Ever fancied starting your own store? Got a business idea that you think would work on the high street? Lower Precinct Shopping Centre in Coventry has launched a ‘Win A Shop’ competition, giving one budding entrepreneur the chance to win a shop unit in the Coventry-based shopping centre for 12 months.

The team at Lower Precinct is looking for someone with a great business idea, an eye for retail detail, and the passion to succeed to open their very own store in Unit 1 Sherbourne Arcade in time for the busy Christmas shopping season.

Nicola Cormell, Centre Manager at Lower Precinct, said:

“If you have dreamed of running your own business and have a brilliant idea that could work in a shopping centre, this is a unique opportunity to make that dream come true. We are looking for someone with a great business mind to be part of the Lower Precinct retail offering for 12 months… and hopefully longer if they have a sustainable and popular business.

“We’re keen to work with the winner to really make their store work so we’re giving opportunities for mentoring, marketing and business support to help them not just open the doors but for the 12 months following. A November opening also means that they’re going to capitalize on the Christmas shopping period, which is the perfect way to kick start their store. I’m looking forward to seeing the entries that come through.”

Entries are open to any business under two years’ old and the winning entrepreneur will receive a licence to occupy Unit 1 Sherbourne Arcade, Lower Precinct Coventry for 12 months rent free, with no liability for rates, in addition to the design and print of a shop sign and a host of relevant marketing materials to support the launch.

The prize also includes 12 months’ marketing support via Lower Precinct Coventry and Coventry Business Improvement District’s marketing channels. To make the most of this, the new Lower Precinct tenant will receive a one-to-one marketing session with local agency, EAST VILLAGE., which works with both Lower Precinct and Coventry Business Improvement District on PR, marketing and events. This comes in addition to a free one year membership for Coventry & Warwickshire’s Chamber of Commerce, taking advantage of networking, mentoring and business support opportunities.

The winning store will join a host of high street favourites including Caffe Nero, H&M, Next, New Look, Pandora, The Entertainer, as well as some great independent retailers.

Entries are open to any new business, providing they haven’t applied for a unit at Lower Precinct before. If you are interested in applying to open your own shop at Lower Precinct Coventry, you have until 19 October 2016 to complete this application form, which includes a synopsis of your business idea, what the business will be, how you will deliver it, your plans for longevity, and why you think you should win. Entries will be reviewed and a shortlist of three will be invited to present their business plan to a panel of esteemed judges who will choose the winning entrant.

The final decision will be made and the winning entrant informed w/c 24 October. You will then have until 21 November to set up your store and open doors ready for the Christmas rush.

To find out more and apply, visit www.lowerprecinct.com.