IN CONTRAST to the name of her first shop, there's certainly no 'State of Distress' for one Vale of Clwyd entrepreneur who managed to set up a second during the first lockdown period in Wales.

Bernadette O'Malley is an businesswoman who set up 'State of Distress', her main business, in Ruthin in 2013.

At the start of the main lockdown period in spring, Bernadette followed that up by establishing Ruthin Artisan Markets CIC - a market events company.

State of Distress sells local arts and crafts, it has a Paint Your Own Pottery Studio and run craft workshops.

Ruthin Artisan Markets CIC hosts markets at which people sell local produce, including local arts and crafts, food and drinks.

Bernadette is one of many businesses supporting Denbighshire County Council’s Winter Shopping campaign, set up to encourage people to support local businesses over the coming months.

She said: “We have over 40 businesses showcased under one roof, most items are personalised at no extra cost and the majority of items are one of a kind. Our Paint Your Own Pottery studio is aimed at all ages, we even do foot and handprints on pottery for babies. We offer free local delivery which is in most cases delivered the same day and we are known for our friendly approach and advice when asked.

“Ruthin Artisan Markets are a community interest group. We are here to help local businesses to set up a customer base and to grow their business and also to give our community members safe outdoor events where they can come and do their shopping and safely meet friends and family outdoors, we also are working to try to increase peoples' awareness of our attractions and historic buildings in the town. Any excess profits will be reinvested into our community so we give back too.

“It is absolutely essential for small local business that you support them this year more than ever, a lot of small businesses like my own this year have gone out of our way to deliver what our customers need to their doors and help them to carry on their lives as easily as they can.

Bernadette thinks Ruthin has a strong and supportive business community and has a unique selling point.

She added: “Businesses in the town offer a personalised service, a connection to products made in our area and the fact that money spent in our area stays in the area as the local small businesses reinvest in other small businesses and also provide jobs for local people.

“Businesses have offered to help each other out with deliveries throughout, they recommend other businesses to their customers and they spend money in each other’s businesses.

“There are things you can buy on Ruthin high street that you wouldn't find on other high streets in the UK and as most businesses are owner operated you are served by someone who genuinely cares that you are choosing to spend your money with them and not elsewhere.

“We provide space in our shop for aspiring businesses who can't afford the overheads of staff and a shop, as well as all the bills that come with it, I make personalised mugs, signs, coasters and other items onsite, same day in most cases. I also offer a furniture painting service where you bring your furniture in and I paint it for you in whatever colour and style you like.

“Ruthin Artisan Markets CIC is a voluntary organisation created in order to bring people into our town and give them events to meet with friends and family as well as also to make them aware of our amazing local micro businesses that they might not have heard of otherwise, at an affordable price for the businesses."