Rent-free retail space up for grabs at Derbion

Midlands-based entrepreneurs have the chance of winning free retail space at the region’s leading shopping and leisure venue, Derbion, thanks to the return of the centre’s successful Hatch initiative.

The unique competition offers small business owners the opportunity to take their brand to the next level and open a store within the centre. The potentially life-changing prize includes a store in Derbion for a period of six weeks, completely rent free.

For those who are interested in applying, entrants will have from Thursday 17^th February until Thursday 31^st March to submit their applications via the Derbion website. Following a pitch process, a winner will be selected and the store would look to open later in the year.

This will be the third year that Derbion has run the competition, which was initially introduced in 2019. The competition has enjoyed real success since it launched, with one of the winning businesses – Design 44 – still open at the centre due to its popularity with visitors.

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.

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!”

Jade Devall, owner of Design 44, comments: “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^st March, with the winner being announced in May. For more information and to apply, please visit www.derbion.com/hatch-competition/.