Big trouble salesman who ran away from home now owns multi-million pound business

Philip Waltham, 44, sold the magazine for three years in London after running away from his home in Hull as a teenager to escape his drug addiction and it helped change his life.

A former Big Issue salesman who now runs a multi-million pound fashion business says his time selling the magazine has helped him succeed.

Philip Waltham sold the magazine for three years in London after running away from his home in Hull as a teenager to escape his drug addiction.

The 44-year-old, whose Bulk Vintage Wholesale company now generates over £ 9million a year, said: ‘The Big Issue has helped me put money in my back pocket and feed myself .

“They taught me to respect myself. They taught me how to budget my money and how important a roof was.

“I had to have the money to buy big stuff so I could sell big stuff and that taught me how to budget.

“What saved my life was selling second-hand clothes and I wouldn’t be here without The Big Issue.”

After two years as a Big Issue seller, Philip opened a market stall in Camden, London, and now oversees two stores in Newcastle and York.

The Vintage Store will open two more branches, in Liverpool and Manchester.

Philip added: “We are fighting fast fashion. We save clothes from landfills, we go to big factories and take clothes.

“Last year we saved around 600 tonnes of clothing and then reused it for resale. “

Big Issue Founder Lord John Bird said, “Our vendors sell The Big Issue to earn legitimate income that not only provides them with money to get back on their feet, but also helps them develop key skills. the life and business they need to thrive.

“They are then taken care of by our frontline teams, who are always available to help, from accessing key services such as healthcare to simply being there to give advice when needed.

“Philip’s story is brilliantly inspiring and a great example of the transformative effect the Big Issue can have on people’s lives.”

The magazine is sold by the homeless, the long-term unemployed, and those who need cash to avoid debt, Big Issue says.

Sellers receive five free magazines which are then sold to the public for £ 3, with new copies purchased for £ 1.50.