AN indoor craft market in Bradford has reached its target number of traders after less than a year and is looking to expand further.

The Craft Market, based in Darley Street, was set up by husband-and-wife Catriona and Barrie Naylor in January this year to showcase the work of a number of local independent retailers.

Items on offer include photographs, upcycled furniture, personalised cushions and soft furnishings, rag dolls, keyrings, bags, tie-dye clothing, children’s clothing, crystals and holistic therapy.

Mrs Naylor, 38, said: “We have about 50 traders now and lots more asking to join us, we have a waiting list. We are running out of space now.

“They are selling their art and crafts with us, helping them start new businesses and pay for their hobbies.

“We did not expect to get filled up quite so quickly. It has reached its target number of traders in less than a year.

“We give opportunities to anyone and everyone to get started up in business.

“It’s unique, there is nothing else like us in Bradford. We have all sorts of businesses.”

Mrs Naylor added the Craft Market is appealing to fledgling firms as it makes it easy for them to sell their goods. The market’s success has also lead to an expansion earlier this summer.

She said: “We don’t ask anything complicated of people, we just sell their stuff for them.

“We have about eight or nine other stallholders working with us at the market at any one time.

“We have now opened up our third floor.”

Last year, Mr and Mrs Naylor decided to make the leap into starting a new craft market and they have have now invested around £15,000 of their own money into setting up the business.

The couple also plan to expand further and open up workshops aimed towards people with learning difficulties, autism and other vulnerable groups for people to make items including beaded jewellery from September.

The market is open Monday to Saturday between 10am and 5pm.

The Craft Market received cash from Bradford Council’s City Centre Growth Zone scheme in March this year.

Shoe Clearance, in City Road, was the other business to receive the Council cash. It has been trading for more than two years and has opened stores in Sheffield and Nelson.

It is a further boost to Darley Street this year after the Made Bradford markets were set up.

Made Bradford opened for the first time in Darley Street in March to give a boost to the area after a period of decline in footfall.

The market, supported by Bradford Council, features stalls for original artists, crafters and creative food producers.

It has been organised by Jonathan Smith, Shy Burham and Matt Lamont, to tempt shoppers who usually go to the Broadway into other parts of the city centre.

The next Made Bradford market will be held on November 4. This will be followed by further events on November 25, December 2 and 16.