade, Summertown; Cannelle Medi Spa, in Oakthorpe Road, also in Summertown, and Indigo Oxford, in Cowley Road.

Work went on at the Covered Market earlier this summer to transform a butcher’s into the three new units.

It had previously been used as one large space and were originally used from about 1849.

The work there saw a modern brick extension and signage removed to open views up through the Covered Market.

To help the Crowdfunder visit: crowdfunder.co.uk/indie-oxford-market-place