From dhal to design - ‘First-of-its-kind’ sustainable market launches in Manchester

As the issues facing our planet become ever more urgent, from plastic pollution to global warming, brands are starting to take action: recent efforts we’ve spotted locally span Heineken removing plastic from millions of cans to a Salford wine merchant helping the oceans and conscious clothing that challenges the damaging fast fashion cycle. Elsewhere Selfridges Trafford is hosting several events as part of the chain’s Project Earth initiative and Maybelline has launched the UK’s biggest makeup recycling scheme. 

While many companies are making progress, however, some still have a way to go…which is why a new certification called ‘B Corp’ has launched to highlight brands that balance profit with people and the planet. And it’s these that are the focus of a new weekly Manchester market.

Based in NOMA’s Sadler’s Yard, A Good Market only showcases B-Corp brands (or those set to become B-Corps), making it the first of its kind in the UK. Hosted by Old Bank NOMA and the Pilcrow Pub, the market takes place every Friday until 18th December. Expect seasonal food, sustainable products, free workshops, engaging talks, live music and great local beers. 

Traders include speciality coffee roasters Blossom Coffee, who are also working towards becoming a certified CarbonNeutral company; all-natural and vegan energy bar producers Outdoor Provisions; and community-focused design studio Easy Peel (also a partner on Stockport’s new Merseyway Workshop) plus many more. The Pilcrow Pub have also extended their terrace into Sadler’s Yard, providing the perfect Friday afternoon spot in the sun for shopping and socialising.

Founded in 2019, the Old Bank project has seen design consultancy Standard Practise temporarily transform a historic former bank into a space that encourages community and connection through creativity (see more about its founding and the NOMA neighbourhood’s fascinating history in our article). From a ‘moneyless market’ to a café built by the public, the team have always done things differently.  

A Good Market launched this month after the venue reopened its doors as a B-Corp hub in August; providing free space for several local businesses including carbon-neutral coffee roasters Blossom Coffee; landscape architects and urban designers Planit-IE; creative brand builders With Love Project; and purpose, culture and impact specialists Pentameter. Pentameter will be available onsite to support and guide any businesses on becoming a B-Corp, while related events will be held both in-person and on the Old Bank website.

Nicky Moore, brand and marketing manager for NOMA, said: “We’re always looking for ways in which to champion creativity and reward fresh thinking at NOMA, and the move to create a B-Corp hub in the city feels like the right step for the Old Bank, to provide space and support for organisations who are working to accelerate a global cultural shift to redefine success in business.”

A Good Market takes place every Friday until 18th December, 2-7pm, at Sadler’s Yard - off Hanover Street, NOMA, Manchester, M60 0AB. B-Corp events are held at Old Bank NOMA and on the website. All events adhere to COVID-19 guidelines.   

For more Manchester events inspo, see our top things to do in September

Want to find out more about the man behind The Pilcrow (and many others)? We have an article for that too

Photos by Fiona Finchett