Leeds printing firm launches initiatives to support city's independents

Awesome Merchandise, which makes custom merchandise for over 97,000 businesses and independent designers across the UK, including the Brudenell Social Club and the designer, Drew Millward in Leeds, is launching a grant scheme, staff voucher scheme and a number of other initiatives, all in aid of supporting local independent businesses, artists and creatives.

Luke Hodson, founder of Awesome Merchandise, said: “Given the current circumstances, it felt only right to continue doing what we do best to celebrate our birthday - which is bringing together the creative communities - by supporting each other.

“That’s why we’re not only launching a grant scheme during this tough time, but also incentivising our employees to get out and support fellow independent businesses in the city.”

The grant scheme, set to launch in October this year, will split £15,000 amongst the performing arts and creative industries and small businesses, to create their own custom merchandise and marketing collateral.

In addition to the grant scheme, Awesome Merchandise is gifting its staff with a £50 ‘Leeds Indie voucher’ to spend at a series of independent businesses across the city including North Bar, Colours May Vary, Laynes Espresso, Bundobust and Meat Liquor.

Sarah Hardy, marketing manager at North Bar Leeds, said: “We jumped at the opportunity to be involved in Awesome Merchandise’s voucher scheme.

“We have a long-standing relationship working with them and it’s been great to continue working together throughout Covid 19, and see them supporting our family of independent bars as we try to rebuild after being closed during lockdown.”

Ms Hardy added: “The independent scene in Leeds has grouped together to support each other during this pandemic, and we are really excited to continue doing so.”