How one man is changing the face of Birmingham independents
After realising that a career in Law wasn’t for him, Joe Schuppler ditched the law firms for an independent way of life. Upon moving home to the West Midlands after studying in Liverpool, Joe, 25, founded ‘Independent Birmingham’, a company dedicated to unearthing the Birmingham’s hidden gems and showcasing a different side to the city.
Joe’s aim with Independent Birmingham is to inspire locals to rediscover the city and support a whole range of independent companies across the area. With the help of an Independent Birmingham card, full of offers at independent cafes, bars and shops from all corners of the city, it really is the time to believe in Birmingham.
Bethan: How many independents are now registered on the card?
Joe: Currently there are over 80 of the very best independent cafes, bars, restaurants and shops in Birmingham on the Independent Birmingham Membership Card, including the likes of Digbeth Dining Club, The Electric Cinema, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, The Jekyll and Hyde, The Prince of Wales and many more. Being independent, they are all unique and quirky in their own individual way, whether they’re a bakery or a gin bar, a fine dining restaurant or a cinema.
I have a long list of those looking to join the IB card which not only speaks volumes in terms of the high regard the independents in Birmingham have for the scheme but also allows for me to keep on making the IB card the best possible product it can be, constantly bringing new and inspiring independents to the attention of the people of Birmingham and celebrating the unique character they bring to the city.
What impact has the card had on independents around Birmingham?
With 11,500 cardholders currently in the city, Independent Birmingham isn’t just a discount card for eating, drinking and shopping local, it’s a movement, a community and a way of life. Before the IB card came out, the website acted solely as a guide to independent culture in Birmingham. The card itself offers the incentive of a discount for the cardholder, which in turn actively encourages them to get out there and support local whilst being rewarded. The IB card itself is just £15, or two for £20, and is valid for an entire year.
What are so special about independents in comparison to big brands and what people tend to go with?
Personally, I believe independents offer something the chains can’t. With an independent you can sense the passion, the hard work and the dedication that has been poured into the business. They do things differently. You can go in, meet the owner, chat with a person whose whole life is that business and then eat or drink something special which you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. The innovators and game-changers are the independents and if you’re looking for something truly special and memorable, then independent is the way to go, whether it’s eating, drinking or shopping.
What are you hoping for the future of Independent Birmingham?
Currently I run Independent Birmingham all by myself, which keeps me very busy. So whilst the plans of Live Independent Limited, the company which I am a director of, and which encompasses Independent Liverpool, Birmingham, Sheffield and now Manchester, are to eventually create a nationwide platform for local independents to be heard. My immediate plans for the future are for Birmingham and change I can bring here. There’s such a positivity and electricity in the area and I’d like to lend my support to that and bring some positive change in the city.
To learn more about Independent Birmingham or purchase an IB card, head to their website here.
