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.’