5 Tribe Porty

Behind an anonymous bright yellow door lies the world of Tribe Porty. The brainchild of Dani Trudeau, an American who has lived in Portobello for many years, it's an eclectic blend of education for new families, personal development and a business support community for a wide variety of freelance creatives who find it helpful to work as part of a community.

There are currently some 50 freelancers and teachers using the space, the freelancers all hot-desking. In today's episode, we hear from Dani Herself explaining how she made sure there was a need for Tribe as a concept before setting up; and we also hear from Paul Lambie who runs a number of creative businesses from his desk.

Listen here: Tribe Porty

4 Breadshare

Along at the Western edge of Portobello, Breadshare is a social enterprise determined to change our attitudes to food – to bread in particular. The business was started in the Borders about six years ago by two Australians – Deborah Riddell and Geoff Crowe – but they moved to Portobello to be closer to the Edinburgh market. Their business model is interesting – profit doesn’t really seem to figure high in their list of priorities. They exude a passion not just for their product – a wide range of different artisan breads – but for educating the world about the importance of eating it as part of a healthier diet.

It’s paid dividends in the form of awards – at this year’s Food Awards Scotland, it was named Bakery of the Year. Back in Australia, Deborah and Geoff had been IT consultants so this is a very major change of direction. I met them in their busy, fairly noisy premises, and started by asked Deborah about how they got into the business.


Breadshare

3 Councillor Maureen Child

For the last 21 years, Maureen Child has represented Portobello – and Craigmillar – on the City of Edinburgh Council. It’s been a challenging experience, especially now when increasing pressures are being placed on local authorities thanks to reduced budgets and reforms to what they can do. 

 

It’s been a hallmark of her time that Maureen’s been content to steer from behind, letting local people, local communities take credit for changes that have happened in their areas. Her philosophy can be summed up by the question – what matter to YOU? She just confirmed that she’s going to stand for the Council again in 2017 at an age (forgive me Maureen) when many people would be content to sit back a little. In this episode of the Porty Podcast, she explains why. To listen, just click on the link below

Councillor Maureen Child