Small businesses and startups are being encouraged to take part in a shopping centre’s initiative aimed at supporting local producers.

Poole’s Dolphin Centre introduced the Street Market in September last year.

Based in the main mall area, stalls can be booked for initial trials with single day hire currently available from £20.

It’s now inviting applications from all makers and small businesses to showcase their products and help expand their customer base.

The offer could particularly appeal to online businesses that may be interested in exploring physical retail.

Carmen Moore, Community Manager at the Dolphin Centre, pictured left, said: “The Street Market is another brilliant way for the Dolphin to champion all the wonderful makers and small businesses here on our doorstep in Poole.

“This addition complements what we offer in Kingland beautifully, a shopping district purely for local businesses which has been a big success since it launched last year.

“We encourage any small business owners who may be looking for a new selling platform to give our stalls a go.”

A business that has been trading at the Dolphin’s Street Market since its inception is &gooey, owned by Andreia Sousa.

Specialising in brigadieros, a traditional Brazilian truffle, Andreia said her time trading at the market has brought invaluable experience.

&gooey originally exclusively sold its products through its website when the business was first launched in December 2020.

Andreia then decided to take the plunge and book a weekly trading slot at the Dolphin.

She said: “Nothing is better than face-to-face contact with our potential customers and receiving their feedback in person is so much better than any online communication.

“The Dolphin Centre offers reasonable rent and everyone was super-friendly.

“We met so many other businesses with amazing people behind them.

“They have been so kind to share advice and support one another, which is a beautiful thing to see.”

The Dolphin Street Market is part of a wider initiative to breathe new life into Poole’s high street.

Trading hours for the markets are from 9am to 5:30pm every Saturday and Sunday.

Costs start from £20 per day.

• If you’re interested in learning more about the markets, please contact carmen.moore@dolphinshoppingcentre.co.uk.