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From Concept to Shop Lease: Spoke & Stringer
Photo Courtesy of Spoke & Stringer
Have you ever visited a retail space and thought not only could you do this, but also do it better? Yero Timi-Biu stopped by the newest, eclectic retail space in Bristol, Spoke & Stringer and got the low down on how to make the independently-owned shop dream a reality.
Bristol’s Gloucester Road is famed for having the largest number of independently-owned traders on any one road in the UK. Subsequently, the home-grown ethos that Bristol embodies has provided independent shops to flourish in an already-claustrophobic retail marketplace.
Sitting on the docks, adjacent to SS Britain, Spoke & Stringer is the new kid on the block. It’s a retail space and café that thrives on adventure and escapism. Spoke & Stringer’s founder, Kristian Crews (an engineer by trade) was inspired by ride culture (surfboards, motorcycles, pushbikes, skateboards), as well as food. Kristian wanted to merge two of his passions into one space.
Photo Courtesy of Kaasam Ali Aziz/Spoke & Stringer
Tired of working on offshore oil rigs and dreaming of spending time and energy on things he is most passionate about, Kristian has put all the money that he’s ever earned into creating Spoke & Stringer. Kristian was also fortunate enough to have received an interest-free loan that wasn’t from a bank.
Photo Courtesy of Kaasam Ali Aziz/Spoke & Stringer
If you have an amazing shop idea, but are reluctant to pursue it for reasons such as money, time or resources. Kristian explains how he started, the hurdles he faced and his top tips in getting from concept to shop lease here:
FINE-TUNING YOUR IDEA
– Although geared more towards young entrepreneurs that want to start their own online business Digital Business Academy is a provider of free business courses that will help you think strategically when it comes to finalising your idea and creating a sound business model.
– You can also book yourself on to another free training course in person by The Prince’s Trust.
RAISING THE FUNDS
– The Prince’s Trust have an incredible programme called ‘The Enterprise Fellowship’ where they invest in and endorse young talent.
Santander’s Universities Enterprise Portal allows young entrepreneurs to have access to business support for start-ups and also give away cash-prizes (yes, free money).
FINDING THE SPACE
– Kristian found his space through Bristol City Council. You find out about the council’s empty spaces here.
– Pop-ups are useful because they act as practice-runs. Kristian had two pop-up shops in both Bristol and London. Appear Here post slots that are available on a regular basis.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or create a network of people to advise and encourage you. Creative Youth Network hold forums to learn new skills and network with likeminded young entrepreneurs.
Now that there’s absolutely no excuse — we hope we’ve inspired you to get working on your independent shop idea this summer.
Have you got any shop ideas or want to expand on Kristian’s tips to get the ball rolling? Let us know — @rifemag
Related Links:
Find out how The Prince’s Trust can fund your business idea and their ‘Enterprise Fellowship‘
More information about empty business properties at Bristol City Council
Great resources and networking tools from Creative Youth Network
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About the author
Yero Timi-Biu
Yero is a 22-year-old writer-director for TV and film and former (self-professed) serial intern. She took a detour through fashion when at aged 16, she took part in a documented internship with BBC Blast, where 10 teenagers had 6 months to create and showcase a fashion label. Subsequently, she then went on to study a Fashion Communication degree in London and graduated in 2013. Yero has recently returned to the UK after 3 months in New York, where she attended a Screenwriting workshop. With a keen interest in broadcast, Yero has always been interested in using writing, film and audio as a form of creating conversations, tackling the stigma of talking about social issues, as well as documenting and promoting underrepresented people in society. She is especially interested in raising awareness of mental health issues, long-term illnesses and encouraging well being, (especially within young people who may want to pursue a creative career).
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