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At Morgan + Wells, we’ve long believed that doing things the right way — slowly, thoughtfully, and sustainably — is more than a philosophy. It’s a business model. So it was heartening to read The Willow Review, a newly published, government-backed report showing how small businesses across the UK are already gaining from sustainability. Not just ethically, but commercially too. Led by Minister Gareth Thomas, Michelle Ovens CBE, and Nick Stace OBE, the review proves what many of us have quietly known all along: that sustainability is no longer just an environmental imperative — it’s a smart way to build a resilient, successful business. Hand stitching leather goods How Our Leather Studio Already Reflects These Findings Here at our workshop in York, we handcraft small-batch leather goods using vegetable-tanned leather, British-made brass hardware, and traditional hand-stitching techniques. These aren’t just artisan choices — they’re sustainable ones. The Willow Review outlines key ways sustainability is already helping small businesses like ours to: * Reduce operational costs through thoughtful, less wasteful processes * Grow revenue by appealing to customers who value ethical products * Attract and retain customers who want to invest in quality that lasts * Build long-term resilience by stepping away from fast, disposable production Sound familiar? It should — these are the very foundations Morgan + Wells was built on. Powder belt: British leather and brass belt The Challenge: Scaling This for More Businesses But the review doesn’t shy away from the barriers many small firms still face. Cost, confusing finance options, and lack of support can all be stumbling blocks. That’s why the review calls for: * Local sustainability champions to help SMEs make changes confidently * Simplified access to green finance (yes please!) * Reframing sustainability as a commercial growth tool, not a compliance issue * Practical, clear guidance to make things easier As a solo maker, this kind of support would be invaluable. Because while sustainability has always been at the heart of what I do, there’s still room to grow — whether that’s through greener packaging, energy choices, or joining forces with likeminded businesses. Why This Matters for You, Too When you choose a Morgan + Wells piece, you’re not just buying a bag. You’re supporting a slower, more thoughtful way of doing business. One that values quality, community, and the environment. If more businesses felt empowered to make these choices, the impact could be huge — and The Willow Review is a solid step in that direction. Let’s keep building something better. One stitch at a time. 📖 [Read the full Willow Review](https://www.smallbusinessbritain.uk/willow-review)

World Leather Day 2025 Today is World Leather Day , and this year’s campaign from Leather Naturally invites us to go Beyond the Surface—to look deeper into the material we work with and wear, and to challenge assumptions about what leather really represents. As a traditional leatherworker, I’ve spent countless hours shaping, stitching, and finishing this remarkable material. And I can tell you from experience: leather is anything but superficial. This year's campaign focuses on three vital pillars that speak directly to the heart of what I do and why I do it. Transparency Behind every piece of responsibly made leather lies a tannery that values traceability, ethics, and care. For those of us who work with vegetable tanned leather, this often means small-batch hides tanned using natural tannins from tree bark and plants—an age-old method that’s both traditional and eco-conscious. Knowing exactly where my materials come from means I can stand behind every item I create. And it allows my customers to buy with confidence, knowing they’re supporting honest, transparent craftsmanship. Sustainability Vegetable tanned leather isn’t just beautiful—it’s deeply sustainable. It’s made from a by-product of the food industry, tanned slowly without synthetic additives, and crafted to last a lifetime. Many tanneries I source from are part of a growing movement to assess and reduce environmental impact through responsible water use, energy efficiency, and thoughtful waste management. By working with naturally tanned hides and traditional hand tools, I aim to keep my own footprint light—honouring the material and the land it came from. Longevity Leather has a soul. It wears in, not out. It softens and darkens with time, picking up the patina of everyday life. Its strength, breathability, and comfort make it a world apart from synthetic substitutes—and best of all, it can be repaired, reused, and repurposed again and again. Every piece I make is designed to age gracefully and tell a story—becoming part of your life, not landfill. So today, on World Leather Day, I invite you to look a little deeper. To value the materials that last, the craftsmanship that respects them, and the choices we make that honour both. Let’s celebrate leather—not just as a material, but as a tradition worth preserving. Useful Links Leather Naturally Leather UK Consorzio Vera Pelle Italiana Conciata Vegetale J & FJ Baker Leather4craft J & FJ Baker & Co.Ltd

Winter is more magical in Yorkshire with its enchanting Christmas markets waiting to be explored. With festive cheer in the air and the aroma of roasted chestnuts wafting through the streets and stalls, there's no better way to embrace the holiday spirit than by immersing yourself in the heartwarming atmosphere of these markets we'll be attending this festive season. Shop Local at York Inspired Makers Dive into the world of York Inspired Makers , at their annual Christmas Show. A local selection of artisans will start off our festive market season bringing a selection of seasonal goodies, festive decorations, beautiful jewellery, prints, paintings, textiles, furniture and more.... 2-3rd November 2024, 10-4pm York Cemetery Chapel , Cemetery Road, York, YO10 5AL or more information please visit their groups page HERE . Crafts in the Pen Winter Wonderland A new one for Morgan + Wells but an exciting one to be part of! Step into this winter wonderland as you explore the stalls adorned with twinkling fairy lights and festive decorations. Crafts in the Pen is a well-established event and offers a shopping experience like no other. 16-17 November 2024 Skipton Auction Mart, Ling Fields, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 1UD Boogie on down to Poppleton Christmas Fair With so many festive markets to choose from, planning your winter adventure can be an exciting endeavor. To the north of York with ample parking, this Festive market is being held at the ever popular Poppleton Community Centre . It’s open from 6-9pm , tickets are just £3 on the door and include a Mince Pie and a cup of Mulled Wine. Come along and join the festive fun whilst your shop. For more details check out their website . 22nd November 2024, 6-9pm Poppleton Community Centre, Main Street, Poppleton, York, YO26 6JU Wander to York Makers Christmas Fair Wander through the charming Bishy Road to get to the brilliant York Makers Winter Fair . Packed with talented York makers, you can grab a warm drink and do your shopping in one room - it's one of my favourites. 23rd November 2024 Clements Hall , Nunthorpe Road, York, YO23 1BW Embrace the Magic of the Season At White Syke Fields Bask in the glow of twinkling lights of Winter in the Wheelhouse , providing the perfect setting for the season. With a whole host of local and artisan makers you're in for a treat as you shop to live music holding a hot drink. 24 Nov 2024, 10:00 – 16:00 Sand Hutton, White Syke Farm , Sand Hutton, York YO41 1LN, UK Deck the Halls at Thirsk Lodge Barns Come and spend time at this beautiful Christmas Shopping evening at the stunning Thirsk Lodge Barns . Browse from over 30 local, artisan stall holders. With festive food, including raclette, wood-fired pizzas and waffles available this is one not to miss. 28 Nov 2024, 18:00 – 21:00 Thirsk Lodge Barns , Newsham Road, Thirsk, YO7 4DB Made In Yorkshire - York Guildhall To top off the festive season I'll be spending the well in the glorious Guildhall in York. This venue is simply stunning and the curated local makers always bring that extra something to this Made in Yorkshire event. The whole event runs from the 16 Nov to 17 Dec, I'll be displaying my goods during the week of 9th-15th December so be sure to pop in for your Christmas gifts. 9-15th December 2024 10:00 am - 4:30 pm Let Yorkshire's Christmas markets be your guide to a winter wonderland filled with joy, laughter, and the timeless magic of the holidays. Pack your bags, bring your loved ones, and get ready to embark on a magical journey through the enchanted streets and markets of Yorkshire this festive season. Let the magic of York's Christmas markets light up your winter nights and warm your heart with the spirit of the season!