Wearing Two Hats: Being Mayor of Ripon and Running Little Bird Artisan Markets

This year marks a very special chapter in my life. Since May, I’ve had the enormous privilege of serving as Mayor of Ripon, all while continuing to run my business, Little Bird Artisan Markets. Juggling these two roles has certainly kept me on my toes — but it’s also brought me closer than ever to the heart of a community I love deeply.

I was born in Ripon Hospital in 1975, and like many people growing up in a small city, I left at 21 to spread my wings. I worked in Leeds, then Manchester, and built my career away from home. But in 2008, when my mum became poorly, I came back to Ripon to be close to her — and I’ve stayed ever since.

People often ask if I’d ever move again. The truth is, I could live anywhere in the world — but I want to live here. Ripon is home. It always has been.

Three years ago, I decided to take a more active role in shaping the future of the city I care about, and was elected as Councillor for Ripon Spa Ward. I served as Deputy Mayor last year, supporting Cllr Hawke, and this year I was honoured to step into the role of Mayor myself.

What I love most about this position is the opportunity to meet so many people — volunteers, business owners, young people, community champions — and to help shine a light on everything that makes Ripon such a special place. The Mayor’s role is more than just ceremonial; it’s about being a connector, a cheerleader, and a voice for the city.

That mission also ties in perfectly with my other passion: small business. Through Little Bird Artisan Markets, I’ve spent years working with incredible independent traders and craftspeople, helping them bring their products and creativity to high streets across Yorkshire. Our markets celebrate uniqueness, community, and local enterprise — values that align beautifully with the vision I have for Ripon.

Running a business while being Mayor is definitely a balancing act. One moment I might be attending a civic service, and the next I’m fielding calls about stall layouts or market logistics. But at the core of everything I do is the same purpose: to bring people together and help local communities flourish.

I believe in Ripon’s future — in its potential to be a thriving destination for tourism, a hub for independent business, and a city that honours its heritage while looking forward. Being Mayor allows me to champion that vision from a civic perspective. Little Bird allows me to live it on the ground, working side by side with entrepreneurs and creatives who are just as passionate about Yorkshire as I am.

This journey has been full of challenges, but also full of joy. I’m proud to serve Ripon — and even prouder to call it home.

Jackie

Managing Director for Little Bird Made and Right Honourable Mayor of Ripon