Wakefield textile designer in the running for £10,000 prize

Laura Slater, who is based at The Art House studios in the city, is in the running to win the business development prize as part of the New Talent Etsy Awards.

The designer and screen printer sells her homeware on the online site, as well as at galleries and design shops across the UK including at The Hepworth Wakefield, Yorkshire Sculpture Park and Heals.

The Royal College of Art graduate would use the money to take on her first apprentice, but needs the support of the public to help her win.

She is currently ranking in sixth place out of 60 for the prize, and voting closes at midnight on June 6.

“As my business has grown I’ve needed more hands, as I’ve been juggling designing, manufacturing and making,” she said. “Winning would help me to grow in terms of people and production, and lave me with more time to focus on designing and developing the business strategically.”

The designer will launch her new collection at a trade fair in Paris this September after being awarded a grant.

If she wins Etsy prize, she hopes to also show her work at London Design Fair.

Her work, which can be purchased on Etsy, which specialises in unique and handmade products, includes printed lampshades and cushions, homeware, and other gifts and smaller items such as notebooks.

Miss Slater, 32, added: “Being shortlisted for the Etsy Awards in itself is an honour and very exciting.

“The impact of winning a business development fund would allow me to realise some of the bigger ideas I have that are limited somewhat to investment, a unbelievable opportunity.”

To vote for Miss Slater, visit etsyawards.com/uk/Finalist-34/LauraSlaterPrint before the deadline on June 6.