Self-reliant manufacturers break retail pattern, cashing in on remarkable £3.5million award
Scottish Design Exchange Thriving in Edinburgh and Glasgow
The Scottish Design Exchange (SDX), a platform supporting small art and design-based businesses, has been making waves in Scotland's cultural scene. Based at the historic Tron building on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh and set to open in Buchanan Galleries, Glasgow in mid-July, the exchange has been a beacon of success for local artists and producers.
Since its launch in 2015, the SDX has generated over £6 million of income for hundreds of independent producers. This success has been evident in the thriving Tron Kirk Market, which has seen record takings since its opening last year. The market, home to 21 small businesses, has created employment for 51 people and become one of the most visited places on the Royal Mile, attracting both tourists and locals.
One of the market's tenants, Liana Moran, has seen her business grow significantly. The growth has been so substantial that she has been able to leave her part-time job and focus on her artwork full-time. The income generated by the Tron Kirk Market has been life-changing for all of its tenants. In fact, 18 have had to register for VAT for the first time, and several are now able to work full-time as artists.
The SDX is not just a marketplace; it also provides business advice and support to its tenants. This support has been instrumental in the resilience of the SDX and its artists and producers, even in a challenging economy. The SDX team's efforts have also extended to creating a sustainable supply chain that benefits companies supplying its traders.
The SDX's growth shows no signs of slowing down. The organization expects to more than double its sales in the next 12 months and further growth and expansion in the coming years. This growth is set to continue with the launch of Foodies in Glasgow's Buchanan Galleries. Foodies will provide retail space for up to 60 independent producers of high-quality, specialist, and artisan foods and drinks.
The Tron Kirk, which has been vacant and unused since the pandemic lockdown forced its closure in 2020, has been revitalised by the Tron Kirk Market. The market has brought opportunities to local artists and attracted thousands of visitors, appreciating the beauty and history of the 17th century structure. The SDX has signed a three-year lease with Scottish Historic Buildings Trust for the Tron building, ensuring its continued presence in the heart of Edinburgh.
Consumers are drawn to the high-quality products made by the artists and designers associated with the SDX. This demand has led to the SDX's unique business model, where tenants pay a small, fixed, monthly fee to rent space in its city centre stores and keep 100% of their sales. This model allows small businesses to thrive while maintaining their independence.
In the coming year, the SDX plans to pay more than £3.5 million to independent artists and producers. While the organization planning to make this payment is not explicitly named in the search results, the SDX's commitment to supporting local talent is clear. The SDX's success story is a testament to the power of supporting local businesses and the creative spirit of Scotland.
