TRADERS say a scheme allowing their businesses to showcase products to staff from Darlington Council and Department for Education (DfE) has been a big success.

The pop-up shop project at Darlington town hall has now been running for a year.

The scheme aims to raise awareness among the staff of the two buildings of what Darlington.

Over the year there have been 85 pop-ups in the town hall, for more than 55 local businesses.

Sarah Voss, of personalised gift company A Little Dollop of Love, said: “The pop-up scheme in the town hall has been amazing for my business. It's a wonderful opportunity for new businesses like myself to showcase our products and meet a new customer base.

“It works well too for the employees as it saves them time outside work looking for gifts, as they have had the convenience of buying in the workplace in their lunch hours.

“I've had repeat business from employees after my visits, and new orders from people who have seen me in the foyer.

“I think it's a wonderful scheme for Darlington businesses, it has certainly helped me extend my customer base and get A Little Dollop of Love put there.”

Laura Nattress, of sweet makers Urban Fudge, added: “The pop-up shops at the town hall are a great opportunity for small businesses to showcase their products to local people. Not only do we get to trade locally, but our product is exposed to all 900 employees, who then in turn spread the word about our great product.

“I have really enjoyed doing the pop-up shops, it's always great to meet local people who support local businesses and most of all they keep coming back for more. And why not, it’s a special treat to perk up the working day! The whole work place is made aware that we will be in on certain days which give traders the best chance of making sales.

“Overall, it's a great marketing tool and has exposed our brand further. I would definitely recommend this scheme to other small local businesses and what's more it’s free to trade.”

Traders who are interested in running a pop-up shop in the town hall should contact business.support@darlington.gov.uk