An exciting new business opportunity is to be launched at The Victoria Centre this Autumn.
Southend-on-Sea City Council and the Management Team at The Victoria Centre have partnered with the national industry movement SaveTheHighStreet.org and a growing network of community champions to transform an unused area of the popular shopping centre.
The initiative, titled The Bridge, is searching for dynamic entrepreneurs, from start-ups brimming with potential to established businesses ready to scale up. Those most passionate about bringing something unique to Southend-on-Sea’s High Street will be granted a platform and opportunity to thrive by having their very own six-month period of rent-free space to trade from.
Winning applicants will be given the keys to a 500 sq ft unit in a prime location in The Victoria Centre, as well as expert support from leading industry experts to help companies make the very best out of this opportunity and grow their businesses. The programme will help create sustainable businesses and empower new ventures.
In addition to the generous offer of space, winners will also receive support from the SaveTheHighStreet.org team – from business planning, forecasts, to marketing guidance. This will help businesses take optimal advantage of this opportunity and help cultivate sustainable businesses that will thrive and grow for years to come.
Stakeholder Support for The Bridge
Various stakeholders involved in The Bridge have expressed their support for the initiative:
Dennis Baldry, Centre Manager, The Victoria Centre, says:
“We are delighted to host The Bridge and can see the potential it has to bring new energy to the centre and the local community. This initiative is very exciting, bringing in projects that will support and mentor local businesses. Having seen the difficulties businesses can face, I know how important it is to have this kind of support and collaboration. The Bridge is a great opportunity for Southend-on-Sea, and I’m pleased to be part of something that will make a real difference to our city.”
Jonathan Mather, Asset Manager for Southend-on-Sea City Council, says:
“The Bridge project perfectly illustrates why the Council purchased the Centre – to reinvigorate the City Centre. We are very excited by the project which will attract new and existing customers to The Bridge, The Victoria Centre, and the High Street, whilst providing opportunities for entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and thrive locally.”
Alex Schlagman, Founding Partner, SaveTheHighStreet.org, says:
“It’s time to turn vacant shops into incubators that attract, launch, and sustain the most promising independent high street entrepreneurs. We’re proud to be partnering with so many amazing local businesses, community champions, and others across Southend-on-Sea to make The Bridge a reality. Successful high streets benefit everyone and the more of us who join the stronger we all become.”
Cllr Matt Dent, Cabinet Member for Business, Culture & Tourism, says:
“This is a fantastic initiative to work with entrepreneurs or start-ups and give them a helping hand. We really want to encourage people with new ideas and new businesses to take that risk and go out there and try and make it work. This initiative is another great way of continuing the transformation of the centre.”
How to Apply
The competition kicks off with six available units in the Autumn. Entrepreneurs keen to launch their offering in Southend-on-Sea City Centre can now visit www.victoriasc.co.uk/thebridge to learn more and submit their applications for this incredible opportunity to turn their dreams into reality!