Market Place to kickstart a new business in Bolton by offering free space to trade in a win-a-space competition this Spring.
Aspiring entrepreneurs are being invited to pitch their ideas and potentially win six months rent free occupation in one of the finest shopping malls in Greater Manchester. ”We understand that the future of retailing is in the hands of local stores and restaurants, people that really understand their market and have a fresh approach to doing business,” says Alison Stewart, Senior Asset manager at Moorgarth, the Centre’s owners. “We know that for business start-ups a big barrier is finding the right property and to negotiating the complexities of a leasehold on the right premises.
We recognise there are some really talented entrepreneurs in Manchester and we can offer an amazing location and the chance to start trading without worrying about paying rent while they find their feet.”
The win-a-space competition is inviting potential traders to submit their ideas via the Market Place website before 29 March.
The most promising applicants will then be invited for a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style presentation to a panel of judges who have a wealth of experience in retailing and a commitment to keeping Bolton ahead of the crowd when it comes to new ideas.
Panel members are Steve Thompson, Editor of the Bolton Press, planning expert Keith Davies a consultants at Shoosmiths LLP, Simon Paine, Chief Executive of the PopUp Business School, Tony Cottam, Head Of Employment Enterprise at Bolton at Home, Saeed Atcha MBE, Chief Executive Youth Leads UK, Alison Stewart, Senior Asset Manager at Centre owners Moorgarth and Paula Jones, Relationship Manager at Reward Finance Group.
The prize is open to many forms of business from specialist eateries and spice sellers to artistic makers and artisan bakers, fashionistas and milliners.
There are a variety of units which can be offered and the prize not only covers rent but also service charges and, as long as the candidate is eligible, business rates.
What the potential winners have to pay for are utilities, wages, stock and shop fitting plus of course their imagination, initiative and hard work.
“Faz Patel of ‘The Best of Bolton’ is 100% supporting this Initative and has offered the winner an additional prize of six months membership with thebestofbolton as well as marketing and branding support through their sister company Kinec Studio.
“There are so many up and coming entrepreneurs in the North West and this initiative creates a great opportunity for them to stretch their wings at the heart of the town”
People who want to find out more simply need to go the the Market Place website or Facebook page.
For further information call: Michael Knowles 01647 277588 or email mick@messagespr.co.uk
