Pop up the High Street retailer prepares for next venture at Coc

Former Pop up the High Street tenant and local wood crafting business, Takahashi-McGil, has successfully applied to become the next creative business at Cockington Court Craft Centre.

Torquay based Mark McGilvary has taken his wood working business to the next level as he prepares to become the next resident studio maker at Cockington Sea Change studios.

Pop up the High Street, which gives retailers the opportunity to gain a real life experience of retailing on the high street has proved a successful stepping stone in taking Mark from a hobby from home to successfully applying for the popular craft centre full time.

Mark McGilvary who makes all his creations by hand at home said: “I hand craft wooden products including furniture, chop sticks and chopping and serving boards. All the wood used is ethically sourced and each design is completely unique made by harnessing both Western and Japanese techniques. I am really looking forward to becoming a part of Cockington Court Craft Centre. It’s still a relatively new business so this is a fantastic opportunity.”

Cockington Court Craft Centre showcases a range of contemporary artists and craft makers within the popular Stable Yard and Sea Change Studios.

Marissa Wakefield, Cockington Court Craft Centre Director, said: “With affordable rents and at least 100,000 visitors per annum, renting a studio at Cockington is a great opportunity for any creative business. We’re really excited to have Takahashi-McGil on board to add to our excellent craft makers in our studios.”

Mark and his partner, Kaori, said: “We would definitely recommend Pop up the High Street to others. For us, as a brand new business, it was great to be able test the market and receive positive feedback from the public. It was fantastic value at only £30 a week and the experience of knowing what the public thought of the products gave Mark the confidence to apply for a studio space at Cockington Court.”

To apply to become a retailer at Pop up the High Street visit www.PopuptheHighStreet.org or if you’d like to apply for a studio at Cockington Court email marissa.wakefield@tedcltd.com