A CRAFT market showcasing stunning, accessories and “upcycled” furniture will be on offer alongside free enterprise workshops for budding female business owners at an International Women’s Day event in Durham City.

Putting Women on the Map has been designed to help and support women in County Durham as they look to turn their enterprising ideas into money making ventures or simply showcase their fantastic businesses.

The event, designed to celebrate International Women’s Day will be held at Durham Town Hall from 10am to 3 pm on on Saturday, March 8.

It has been created by the enterprise development organisation Blue Sky Think, in conjunction with Durham Women Rising, the Durham BID team and Durham County Council’s business development arm, Business Durham.

Meryl Dodd and Jane Shaw, who run Blue Sky Think, will be running free enterprise workshops for women alongside the craft market which will feature the work of 24 business owners.

Meryl said: “This is a great opportunity for people to come along and buy beautiful products created by women across the North-East - to hear their stories and find out more about setting up their own businesses in a relaxed and approachable setting.

“We’ll be running workshops which will make owning their own business go from a dream to reality.”

As well as the market and workshops, women will be encouraged to visit female traders in the city and hear their stories via a Durham BID Women on the Map App which will highlight go to shops and restaurants in the city.

Jewellery designer Kate Gorman, of Durham City, set up her business six months ago with the help of Durham Creatives and is already selling her work at a boutique in St Pancras Station, London, and in Sorella, in Durham City.

Meryl and Jane run the successful Durham Creatives project which has helped dozens of enterprising individuals set up their own businesses.

To book a place on a workshop contact jane@blueskythink.co.uk