Derbion offers businesses chance to win rent-free store

Derbion is once again offering entrepreneurs and small businesses the chance to win free retail space inside the shopping centre with the launch of its Hatch competition.

The initiative offers small business owners the opportunity to take their brand to the next level and open a store within the centre.

The prize includes a store in Derbion for a period of six weeks, completely rent free.

In addition to free retail space, the winning business will also receive free marketing support from Derbion to help boost brand awareness and grow their brand.

Interested businesses have until Sunday 17 March to submit their applications via the Derbion website.

Following a pitch process, the winner will be selected in April and the winning business will open the doors to its rent-free space at Derbion in the months following.

This is the fifth year that Derbion has ran its Hatch competition, following its initial launch in 2019.

The initiative has had huge success, with one of the winning businesses – Design 44 – still open at the centre to-date.

The competition has also provided Hatch finalists and local brands the chance to have their first physical presence in a busy shopping centre.

2023 saw local entrepeneurs Alex Mcleod and Daniel Bennett winning the initiative with their clothing business 1NE.

Beth McDonald, managing director at Derbion, said: “Since 2019, our Hatch competition has provided small businesses across the region with a fantastic chance to expand and grow, so we’re delighted to be running the initiative for the fifth time.

“Our Hatch annual competition offers independent retailers and entrepreneurs the opportunity to secure their own retail space with rent, service charges and business rates covered for the first six weeks.

“Hatch has proven to deliver a significant positive impact for participating businesses to grow their brands, with a number going on to secure permanent retail space.

“So, whether you know a small business who would benefit from the chance to win rent-free retail space, are a Midlands-based entrepreneur who dreams of the opportunity to join a busy city shopping destination, or even an online retailer who wants to take the step into a physical store, we’d love to hear from you.”

Entries for the Hatch competition close on Sunday 17 March at 11pm, with the winner announced in April.

For more information and to apply, visit http://www.derbion.com/hatch-competition-2024/ .