Thirty local vendors gathered at O’Hara House recently for a pre-Easter Vendor Market hosted by Axa XL.

The event, which was previously held in 2023, is the brainchild of Axa XL professional lines assistant underwriter Chrissie Basden who wanted to create an opportunity for small businesses and individual entrepreneurs who do not have a physical location to display their talent and diverse products.

A variety of locally made items ranging from cookies and lemonade to hats, bags, cosmetics, and jewellery were available for sale at the market which attracted a steady stream of customers from within the Axa XL office building and the general public.

“I thought it would be a one-off event when it was held in 2023,” Ms Basden said. “However, I received so many calls and queries from the vendors who participated in the last event, asking if we would be hosting it again, that I thought it was worth pursuing.”

She received endorsement from Noel Pearman, who leads Axa XL’s Bermuda insurance operations, and she proceeded full speed ahead with making the event happen.

Vendors were asked to contribute a nominal fee per table with the proceeds from that going to local charity Dignity House.