Who are you?     
I’m Helen Teeling, from TAKTAL.

What does your business do?     
TAKTAL is a spatial development agency. We are based in Glasgow where there is an abundance of vacant buildings and sites following industrial decline, we develop projects to activate these spaces in sustainable ways.

Where are you based?     
We’re based at The Whisky Bond, next to the Glasgow canal. We work closely with the The Whisky Bond and our studio is based in the co-working space.

We find it an incredibly valuable workspace as there is such a wealth of creative talent and services available in the building – plus it has great resources so its very easy to hold meetings, host events and connect with new clients.

It’s also great to be able to work with designers and fabricators who are just along the corridor or down the stairs.

How did you get started?    
My business partner and I started working together in 2014 and it was a combination of shared interests with diverse experiences and skills. We were able to amalgamate projects and take on new work as we had more reach and capacity as a team.  

What is your background?
Previously I have worked with the Location Collective in London and developed a portfolio of spaces for feature film productions, photographers and international brands for one-off events. After that I worked with Scotland’s national arts funding body, Creative Scotland, where I worked throughout the cultural and creative industries. Before all this I studied photography in Brighton.

What is your top tip?      
Every problem can be solved! Keep perspective and consider all the options. 

How long has your business been running?    
Since 2014.

Has anyone helped you get started and how?     
We didn’t receive any start-up business 
support, but we have received funding to deliver self-initiated non-commercial projects. 

What was your first deal?     
Our first and longest running projects have been with The Glue Factory and The Whisky Bond – we’re still working with both spaces and are heavily connected into the regeneration work that’s happening where these spaces are located – just north of the city centre alongside the Glasgow Canal.

Who is your mentor? 
We are constantly researching and exploring other modes of working and best practice. We set up a research blog – www.agile-city.com – 
so we could share some of the projects, studios and initiatives we find most exciting!

Where do you plan your business to be in five years time?

We’ve recently taken on a new space in the area so we have exciting plans to develop and deliver projects and programmes from there! 

Contact details:
info@taktal.com
Tel: 0141 345 2142. The Whisky Bond, 2 Dawson Road, Glasgow, G4 9SS