Hi, it’s Jamie.
Generally, there’s two ways to start a business.
1. With other people’s money (OPM).
2. Or beg, borrow and steal (boostrap).
Well 13 years ago, Lucy and I took option 2.
And bootstrap we did…
Backstory
In June 2012, Lucy and I had a key copied (illegally) so we could sneak into our old University studio at night.
No one else needed those machines and tools, so we used them all summer long to make our very first spectacle frames.
It’s amazing how fast you learn without supervision, red tape or health and safety. I still have all my fingers and a business to prove it. (Highly recommend.)
Oh and the University was reopening in September, so we had to move fast to make the most of it.
Literally the night before the new semester started, we parked our car outside the University, and packed-in the beginnings of Banton Frameworks.
Half finished spectacle frames, screws, rivets, materials and some “goodbye gifts” from our old studio. Byeeee.
Our theatre of dreams
After some persuasion, Lucy’s parents let us use this shed at the bottom of their garden to continue with our ‘summer project’.
Without it, we’d never have been able to build this business, so before I continue, thank you to Colin and Janet (RIP) for letting us chase our dreams.
Which finally brings me to the point of this email.
Our new location
Nestled by the river Clyde in Glasgow is the small area of Whiteinch.
Amidst the world famous ship building industry, Whiteinch also hosted a very large camera film development factory.
Kodak.
The only one of its kind in Scotland, where photographic film (remember those?) was processed en masse.
Millions of holiday ‘snaps’ were developed there. Think of all the pale Scottish skin in swimming costumes. The Kodak staff must’ve seen some sights...
Anyways, the world was going digital and the demand for camera film development waned. So the Kodak factory closed in 2004.
The building was abandoned and has only recently been redeveloped into a ‘under the radar’ business hub.
And Banton’s new home.
As you can see, the building is enormous.
It has these wonderful north facing windows that ‘scoop’ diffused sunlight onto the original factory floor.
Large concrete pillars support the vaulted roof which makes it feel like you’re standing in an airport terminal.
And along both edges of this vast room, is a growing ‘street’ of businesses, all neighboured together in an exciting new micro community.
Artists, photographers, gyms, cold water therapy and more…
We can’t wait to move in.
Next time
In Part 3, I’ll show you the raw beginnings of what will be our new workshop.
Bye for now,
Jamie, co-founder
PS: If you're local to Glasgow or you have a very keen eye, you might recognise this building from the failed and globally viral Willy Wonka Experience from 2024.
PPS: How cool is the old Kodak logo by the way?
