Unity for Integration Project (UFIP) is preparing to welcome independent traders, entrepreneurs and members of the public to Unity Hub for Unity Connect & Trade, a community marketplace designed to encourage local shopping, business visibility and meaningful connections.

On Saturday, 3 October 2026, Unity Hub at 159 Broad Street, Glasgow will be transformed into a vibrant marketplace as UFIP hosts the first Unity Connect & Trade event from 12 noon to 5pm.

The event brings together a diverse mix of independent traders offering products ranging from handmade crafts, jewellery and ceramics to fashion, knitted goods, beauty and skincare, wellness products, gifts and accessories.

Among the businesses taking part are:

• Bonds by Bex
• Raff’s Thermomix
• Mandrs Ventures Ltd
• William’s Allsorts
• Sarahs Knits
• SKM Studio
• Olive Tree People
• Fold & Found
• Marys Fine Things
• RETUNE
• J’s Gems
• Clo Bespoke Ceramics
• Studio43
• The Personalized Club by Crafty Lulu (late addition)

Thriving Minds will also join the event with a community information space.

Creating opportunities for small businesses

Unity Connect & Trade has been developed as more than a shopping event. It provides an affordable platform where small and emerging businesses can showcase their products, meet potential customers and build connections with other entrepreneurs and the wider community.

For UFIP, the event also reflects the charity’s wider commitment to integration, skills development, community participation and creating opportunities for people to connect.

Small businesses and independent makers can face significant challenges in gaining visibility, particularly when the cost of participating in larger markets and exhibitions is beyond their reach. Unity Connect & Trade aims to provide an accessible community-based alternative while encouraging members of the public to discover and support businesses operating in and around Glasgow.

UFIP Chairperson Nkechi First said:

“Unity Connect & Trade is about creating a space where people can come together in a very practical way. We want our traders to have an opportunity to showcase what they do, meet new customers and connect with one another, but we also want the community to have somewhere welcoming to come, shop and discover businesses they may not otherwise know about.

“Supporting a small business can be as simple as walking through the door, having a conversation and buying something directly from the person who created or sourced it. We hope people across Glasgow will come along and support the traders who have put so much into their businesses.”

– Nkechi First, UFIP Chairperson

A wide range of products under one roof

Visitors can expect plenty to explore.

The marketplace will include permanent jewellery, pre-loved fashion, handmade cards and crafts, knitted products, bespoke ceramics, artwork and wearable art, beauty and skincare, home fragrances, wellness products, kitchen products and demonstrations, gifts and other unique finds.

With Christmas approaching, UFIP is also encouraging visitors to use the event as an opportunity to begin their festive shopping while supporting independent businesses.

Alongside the trading stalls, the event creates opportunities for informal networking and conversation between businesses, community organisations and visitors.

Unity Hub ready to welcome the community

Preparations have been underway at Unity Hub ahead of Saturday’s event, with the hall arranged into individual trading spaces and the venue dressed with Unity Connect & Trade branding.

The event is being hosted within UFIP’s Unity Hub, a community space established to provide a home for activities that promote connection, wellbeing, learning, creativity and participation.

Complimentary tea and coffee will be available during the event, helping create a relaxed atmosphere where visitors can take their time browsing and speaking with traders.

Admission is completely free, and the event is open to everyone. Visitors do not need to own a business or be involved in entrepreneurship to attend.

UFIP particularly hopes local residents, families and shoppers will come through the doors and support the participating businesses.

Event details

Unity Connect & Trade

• Date: Saturday, 3 October 2026
• Time: 12:00pm – 5:00pm
• Venue: Unity Hub, 159 Broad Street, Glasgow, G40 2QR
• Admission: FREE – everyone is welcome

Visitors can register for a free ticket in advance:

Register for Unity Connect & Trade on Eventbrite

UFIP hopes Unity Connect & Trade will provide another way for Unity Hub to bring businesses and communities together while encouraging people to shop, support and connect.

SHOP • SUPPORT • CONNECT

Unity Connect & Trade is organised by Unity for Integration Project (UFIP).Visit the UFIP website

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