173 | UK Enterprise Awards 2022 May22013 Opening your own business that compliments your passion is a dream for most, however this is exactly what Mike La-Traille did three years ago – and it’s fair to say he’s not looked back since! We find out more about Mike and his innovative company in the wake of it being recognised in the UK Enterprise Awards. Mike La-Traille is the owner of Pier Road Coffee & Art which he runs with his partner, Lucy Harvey. Despite having only opened in November 2019, the Littlehampton-gallery is already the winner of a Theo Paphitis #SBS Award; the winner of New Business 2019 in the Arun District; and the winner of V2 Radio - Digging Deep - an award for how the business developed and managed to survive lockdown. Having been a professional photographer since 1998, exhibiting and selling his work all around the world, Mike had the inspirational idea to create the concept of an art gallery alongside a coffee shop. “The idea had been with me for several years and, after becoming disillusioned with working long hours and added stress, I thought it was time to move into the dream job,” he explains. The gallery has evolved in many ways, and Mike is particularly proud of the sense of community that’s been achieved, as well as the incredible array of artistic talent that it attracts. He now works with more than 250 artists, continually changing the exhibitions at the start of every month. “The first day of each month sees the arrival of a new body of work either from the 20 resident artists, returning artists or brand-new artists who start their journey with us,” he elaborates. “The idea with monthly exhibitions is that it pushes some artists to keep working, and also others to find space as soon as a project is complete.” In fact, the gallery has become so popular that Mike now has a waiting list, and tries to fit in artists that complement each other. “We provide an exhibition space that allows professional artists, amateurs, part-time artists, students or hobbyists to exhibit. We nurture new talent and help them to advance whilst enabling professional Best Independent Art Gallery – South East artists to increase their profile and the gallery. It’s rare for artists to exhibit only once with us.” Mike has found that he now sends work out all over the world, with orders coming in from New Zealand, Mexico, Italy and America on a regular basis. As the gallery also operates as a coffee shop, it provides a good space for artists and customers to meet, to view works and to enjoy the surroundings. “As an art gallery we have tried to break down the barriers of conventional galleries and make it a pleasant experience, where the essence is for customers to feel comfortable to come in, look around and enjoy the work, but never feel pressured to buy.” Regarding the food and beverage side of the business, Mike tells us that it is also thriving and he collaborates with local producers and retailers to try and promote local businesses wherever he can. “The majority of customers both regulars and new ones always comment that we are quite unique by having an exact split between both the art and the hospitality side of the business,” he enthuses. “The fact that you can sit and have a coffee and locally made cake whilst looking at the artwork or even chat to an artist who may have popped in adds to the overall experience.” But that’s not all, Mike and the team at Pier Road are ethically minded and try to help the environment as much as they can from the business side of things. The shop is part of the local refill water scheme, where anyone can come in and have their water bottled filled from the tap for free; packaging used to deliver art to the shop is re-used to send art across the globe; biodegradable teabags from Brighton-based Hoogly are used; and recycling/upcycling in art is encouraged as much as possible. Mike even offers a discount on takeaway coffees if customer bring their own travel mug with them! “The gallery also promotes the Just A Card campaign,” he states. “This encourage visitors to purchase a card when they visit, as something as simple as just one card purchase can keep both the gallery and the artist going! If every visitor/ follower on social media did this it would make a huge difference.” Recently, the gallery/coffee shop was recognised in the UK Enterprise Awards 2022 and given the title of Best Independent Art Gallery – South East, something which Mike and the team are delighted about. Currently Pier Road is exhibiting the work of Andy Crofts, a bassist for Paul Weller, who also happens to be a brilliant photographer and artist. With limited edition Paul Weller photographs and art prints available, it’s well worth dropping in for a tea break! Contact: Mike La-Traille Company: Pier Road Coffee & Art Web Address: www.pierroadcoffeeart.co.uk
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