Shops / Non profit
Sustainable shop could be named UK’s favourite local business
An independent shop, located in Cabot Circus, could be given the title of the UK’s favourite local business.
Prior, which is also a workshop, gallery and community hub, showcases the work of 150 sustainable designers.
The non-profit business was launched by Beck Prior in 2019, after she was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2010, when she was 26-years-old.
Over the three years that Beck couldn’t work due to her illness, she started doing Sunday markets as a way to still work and be creative. From there, Prior grew.
An independent shop, located in Cabot Circus, could be given the title of the UK’s favourite local business – photo: Beck Prior
Beck, who studied fine art and visual culture in Bristol, said: “After having a bone marrow transplant and getting better, I developed my practice as a product designer.
“In 2018 an opportunity came up to take on a shop in Old Market. I thought it would be a workshop space but once I had the keys and opened the doors, I saw it as an opportunity to bring people together in a creative way.
“I’ve always been interested in merging high design with sustainable materials. Often you’ll get the high design but it’s not responsibly made, or handmade ‘eco’ products that look overtly green.
“I reached out to some other designers and Prior was born in 2019. Prior stocks contemporary, consciously made, sustainable products, and most are made locally. We also run workshops and hold talks, all in a city centre space.
“Because Prior is not-for-profit, our aim when running workshops is accessibility, for creatives and also for different segments of the community.
“Last year, our profits went towards an event held by Everyday Racism and we funded an artist to provide candle making workshops for vulnerable adults. Creative activities are both calming and grounding, and hugely beneficial for those suffering from trauma.”
The non-profit business was launched by Beck Prior in 2019 – photo: Prior
Beck said she is “speechless” at the fact her business has been nominated for the national award. She added: “I still get goosebumps when I look around and see what our team has created.
“I’m so proud that others see Prior as a welcoming, comfortable community space in Bristol.”
Prior is part of The Love Bristol Gift Card, an initiative to champion local businesses in Bristol, led by the three central (BIDs) and can be spent with over 150 Bristol businesses.
The Love Bristol Gift Card is part of the Town & City Gift Card initiative – which is sponsoring the competition.
Steve Bluff, head of Redcliffe & Temple Business Improvement District (BID), said: “Prior sums up everything that is great about Bristol.
“Unique businesses that are the heart of the community, offering unique products and contributing to the vibrancy and welcoming feel of our city.
“Best of luck to Beck and the Prior team.”
You can vote for your favourite local business here. Voting closes on Wednesday.
Main photo: Beck Prior
Read next:
- Sustainability bootcamp being held for businesses
- Sustainable handbag company secures six-figure investment
- The Bristol company transforming ocean plastics into clothing and goods
- ‘We want to be an environmentally inspiring venue’
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