Young entrepreneurs showcase creative talents at festive fair

EXHIBITION: The Lord Mayor of Hull, Councillor Cheryl Payne with Jill Yates, centre, and Addy Robinson at their shared stall

By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor

Young people who have overcome adversity to launch their own businesses pulled in the crowds at Hull Guildhall as they celebrated another year of achievements with a Christmas exhibition to showcase their work.

Civic leaders, a local MP and key figures from the regional business community called in to chat with the young entrepreneurs and do a little Christmas shopping.

They also spoke to leaders of Hull City Council’s Making Changes for Careers (MC4C) initiative about the Neurodiverse and Care Experienced Christmas Exhibition and about the wider activities of the programme.

Among the exhibitors were Sammy Gibson, who owns Creations Galore and makes personalised items, wax melts, bath bombs and home fragrance products.

Also presenting his ideas was Luke Garner, who is working towards a start-up business under the name Happy Dragon Writing and Illustration. Luke will be selling his own creations including fun portraits and children’s books.

Addy Robinson, owner of Addy So Crafty, and Jill Yates, who has launched Invade the Scene, joined forces to set up a stall promoting their own designs.

Addy started her business in autumn 2024 during her final year at Arts University Bournemouth and picked up with MC4C to develop it after she graduated this year and moved home to Hull.

Addy, who has been running stalls in St Stephen’s shopping centre and craft events across Yorkshire, said: “It was a bit scary at first but I have got things a bit more sussed now!

“I’ve learned a lot by working with MC4C – I could manage the financial stuff but they’ve been a big help with tax and other elements I didn’t understand.”

Jill received initial help from her housemates at York University when she was setting up her business designing and selling t-shirts. The death of her grandma set her back but now she has used the experience as motivation and is selling in the UK, USA, Australia, Canada and France.

She said: “At the time I wasn’t making enough money but after grieving for my grandma I decided to work hard and make it a real business that would have made her proud.”

Hull West and Haltemprice MP Emma Hardy, who visited the event, said: “I had a wonderful time. It was a welcoming and inclusive space that showcased the creativity of young people who are neurodivergent or care experienced.

“I loved browsing the stalls and picked up some lovely Christmas gifts along the way. It was great to see an event that supports entrepreneurship and gives opportunities to those who might face barriers at traditional markets – well done to everyone involved."

Rob Edwards, of the Neurodiversity Association, said: “We are thrilled to support the Christmas fair because it celebrates neurodivergent talent and entrepreneurship – showing how differences in thinking styles can support creativity, problem-solving and business success.

“By working with MC4C to create a ‘neurodiversity manifesto’, we hope to enable others to adapt and support more effectively - making inclusive entrepreneurship a reality rather than an exception.

“MC4C is leading the way: they’re providing a welcoming environment, removing barriers to traditional markets, and giving care-experienced and neurodivergent business-owners the opportunity to succeed.

“This exhibition underlines the powerful association between different neurotypes and innovation – and shows that when the right support is in place, enterprise and creativity can thrive.”