28 March 2019

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Budding small businesses are in with a chance of winning retail space at one of the most popular shopping destinations in the Midlands, thanks to intu Derby’s involvement in a new national retail initiative, ‘Hatch.’

Teaming up with Revo, the national organisation that represents the retail and placemaking community, the initiative will offer entrepreneurs throughout the Midlands the opportunity to set up shop in the centre rent and rates free for 6 weeks.

"Not only will winners receive a prime unit at intu Derby, benefiting from the centre’s footfall of over 22 million visitors a year, but they will also have access to business and marketing support from the British Independent Retailers Association, as well as a year’s free BIRA membership, including an insurance scheme and free legal advice."

Any small retailer based in the UK will be able to enter, from unique fashion designers and family owned businesses, to food outlets and online only operators seeking to open a physical store in a prime retail location.

The lucky winner will join intu Derby’s vibrant mix of big-name brands, including the likes of top fashion retailers All Saints, Zara, and Phase Eight, and popular eateries Five Guys, Pizza Express, Zizzi and TGI Fridays.

To be in with a chance of winning the unmissable opportunity, hopeful entrants must submit an application form showcasing their business model, by 30th April and the winners will be announced in May.

"We are passionate about the future of retail, and are dedicated to helping up and coming traders flourish, just as we know our customers are."
Adam Tamsett, general manager at intu Derby

Adam continued:

“Hatch will offer start-ups and small businesses the incredible chance to join intu Derby’s fantastic mix of big name brands, setting up their own rent-free shop in one of the country’s most popular shopping destinations. Thanks to its strong retail and leisure offering, the centre provides compelling experiences for customers from all over the region, and will offer the winning business the benefits of great footfall, as well as professional marketing advice and more.

We are certain we will see an array of inspiring entrepreneurs apply, and are very much looking forward to welcoming the winners to the centre this summer. We wish every retailer the very best of luck,”


Successful start-up food brands Love Cocoa and Snaffling Pig previously operated pop-up shops from intu Derby as part of another initiative to support new businesses.

Love Cocoa founder James Cadbury, who is a descendant of the original founder of Cadbury, was one of the participants of intu and Virgin’s “Foodpreneur” competition in 2017, along with Snaffling Pig co-founders Andy Allen and Nick Coleman. Both businesses ran pop-up shops targeting intu Derby customers during the semi-final stages of the competition.

To find out more information, visit intugroup.co.uk