TGt Meets... Marcus Warden

We caught up with Flock owner Marcus Warden as part of our series of interviews with local business owners to celebrate Bath's Independent Retailer month.

Describe your business in one sentence…

Flock Bath sells beautiful clothes and accessories in a lovely independent environment that is rarely found on the high street.

Where is home and why?

Home is in Fairfield Park. I grew up and went to school in Bath and after many years in London and abroad, I returned for a week and I'm still here nearly twenty years later. Bath is one of the most beautiful cities I have visited (I've travelled a lot!) and it's great to have so many friends around our family.

Why do you think it is important to have a month celebrating Bath’s Independent Retailers?

Bath's Independent Retailers have had a pretty hard time in recent years so I'm proud that people want to celebrate and support us. Independents are vital to Bath and the city will suffer if they are not supported.

What inspired you to set up your business in Bath?

Bath offers so much to visitors and the great mix of people that visit the city really gives us a buzz. Only last week I was trying to remember some Spanish to talk to a customer from Cusco, Peru - I spent 6 months in South America and hiked to Machu Picchu in 1995.

What have been your key challenges and how have you overcome them?

I've been trading in Bath for 16 years and like all businesses you have both good years and bad. Fashion is a very competitive sector and thanks to a great team around me and a passion to keep changing we are still going strong. We have just won a prize for the best shop window display from Ruby Shoo thanks to Meg and Jayne's creativity on a shoestring.

What do you think attracts people to Bath?

The city's beauty and history create a unique atmosphere. Visitors are often in awe and they remind me how lucky I am to live here.

How do you like to spend your time off?

I love sport and if I'm not playing golf (Bath and Cumberwell Park are my favourites) I'll be out on my bike with my family or playing football with my son, George. My partner Ali loves competing in triathlons and finished 10th in the Bristol Tri - mainly thanks to my coaching? We all love to travel and hope to return to India next year. We always source clothing and accessories when we are there.

Where is your favourite place to eat in Bath?

For the best coffee in town and freshly made cakes and lunches I am often found in Rosarios in Northumberland Place. For dinner and the best service and atmosphere in town Martini ristorante in George Street (try their lobster spaghetti). Oh and you can't beat a bacon sarnie from the Guildhall. I like Italian food best as I travel to Italy often to source our clothes.

Your phone book must be full of business contacts, but who is the most famous person in there?

Probably my son George who plays for Larkhall under 7s - he will be famous one day. In the shop we have had quite a few celebrities including Sienna Miller. She didn't leave her number.

What has been your biggest achievement to date?

Running a successful business for 16 years and bringing up a happy family in the city. My daughter, Beth, has just graduated from Winchester University in Broadcast Journalism and often helps out in the shop.

Describe Bath in 3 words

Green, friendly, alternative