A MAP highlighting independent businesses is set to be released.
Magpie Maps is a free digital map which will display a variety of independent businesses in Brighton.
Created by Oliver Dall, owner of Harry Potter themed shop Oliver’s Brighton in Trafalgar Street, the map is due to launch later this month.
Oliver said there are two main reasons behind the new business venture – a love of Brighton and customer demand.
“So many people come into my shop and say, ‘we’re visiting for the first time, where would you go for dinner’ and every single conversation we recommend the independent places,” he said.
“I always thought there must be a map out there, but there isn’t. There is no map that shows clear as day, black and white, what is independent, new and active.”
The map is open to all businesses including restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, tattoo parlours and more.
To access to the map, the public either visit magpiemaps.co.uk directly or scan a QR code in one of the participating businesses’ sites, which will take you to the site.
After clicking the gem on screen – a reference to the sites catchphrase "discover Brighton’s independent gems" - a PDF will load with the map displayed.
To date, more than 150 businesses in Brighton have signed up to Magpie Maps.
Oliver said the concept of an “old school” map and idea behind the QR code was to appeal to as many customers as possible.
“The beauty with QR codes is that with the NHS app, the older generation who weren’t aware of QR codes now are,” he said.
“Once it’s loaded, that’s it. You don’t have to have Wi-Fi, download a massive file, has GPS.”
He also said the map will be constantly updated when a shop opens, closes or adapts.
“Unfortunately, there has been a lot of businesses that have gone - but a lot are still on Google Maps.
“The moment a business closes down or joins Brighton, we’re updating every day.”
Oliver also said he wants the business to develop and grow organically.
“The whole idea is that if you want to be on Magpie Maps as an independent business, you display a small window sticker and a QR code coaster.
“My plan is every single independent business eventually will be on there, so if a tourist, someone who has moved here or someone already here and wants to go for a Mexican meal, you can look at the restaurant list, find Mexican and go.”
He said while phase one of the venture is free to customers and businesses, businesses will eventually be able to rent space on the map.
“So, if you want to be the one café at the top and shout from the rooftops your brand or that you’ve got a deal on, you rent that tile for a period of time,” he added.
More information and the map itself can be found at magpiemaps.co.uk.
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