The STEAMhouse Christmas Market 2024 was a resounding success, providing a platform for 79 small businesses, including student, graduate, and local Birmingham-based entrepreneurs to showcase their passions and sell their wares. We welcomed around 400 shoppers who enjoyed the chance to purchase unique gifts while supporting local enterprise.
Over 33 of these stalls were dedicated to BCU’s talented student and graduate entrepreneurs, as well as additional space to showcase student phototypes, samples and bespoke items for sale.
One of the event’s standout differentiators was that none of the businesses were charged for their stalls, ensuring that all proceeds went directly to the entrepreneurs, reflecting STEAMhouse’s commitment to supporting student and graduate enterprise and business within the local community.
Amelia Hewitt, one of the stallholders, commented: “The Market was a lovely evening and great way to start of the festive season. It was an amazing opportunity to showcase our work and speak to like-minded creatives about their projects and see all the work other business and students had created”
The Market also served as a valuable learning experience for students and budding entrepreneurs, featuring a dedicated pop-up shop from the BA Furniture and Product Design course. The students’ work, including items such as a reimagined chopping board, ceramic pen pots and hand turned mortar & pestle, were produced as part of modules embedded within their course curriculum, showcasing exceptional talent, creativity and innovation, as well as BCU’s commitment to providing tailored enterprise learning.
All students, across all year groups, were invited to submit work, and Senior Lecturer & Deputy Course Leader Wayne Pottinger managed the selection process. Items were then batch produced when possible, and all proceeds from sales were reinvested into the course, benefiting future student projects while providing BCU students with the opportunity to sell their products face-to-face.
This practical engagement has bridged the gap between academic learning and real-world application, making the market a unique adventure for these enterprising students, and one they’re looking to participate in again next year!
Reimagined Espresso Cups:
The event drew praise from sellers and shoppers alike, including a current student entrepreneur Manaal Khan with her business Zevore, who shared her thoughts:
“Being part of the STEAMhouse Christmas Marketplace was an amazing experience that I’m incredibly grateful for! It not only gave me the chance to connect with other amazing small business owners but also helped me significantly increase awareness of my brand.
I met so many people who showed a genuine interest in what I offer, and it was incredible to engage with customers who loved my brand. The connections I built during the event have grown into a supportive community, especially on Instagram, where I’ve seen so much engagement and excitement from those who discovered my business through the marketplace.”
You can find out more about Zevore via their Instagram: @zevoreofficial
Student Entrepreneur, Rosie Butler, currently on the BA Honours Textile Design course, said the STEAMhouse Christmas Market was “a rewarding and proud moment” and “it is fair to say my Christmas Market experience was a magical one”. Rosie held a stall showcasing her company Dinky Bags, which she currently sells on Etsy (https://dinkybagsco.etsy.com).
Rosie Butler, Dinky Bags Company below:
Yu Jin, a graduate from the School of Jewellery, said “Making several sales during the Christmas market was incredibly rewarding and gave me a real boost of confidence in my designs, the encouragement and exposure from the event have been invaluable in helping me grow my brand”.
Yu Jin’s business Lustre & Ve can be found on Instagram here: Lustre & Vé (@lustre_ve)
In addition to the market stalls, attendees enjoyed complimentary mulled wine, spiced apple juice, and mince pies.
A huge thank you to all the hard-work and support for helping to make the event a success.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The STEAMhouse team is already looking forward to the 2025 market and inviting an even wider community of entrepreneurs, makers and students to get involved.
If you’re interested in contributing next year please get in touch by contacting Chloe at chloe.potter@bcu.ac.uk.
In the interest of supporting Student Enterprise, STEAMhouse employed BCU Alumni and Freelance Photographer, Tyler Ebanks, to capture the event.
Tyler started his photography business after taking part in the Student Enterprise Programme BSEEN.
STEAMhouse is on a mission to enable innovation through collaboration. Powered by Birmingham City University, it’s a supportive space where entrepreneurs, students, businesses and organisations co-exist to solveproblems and develop new ideas. Comprised of four floors, STEAMhouseprovides the latest technology, kit and equipment, complemented by a portfolio of products services and programmes that include skills development, space hire, consultancy services, and events, it’s a destination that makes innovation happen.
