Tonight was launch night for our new creative school / experiment / talent incubator / thing: Platform.

It's a new venture – yes, we're embarking on it in the teeth of the worst recession in living memory, but this is a place created to encourage and challenge creative people, of all types, to fulfil their potential. So here we go. Sam (above) is boss of Platform and explained what it's all about to the hopeful, huddled masses.

Lucy is creative leader of Platform. She introduced the first intake of human guinea pigs for this experiment, each of whom said a few words about themselves and explained what they do and what they hope to get out of this. Sorry, I can't remember all the names and facts now but they are a fascinatingly bizarre and eclectic bunch. Can't wait to see what they do.

They had each designed and made elements of the word P-L-A-T-F-O-R-M, in a way that relates to their talents, interests and origins. (The Platform logo itself is comprised of a number of different elements brought together to form a cohesive, creative piece.)

Live entertainment included the excellent, growly, rootsy sound of Pete Lawrie and his band.