London entrepreneur launches web marketplace 'Student High Street' to boost young designers

Tom Grafton, 25, came up with the idea while studying at Exeter University
Net help: sisters Samantha, left, and Stephanie Frost run fashion brand Pretty Lavish

A London entrepreneur is launching a site for young designers to sell their goods online while getting financial, legal and marketing advice to boost their growing business.

Student High Street, a marketplace for designers making clothing and gifts, goes live today.

Tom Grafton, 25, who lives in Putney, came up with the idea while studying at Exeter University. As a student, he founded a loyalty scheme for local businesses and saw how little support there was for creators of new brands.

He said: “A lot of young brands have a great idea and great product but fall down with elements such as the accounting or marketing, or setting up a site that makes it easy for people to buy their goods.

“We can help these be a success with our level of expertise through our partners. I am excited about seeing these brands grow.”

As well as providing a managed online retail space, the site offers expert help via its partnerships with companies such as accounting firm Xero, courier service CollectPlus, and the UK Fashion Technology Academy, which trains young people in a variety of skills.

Brands that have signed up include Camden-based streetwear label Love Sick London, Zolà London, and Pretty Lavish, run by sisters Samantha and Stephanie Frost.

London Fashion Week SS17 - street style

1/20

Samantha, 24, said: “People of student age and a bit older are our target. I used to work in fashion retail and buying so I know a fair bit but there are obviously things I don’t know or aren’t as strong in, so Student High Street will be great.”

Also on studenthighstreet.com is YoungOnes, started by friends Chris Rea and Tom Carson, who have appeared on Dragons’ Den; and Alma de Ace, set up by Sebastian Agace, which uses fabric from Bali.

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in