Time to lead, time for business. Our new ad campaign is in full swing! You might have seen it on buses, on your commute or on a billboard at the corner of your favourite local shop. Just like everything we do here at Tide, our members are once again front and centre of this campaign. We’re thrilled to introduce the six brilliant businesses involved through our Member Spotlight series!
Today, we introduce you to Jack, the founder of Platform, an independent shop located in Canterbury. Platform offers a curated selection of great objects and designs, sourced in small batches from independent makers from Kent. Jack tells us everything, from their rocky start during COVID to why independent makers are so important.
Hi Jack, you started Platform in 2020. Can you tell us more about where the idea came from?
Initially, the idea was to set up just as a gallery.
I also own and manage a digital agency – Bryter Digital and back in 2020, we were looking for new premises. That’s when I came across the Grade 2 listed building we settled in. It was a brave decision to sign a six-year lease during lockdown, especially when we didn’t know what was ahead. But we needed a bigger space, and the building had retail use, so we could use the ground floor as a shop.
At the time, we were working with artists and developing websites for them, so I decided to set up a new business within the building to focus on selling their artwork.
What was it like starting a business during the pandemic?
We had a bit of a tough time initially. We’ve just celebrated four years of trading, so I’m glad to say we got through.
While we still carry artwork from well-known artists, much of our trade is now focused on high-quality, locally sourced gifts like ceramics and textiles. Our ethos is about supporting local – around 95% of what we sell is produced in Kent.
Can you tell us more about these independent creators and your selection process?
I already knew a lot of local artists and makers, having been involved in the creative world through the agency. Some were also friends, so between us, we managed to get a good selection of great products to launch with.
Since then, our reputation has grown, and we now take submissions from artists and makers.
We’re always looking for new pieces and talent.
You have an online store and a shop in the West End Quarter of Canterbury. Can you tell us more about your community?
The West End encompasses the historical St Dunstan’s area of Canterbury, along with part of the High Street. It’s a thriving community of mainly independent shops, restaurants, and bars, and is very different from the centre of the city with its well known chains and outlets.
All of our customers are lovely, and we’ve made many friends among them.
As a business owner with both a brick and mortar shop as well as an online store, what do you think about the importance of independent retailers?
I think independent retailers, along with independent bars and restaurants, are the lifeblood of any town or city. They’re what differentiates places, and without them, we’d all be living with homogenised high streets.
Independent retailers attract visitors, certainly in Canterbury.
You also host events in your backyard with a focus on sustainability, tell us more!
We’ve hosted makers’ markets, fashion shows, workshops, and, this summer, live music and DJs. Our yard is 50 meters long, and we’ve steadily reclaimed it from the weeds and shrubs.
We’ve also installed decking and lightning to turn it into a regular event space. It’s open air, so for now, we’ll be hosting seasonal events.
What would be your number one piece of advice for any budding entrepreneurs looking to launch an independent business?
Be absolutely sure that you want to do it! It’s tough at times, but genuinely rewarding, so once you’ve started, keep going!
Another important thing is not to try and do everything yourself. Use support where available like local business networking groups.
Tide is a good example, it gives you access to easy business banking, but you also become part of something slightly bigger.
What’s next for Platform?
Christmas is coming up, so we’re looking forward to that. We’re also looking to increase our online reach and will continue to look for new makers to stock, not just local ones, but international artists as well. I recently came across a fantastic ceramicist based in Provence so we’re planning a short run of her work.
We’ll be planning new events for next year, including music and new workshops.
