In addition to the opportunity to win free retail space in a prime location, the winning business will also receive free marketing support from Derbion to help boost brand awareness and grow its brand.
Businesses that are interested in taking their brand to the next level, with a free shop in Derbion’s vibrant shopping centre, have until Sunday 16 March to submit their applications via https://www.derbion.com/hatch-competition/.
After the initial application process, a shortlist of businesses will be invited to pitch in person. The winner will be selected in the following weeks, and the successful business will open its doors at Derbion later in the year.
The scheme, which launched in 2019, has seen huge success each year, with two of the previous winners– Design 44 and Spirit Crystals – still open at the centre to date.
Jade, owner and founder of Design 44, comments:
"Since winning Derbion’s Hatch competition, we have increased footfall and revenue which is amazing for the 60 makers and designers in our store – if you are thinking of entering the Hatch completion, I would say go for it, what do you have to lose!"
Spirit Crystals owner, Jelle, adds:
"Opening a store through the Hatch competition has really been a dream come true."
Derbyshire-based entrepreneur, Kia Roberts, was the 2024 winner with her unique eco-friendly baby and children’s brand, Cariad Babi. Since its launch, Hatch has also provided local brands, including Project D, The Hair Repair Club, 1NE, and Katie Astle, with the opportunity to kick-start their businesses and open their first physical presence in a shopping centre.
The winning entrepreneur will join Derbion’s exciting retail mix and new arrivals such as Castore White Stuff and Pavers, alongside Victoria’s Secret, which is set to open this summer.
Beth McDonald, Managing Director at Derbion, commented:
“The Hatch competition has been providing small businesses across the region with a fantastic chance to expand and grow since 2019, so we’re delighted to continue to support and invest in local businesses as the initiative returns for the sixth year.
“At Derbion, we are committed to supporting small businesses in the East Midlands by offering a unique chance to secure retail space, with rent, service charges, and business rates fully covered for six weeks. If you are, or know, an entrepreneur that would benefit from this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, we’d love to hear from you!”
Entries for the Hatch competition close on Sunday 16 March, with the winner announced in April. For more information and to apply, please visit https://www.derbion.com/hatch-competition/.