News & Events

Your curated hub for the latest shifts in the small business world. We filter through the noise to bring UK makers, crafters, and side hustlers essential industry news, platform updates, and upcoming events.

Three smiling people in blue Small Business Saturday jackets stand by a bicycle outside a fruit shop with produce and a blue promo sign.

Small Business Saturday 2026: How to Put Your Business on the Map

Small Business Saturday UK is a massive grassroots, non-commercial campaign that highlights small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and support the independent brands in their communities.

Billy Giles

15 hours ago4 min read

Crafts in the Pen 2026: The Complete Guide for Visitors and Exhibitors

Crafts in the Pen takes place each November at Skipton Auction Mart. Over the years, the event has grown into a wonderful crafts market that the whole family can enjoy. The 2026 event will mark its 11th annual year as a sprawling festive crafts market. Featuring a capped limit of 230 stalls, every single purchase you make at the event directly helps support professional artists and makers.

Billy Giles

16 hours ago4 min read

Promotional banner for the UK AI Adoption and Skills package, featuring the text 'AI that works for everyone' over a modern teal and blue geometric background.

UK Government Launches £200 Million AI Adoption Drive for Businesses and Workers

The UK's new £200M funding package is a game-changer for AI adoption. Discover how your business can leverage new grants, growth zones, and free training.

Billy Giles

16 hours ago3 min read

Crowds of visitors exploring a colorful contemporary art installation inside the historic architecture of Blackburn Cathedral during the National Festival of Making.

The National Festival of Making is back in Blackburn this July 2026

The National Festival of Making returns to Blackburn town centre on 4-5 July 2026. Get the full, direct guide to the weekend's event lineup, workshops, open-air performances, and essential town centre parking info for EV charging and Blue Badge bays.

Billy Giles

1 day ago3 min read

Lady Boss Coffee Morning" on Wednesday 10th June, 9:30am - 12:30pm at Scaitcliffe House, Accrington. Hosted by Hyndburn Borough Council and Kind Communities, the event features a vibrant geometric design with images of a cooked curry dish, fresh tomatoes, mushrooms, and a red chilli.

Turn Your Culinary Passion Into a Thriving Business: Free 6-Week Programme Launches in Hyndburn

Turn your cooking skills into a thriving business! Hyndburn Borough Council is launching a free 6-week programme for local women. Kick things off at the 'Lady Boss' coffee morning this June.

Billy Giles

6 days ago2 min read

a poster promoting uk business week 2026 by the Entrepreneurs Circle Red background with white text stating that the event runs from June 1st to June 7th 2026.

UK Small Business Week 2026: A Free National Spotlight for Independents

An overview of UK Small Business Week 2026 (1st–7th June). Discover how this free, national, founder-led initiative by Entrepreneurs Circle supports independent British businesses.

Billy Giles

Jun 12 min read

a photo of the accrington food festival, showing an NLTG stall, with people visiting stalls in a busy market place.

Why Events Like the Accrington Food & Drink Festival Matter for Local Makers and Side Hustlers

Whether you are trading at the festival or just heading down to absorb the atmosphere and support local creators, let's get out there and show what the Oswaldtwistle and Accrington business community can do.

Billy Giles

May 282 min read

About This Noticeboard

This isn’t a fast-paced newsroom tracking every minor shift on the web. Think of it as a casual notebook where I share useful business updates, platform announcements, and upcoming events as and when I spot them.

If I stumble across a policy change, a deadline, or a local event that I think will genuinely help independent UK makers, I’ll pin a quick, straight-to-the-point breakdown right here.

What Gets Pinned:

National Platform Shifts: Quick call-outs on things affecting your pocket—like important HMRC tax reminders or changes to seller fees on platforms like Etsy, eBay, or Shopify.
Regional North West Finds: Occasional updates on wider Lancashire funding schemes, regional growth grants, or trade exhibitions worth a look.
Local Spotlight (Accrington & Oswaldtwistle): A clear focus on our home patch in the Hyndburn borough. When I notice local networking meetups, independent markets, or staple community events like the Accrington Food & Drink Festival, I'll shout about them so local makers can connect and trade face-to-face.

Spotted a Useful Notice?

A community board works best when people look out for each other. If you’ve spotted an upcoming local market application window, a helpful regional grant, or a networking meetup in Lancashire that independent UK crafters and side hustlers could benefit from, feel free to pass it along.

Drop the details over to bgiles@theproperhustle.co.uk.

If it offers genuine utility and I'm updating the board, I'll gladly get it pinned to the mix.