Unity, Peterborough: All the reasons you should support a small business.

A photo of participants who attended the frame making workshop, outside the Unity store in Queensgate

Up The Garden Bath are a Community Interest Company (CIC) based in Peterborough. From recycling old bathtubs, to creating plant pots with reusable packaging – Up The Garden Bath know exactly how to use resources and work with local people effectively.

Up The Garden Bath took their vision to Queensgate, opening a retail shop and coining it ‘Unity’. I first discovered Unity back in 2023, when I was shopping with a friend. Admittedly I was just browsing, but due to the lovely people, and friendly service, I stayed and took part in a card-making workshop. This was my first workshop and my first experience visiting Unity, and it was from this moment on I knew I would become a re-occurring visitor.

A card I made at my first Unity workshop I attended back in 2023

Unity has over 50 vendors with gifts and products made by local people. The concept of supporting local businesses appeals to me, instead of lining the pockets of large corporations. Generating over £750,000 for local businesses, the next milestone of a million will be the next goal. I have no doubt that with the support of the local community, this goal will be achievable. Unity prides itself on inclusivity, with pride flags across the store and supporting local pride groups such as Peterborough Pride. The vision to work with local businesses to reduce landfill and support local people, particularly marginalised young people and LGBTQIA+ individuals – aligns with my own visions and embraces inclusivity.

Often, as a regular shopper I seek out various products which are either gifts for friends or family or for myself. For example, coasters, hand-painted glasses, bookmarks, handmade Christmas surprise bath-bomb bags and A4 prints. A particular vendor who is my personal favourite, Alaina Creates, creates book merchandise, such as prints and bookmarks. The stall is bright, aesthetic and reels you in – with adorable dog bookmarks, to-do-lists and Taylor Swift prints. As someone who is obsessed with dogs, books, music and stationery – this stand is my favourite place to be. Alaina Creates caters to all generations and the bookish community, and she does it brilliantly.

A photo of Alaina Creates' stand in Unity - Photo credit via @alainacreates on Instagram

A photo of some of the bookmarks I have brought from Unity and Alaina Creates

When entering the store, you are always greeted by friendly members of staff, who go out of their way to check you have everything you need and ask you about your day. Customer service is a priority for Unity, and they always go above and beyond – remembering your previous visits and checking how you are doing. The final stage of the transaction at the till is always my favourite – you are greeted by friendly members of staff who package your product with care, and you are encouraged to ring the bell to signify you have supported local businesses.

Not only do I visit Unity as a shopper, my experience at the first card working workshop was extremely positive – so I often check out the Unity socials to attend any future events and workshops. The idea of supporting local crafters, alongside getting an opportunity to get out of the house, try a new hobby and push myself out of my comfort zone is extremely appealing. Unity has various events and workshops, for adults and children. These events are often free, with an optional pay donation to support Unity and its work. For individuals of a low-income within the Peterborough area, the opportunity to attend a free/low-cost crafting event is a lifeline. Alongside this, opportunities and events in Peterborough are often scarce – particularly for young people like myself. I previously attended a glass painting workshop for adults with Unity, and this week, I attended a frame-painting workshop.

An advertisement for the frame making workshop I attended. Many other events and workshops are advertised via the Unity social media pages. Photo Credit: @upthegardenbath via Instagram

The frame-painting workshop was run by Alaina Creates, who as aforementioned has a vendor within Unity and is one of the friendly members of staff who works within the store. The event was advertised on the social media pages and encouraged everyone to attend and unleash their creativity. The resources consisted of paper, paints and frames – all of which could easily be reused for future workshops and projects. The workshop was thoroughly enjoyable, and whilst I am not the most creative individual, it is an opportunity to relax, paint, de-stress and get creative. As a young person and a student within Peterborough, I appreciate the opportunity to take part in a community-based event, within a CIC which aligns with my visions of sustainability, inclusivity and supporting local businesses, communities and individuals.

The paint, frame and paper resources which were provided by Unity for the workshop

My finished product!

I am extremely grateful to Unity and the staff, who go out of their way to improve the lives of others and improve happiness and wellbeing. I would like to thank Unity for their inspiring work and I am looking forward to continuing to support them in future projects.

For anybody reading this who has not had the opportunity to visit Unity, it is recommended you pop in for a visit. Next time you are buying a gift for a friend, consider ditching the large corporation and support small and local businesses with Unity. Also, make sure you check out the Unity social media pages for future events and workshops.