Shop Start deadline extended to September 18 as Duncan Bannatyne joins judges

Sep 4 2009 by Evening Gazette

TV dragon and Darlington-based entrepreneur Duncan Bannatyne, pictured, has joined the judging panel of the Evening Gazette-backed Shop Start competition run by Stockton’s Wellington Square.

Would-be entrepreneurs have the chance of winning nearly £60,000 of free retailing for a year.

The competition is an opportunity for entrepreneurs, start-up businesses, market traders and even those recently made redundant, to launch a new venture in the Stockton shopping centre.

The Shop Start prize includes a year’s trading from a 674sq ft unit, free of rent, rates, insurance and service charges.

All the new retailer has to provide is the fitting out, signage, the stock and the staff.

Shortlisted entrepreneurs will be given an opportunity to pitch their retail concepts to a panel of business experts including Mr Bannatyne, with a view to setting up shop in time for the peak trading period leading up to Christmas.

People with enterprising ideas are being given extra time to submit their ideas as the competition deadline has been extended until September 18.

Rob Gildersleeve, centre manager at Wellington Square, said: "The judges will be looking for innovative, sustainable business ideas that demonstrate the potential to succeed. Whether it is toys, hairdressing, pet grooming, food or baby products, ShopStart is the way for budding entrepreneurs to own and run a business in a successful North-east shopping centre."

Full details of the prize and entry procedures can be found by clicking here where you can also complete the entry form and business plan.