Entrepreneurs can #winsahop because #retailmatters
Posted by Ellandi on 6th Feb 2015

Community Shopping Centre
investment managers Ellandi, is once again running its hugely successful
#winashop competition at The Crown Glass Shopping Centre in Nailsea.
The competition was last run in
2013, when 32 budding entrepreneurs entered for a chance to win a shop for a
year, a prize worth £25,000. The “Dragon’s Den” style interview process culminated
in two winners being chosen despite the original aim being to find only
one.
In addition to the free
occupation of the unit the winner will receive mentoring from local and
national businesses including representatives from Waitrose, HSBC, Butterfly
Travels & Western College.
The idea which was the brainchild
of Ellandi’s Investment Director Mark Robinson, was initially seen as a way to
engage with the local community whilst bringing new retailers to the centre.
The outcome however, has been far more rewarding and has seen vacancies
significantly reduced across the scheme.
Of the two original winners,
Emily Rickard of Ewe Knit 20 (a wool shop located in “Unit 20” Colliers Walk)
will begin renting her unit in 2015 following a successful year trading.
Amongst Emily’s success in 2014 she was shortlisted for the national SCEPTRE
Awards and local Bristol Evening Post Business Awards. Running everything from
knitting & crochet classes in store, to centre wide yarn bombing, Emily has
become a staple part of the local business community.
Charlotte Jarrett, Centre Manager
for The Crown Glass Shopping Centre said, “Ellandi’s continued support of
initiatives like #winashop for Nailsea, maintains and further improves the
retail offer for the town. #winashop has proven success in placing and
supporting local independents into the retail environment. There is still great
opportunity for start-up businesses at the moment, and it is great that Nailsea
is leading the way with our support.”
Mark Robinson of Ellandi commented:
“As Community Chopping Centre investors, it is essential to engage with and
promote the next generation of retailers and given the success we will be
rolling this out across the portfolio.
It’s no coincidence that the
closing date for applications is within the #retailmatters week an initiative
by the BCSC promoting the importance of the retail industry to everyone’s
community.”
Helen Drury of the BCSC added
‘Win a Shop is a great initiative that not only supports budding entrepreneurs
with that next big idea, but helps to train them to grow their business and
employ local people. This shows exactly why #retailmatters to communities
across the UK.’