New year, new product and all that...

Yes, 2016 saw me launch into the world of jute reusable bags. A project I had always wanted to get into, but due to costs and huge minimum orders - it was something I never plunged into. Roll on about 5 years to October 2015... Dear Mr Osbourne introduces a 5p plastic bag charge to all bags plastic bags sold at the checkout in most retail stores. I was kicked into action... Personally, I wholly agree in doing anything for the environment. Always have and always will, but what I don't like is yet another stealth tax introduced and branded as a positive thing. Did you know that 1p VAT is charged on the bag for example? So what was initially sold to the public as a charitable donation, 20% goes straight to the tax man. I recently held a poll on twitter on this very subject, and surprisingly 78% of those polled did not realise the whole sum was not going to charity. I'm on my high horse again it would seem. Anyway, that is a bit of background as to how I decided to take the plunge into the reusable bag world. I now have a product, and now for the really tricky part, telling the world I have a product and actually selling some.... Having been in the freelance graphic design world going on two years now, I have never had to actively promote myself. This for me has been a positive thing as word of mouth and the quality of the work that I produce has helped the ball keep rolling, and for that I am truly thankful. The reusable bag project is proving to be a different kettle of fish entirely. But here goes a shameless plug... Buy a limited edition, large jute reusable shopping bag for just £8.95 through my ETSY online shop :) Or, if you live in or around Horwich, Greater Manchester they are also available in store at Flowersmiths the Florist. I am currently in the process of locating other independent businesses to work with, so watch this space!