THE new owners of a prominent city centre venue have revealed why they decided to purchase their first Scottish business in Glasgow.
Event management company Camm & Hooper was founded in 2013 with the aim to "do things differently" in the world of events.
They acquired Platform, on Argyle Street, in November with CEO Derick Martin saying the vibrant events venue and bar ‘ticked all their boxes’.
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He said: "We’re a very successful operator in London and we’re expanding our portfolio nationwide and we chose Glasgow.
"We were very lucky to find a fabulous location with Platform."
He continued: "Ultimately, the size of the venue was really important for us and Platform being a 35,000 sq ft city centre venue is amazing.
"Platform, as the original Arches, holds a massive amount of emotion and heritage with Glaswegians.
"And you can’t find a better location.
"If you’re a conference and leisure business, you’re right by the city centre station.
“It’s a perfect versatile space which can hold up to three simultaneous events in there at one time."
However, Derick says they weren’t just attracted to the venue for business reasons but the city as a whole.
He explained: "When you’re looking for new properties there’s a lot of criteria you try and tick off.
"But I think one of the most important things for us was the people and creativity.
"Glasgow has such a deep heritage for being a creative city with both artistry and the creative movements around the city."
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He continued: "Glasgow is growing, HMRC and JP Morgan have come in, the whole redevelopment and regeneration of Glasgow really ticks our boxes because we’re a business of change, development and innovation."
Derick, who originally comes from Milton of Campsie, also says the decision to have their first Scottish venue in Glasgow was "a bit of a homecoming" for him.
He commented: "I love my heritage, that’s why I’m back here."
Camm & Hooper have "a passion for transforming extraordinary spaces into unforgettable event venues".
They officially relaunched Platform on Thursday, April 18, with an experimental showcase event titled ‘People Make Platform’.
It featured urban art installations by artist Ross Muir Art – famed for his unique use of Adidas tracksuits and paintings inspired by art history – alongside up-and-coming Glasgow-based sculptor Council Baby.
Derick said: "We had over 600 guests, it was an amazing event full of creativity.
"When we talked about People Make Platform it wasn’t just about our people, it was about the customers, the guests, the Glaswegian people because it’s full of such fantastic heritage."
Following a successful first six months with Platform, Camm & Hooper are already making plans to expand their portfolio in the city.
Derick said: “We’re already looking at other properties in Glasgow.
“We’re keen to get over to the West End. It’s a hub and spoke mentality – get something very important, build our team, bring our creativity and culture and then expand from there.
“So, we have big plans.”
Platform is located at 253 Argyle Street.
You can find out more at platformgla.co.uk.
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