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Experience the magic of a Yorkshire winter at its most enchanting — through the region’s famous Christmas markets. From the aroma of roasted chestnuts to the sparkle of handcrafted gifts and festive lights, these markets capture everything we love about the holiday season. Discover where we’ll be setting up our stall and join us for a touch of handmade Christmas charm. Shop Local This Christmas: Discover York’s Inspired Makers Step inside the world of York Inspired Makers , where craftsmanship and Christmas spirit come together. Their annual Christmas Show gathers some of Yorkshire’s finest artisans — each bringing festive treasures to life, from hand-stitched textiles and original artwork to jewellery, prints, and unique homeware. It’s the perfect way to start the season and shop local in true Yorkshire style. 8-9th November 2025, 10-5pm 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. 15-16 November 2025 Skipton Auction Mart, Ling Fields, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 1UD Follow the Festive Glow 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. 22nd November 2025 Clements Hall , Nunthorpe Road, York, YO23 1BW Wath Court Christmas Crafts Join us at the Wath Court Christmas Shopping Fair , where bespoke craftsmanship and festive charm come together. Discover a curated selection of handmade pieces from local artisans — the perfect opportunity to find unique Christmas gifts while supporting independent makers this season. 23rd November 2025 The Fold, Wath Court, Hovingham, York, YO62 4NN Thirsk Lodge Barns: Where Christmas Comes Alive 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. 24th Nov 2025, 18:00 – 21:00 Thirsk Lodge Barns , Newsham Road, Thirsk, YO7 4DB A Handcrafted Christmas Awaits 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. 29-30th Nov 2025, 10:00 – 15:00 Sand Hutton, White Syke Farm , Sand Hutton, York YO41 1LN, UK Make Yorkshire’s Christmas markets your festive destination this year. From twinkling lights to handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and joyful laughter, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as you explore the magic of the holidays together. For more Christmas markets near you do check out the wonderful Pedddle website. 🌲

This month, I had the absolute privilege of being invited down to Downing Street by The Small Awards for an evening reception hosted by The Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves. Naomi, Founder of Morgan + Wells Leather outside the famous black door of Downing Street It was a very warm evening—both in temperature and spirit—as we gathered to celebrate the power of small businesses across the UK with Small Business Britain. The event was a beautiful reminder that while we may be “small,” our impact is anything but. From solo makers to family-run ventures, the room was brimming with talent, determination, and incredibly inspiring stories. I had the chance to chat with some truly fabulous business owners from every corner of the country—each with their own journey, struggles, triumphs, and a whole lot of passion. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves (r) and Michelle Ovens CBE from Small Business Britain (l) To be stood inside one of the most iconic addresses in the UK, representing my small but mighty business, felt completely surreal. It’s not every day you talk about hand-stitched leather with fellow entrepreneurs in Downing Street! Naomi, Founder of Morgan + Wells Leather (c) with Rachel Marshall (l), Founder of Uniquely Local Experiences and Richard Liverman, Richer Solutions (r) in Downing Street to celebrate British Small Businesses. Rachel from Cable and Blake (l) and Naomi from Morgan + Wells Leather (r) celebrating British made handbags at Downing Street reception for Small Businesses. Huge thanks to The Small Awards and Small Business Britain for the opportunity—and to everyone I met for the brilliant conversations and energy. What a day. One for the memory books!

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)