Derbion hatches plan to help small business owners

Derbion is offering entrepreneurs the chance of winning free retail space within its shopping centre after announcing the return 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.

As well as winning prime retail space and benefiting from the centre’s footfall of over 21 million visitors a year, the winner will also receive marketing support from Derbion to further build awareness of their business.

This will be the third year that Derbion has run the competition, which was initially introduced in 2019.

Adam Tamsett, general manager at Derbion, said: “We’re delighted to be running the Hatch initiative for the third time, as we firmly believe this competition offers businesses in the region a fantastic chance to expand and grow.

“We’d love to hear from small businesses looking to take their business to the next level.

“Derbion is the perfect place to build brand awareness and our team will be on hand to help throughout the process. We can’t wait to hear from the Midlands’ budding entrepreneurs.”

Among the winners of previous Hatch competitions is Jade Devall, owner of Design 44, which still has a presence within Derbion.

She said: “The Hatch initiative was a brilliant opportunity for me to build on my existing brand and we’ve continued to go from strength to strength since opening our doors at Derbion.

“I would recommend that anyone who is considering applying to just go for it.”

Entries to the Hatch competition close on Thursday 31 March.

Following a pitch process, a winner will be selected and announced in May. The winner’s store would look to open later in the year.

For more information and to apply, please click here.