Hackney Pirates treasure their help from small business campaign

A book shop run by a children’s charity has been selected to take part in a national campaign supporting small businesses.

The Ship of Adventures in Kingsland High Street was set up by the Hackney Pirates to develop literacy and confidence of youngsters.

All profits made by the cafe support educational workshops for more than 150 youngsters a year.

And it has received a welcome boost after being selected as one of 100 companies to participate in the Small Business Saturday campaign which promotes businesses while offering help and advice.

“The more people we get into our shop and cafe, the more money we can raise, the more volunteers we can recruit, and the more young people we can work with,” said Laura Marney, who looks after The Hackney Pirates’ business operations.

“It’s really important to us we support our local community as they support us and the young people we work with. Where possible we work with local suppliers, artists and designers. Around 90 per cent of our suppliers are small businesses based in London, and the majority of those are from Hackney.”

The campaign culminates in Small Business Saturday, which this year takes place on December 3.

A group of teachers set up Hackney Pirates in 2011 to help children who were falling behind at school. The charity grew and in 2014 moved into the cafe.