Although larger chain brands can be relied upon for consistency and familiarity, independent brands are renowned for their attention to exemplary customer service, excellent quality for money, and passionate, knowledgeable staff.
In 2022, it’s fair to say that support for independent businesses over chains is growing significantly.
With greater emphasis on shopping local than ever before, here are our picks of 5 innovative independent businesses that will change your life.
- Northern Monk Brewing Co.
Northern Monk are a fast-growing independent brewery based in Leeds who create award-winning craft beer. They frequently hold events in their refectories, and were recently crowned as Yorkshire’s Fastest Growing Company in 2021.
They also organise tours of their breweries, where you can sample some of their best beers and learn about their brewing methods.
You can sign up to a beer subscription, or a Patrons Project, where you can sample limited edition beers with stunning can designs for a limited time.
- Ormiston Wire
Ormiston Wire has been a family-run business since its inception in 1793. Initially the company produced wire for corsets and wigs in London, but their services have shifted significantly since the 1700s to produce wire for almost any purpose, including ferrous and non-ferrous wires, wire for sculpture and art, wire for military purposes, and marine applications.
You may have also seen them make an appearance in the well-loved children’s TV show Thunderbirds! Ormiston designed and manufactured the wires that manipulated each marionette puppet.
There are few businesses that are as versatile as Ormiston Wire, and can be relied upon for the outstanding quality of their products.
- The Portobello Bookshop
Based in Edinburgh, Scotland, The Portobello Bookshop is an independent bookshop with a difference.
You can sign up to their book box subscription service, or browse signed titles and other gift ideas, and they also hold a Christmas book drive in partnership with two charities to donate books to those in need.
They frequently hold events like book talks and signings, and offer an inviting bookshop interior for every bookworm to feel right at home.
- Bertie’s of Bay
Based in the picturesque seaside village of Whitby, Bertie’s of Bay stocks fashionable clothing with a historical twist.
Their clothing is created based on original nautical designs worn along the North Yorkshire coast throughout history, allowing for a revival of traditional patterns and garment design.
- Crane and Kind
Based in Devon, Crane and Kind was founded by two sisters with the vision of creating a shop full of goods created by women that are forward-thinking, representative and sustainable.
They stock a variety of products including baby and children’s clothing, gifts, books, games, and adults’ clothing. Their Live Kind initiative seeks to donate to children’s hospital wards, and create care packages for victims of domestic violence.
Do you know of any exceptional independent businesses? Leave your answer in the comments below!
