In 2015, Jeremy James set up a business in his spare time creating planter boxes and bespoke shelving that has created interest in the locality
Jeremy James, the Planter Guy, has worked as a full time warehouse manager for nearly 15 years with a very busy international marine safety equipment company, based in East Sussex. In 2015, he set up a business in his spare time creating planter boxes and bespoke shelving that has created interest in the locality. Samples of his work can now be seen in places like Pevensey Bay, where they feature as ‘street furniture’ in the main shopping parade of the village. His work has led to a number of other private commissions.
What was the inspiration for the planter box business?
I am a husband to a wonderful wife, father of 2 lovely daughters and 1 of 8 children 4 brothers and 3 sisters who I also love very much. Family is important to me and always has been and my one goal is to support them the best that I can
What were your goals with the business when you started?
About a year ago I started looking for something I could do around my full time job that would be both flexible in hours and something I enjoy and something that would also be rewarding, something where I could see my work in public.
What was your earliest planter box?
One day while at work I noticed another company burning a load of 4 X 1 lengths of timber that had come off large cable reels. So I asked for the wood and started making basic planters for family and friends. And it went from there really.
How did you develop your approach?
As time went on I developed my own system for the structure and really wanted to make planters that were stronger and more robust than most on the market. While keeping the general design simple and not to over glammed. I have always thought that it is more important that the focal point is on the plants and flowers not overtaken by the planter. I believe keeping it simple in form and sizes so you can see the beauty of what is planted in it.
You also work with some intricate shapes, is that something important to the business?
You will notice that I also make other intricate patterned planters and shelving some of which you can’t get anywhere else. As much as doing the standard stuff I enjoy pushing myself to make unusual patterns and designs.
People talk about your commitment with each job, is the care in what you do, the key to the business?
You can be sure that any job I undertake I will pay the utmost care and put my heart into it.
interview with Bay Life, The Journal, the ‘hyperlocal broadsheet newspaper’ for Pevensey Bay
Saturday 2 July 2016
