Xero and The Finders Keepers Market: A partnership that’s built to last

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The tide is starting to turn on throwaway culture. And as more of us begin to make the move away from fast-fashion and hyper-consumerism, the increase in demand for small, local producers is growing. Here at Xero, our driving force is helping these small businesses to do beautiful business. Which is why we’re excited to announce our sponsorship of The Finders Keepers – a design market that features the work of over 1200 independent makers and designers from across the country.

Commenting on the trend towards considered purchasing, the Finders Keepers director and co-founder Sarah Thornton explains, “People are starting to make better choices. Whilst we’ve seen retail dip and big labels collapse, people are still supporting handmade and our markets are growing every year. It’s also enabling and launching a realm of new makers in innovative areas to appear.”

Encouraging creativity and empowering community

Since their 2008 launch, Sarah and co-founder Brooke Johnston have seen their passion project develop into Australia’s leading design market. With events now held in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, the pair are a testament to the big impact that small businesses can have on their wider communities. “Small businesses are changing the world! With today’s constantly evolving digital landscape, the traditional norms of how big businesses have been built are no longer relevant. Now, anything’s possible,” says Sarah.

Echoing a sentiment that is very much in line with Xero’s mission, she declares, “We should all be supporting small local businesses in everything we do, buy and invest into.” Sarah continues, “At Finders Keepers we’ve always ensured that any partnerships are meaningful and honest.The fact that Xero is also passionate about small business felt like a no brainer for us.”

Driving growth and supporting small business

A market that comes complete with a festival vibe, the Finders Keepers combines design, art, great food, live music and a real sense of warmth and community spirit all under one roof. In a show of support for innovative new retail businesses in the early stages of their journey, Xero is the proud sponsor of an area dedicated to debut market stalls. Positioned near the entrance of each event, this is a one time opportunity for new businesses to showcase their wares. As a champion of startups, we’re here to help these brands learn, grow and inspire, just like Sarah and Brooke before them.

As Sarah explains, “We’ve been using Xero personally and it has really helped elevate our brand. Understanding our books has enabled us to grow, and using a program that feels effortless has been such a game-changer when it comes to efficiency. I think all small businesses need to be empowered when it comes to their accounting.” Likewise, the Finders Keepers team have discovered huge value in engaging an accountant to help them on their journey to success.

“Having a good accountant is the best investment for your growing business. I was also trained in Xero so that I could be fully empowered to understand our financials and be able to read P&L reports, balance sheets and understand our position. We wouldn’t be around today if we didn’t invest in good accounting and financial support!”, says Sarah.

When asked about the market’s success stories she exclaimed, “We could write a novel! After hosting a Sydney stall, Crackle Corn scored a major deal with an airline catering company. While Kennedy Smith Candles were approached to develop a bespoke scent by Scotch whiskey makers Glenfiddich over in the Scottish highlands. One of the loveliest ones to watch over the years has been the rise of Megan McKean who was called on to develop a series of books. All proof that from small things, big things happen.”

A partnership that’s built to last, Sarah says: “At the end of the day, we feel like Xero is a perfect fit for us. It’s something we endorse and encourage as a product of choice. We want to see more small businesses empowered by financial choices, alongside solid systems to ensure growth and sustainability.”

Sydneysiders, don’t miss the chance to support small business and find yourself a treasure or two at the AW19 Finders Keepers Market at The Cutaway, Barangaroo Reserve on 3-5 May. Melbourne and Brisbane, you’re next.

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