Kettering's Newlands Shopping Centre to offer rent-free space to help local businesses

Kettering entrepreneurs have been invited to apply for a business boost and the chance to receive a four-week rent-free stay at the Newlands Shopping Centre.

Flourish, SaveTheHighStreet.org and the Newlands have joined forces to launch a package of rent-free space and expert support for local businesses and start-ups based in Kettering.

Local business owners and start-ups can now apply for a four-week stint, rent-free, in the Newlands shopping Centre - an offer worth around £2,000.

They will also receive six weeks of personalised business support to help them achieve their potential in the centre.

Paul Clifford, founder of Flourish, said: “The high street has changed and with Covid-19 the rate of change has accelerated.

"There is a real opportunity right now to create places that reflect the needs of local customers opposed to the rental desires of the landlord. Just filling spaces is no longer enough. That’s why we are doing this differently.”

Kettering is home to one of only five of these pilots currently being delivered in the UK.

At the end of their rent-free period, each trader will have the option to leave or transition onto a flexible rent-paying agreement.

Alex Schlagman, co-founder of SaveTheHighStreet.org, said: “Successful local high streets and shopping centres benefit everyone. The next few months may prove to be the most important in the history of this market. We are pleased to be partnering with the Newlands Shopping Centre and Flourish to provide local entrepreneurs with the space and support they need in Kettering.”

The collaboration hopes to buck the trend that has seen national retailers, restaurants and other high street businesses are disappearing from town centres across the UK in record numbers.

Mr Clifford said the partnership would be 'empowering a new generation of high street entrepreneurs'

He added: "Smaller local businesses with access to space and support will be central in driving the Covid-19 recovery for Kettering. Now is the time to start re-populating Kettering with the right businesses, in the right places, and the support they need to succeed. "

Local businesses and start-ups based in Kettering can now register their interest via email to [email protected].