SaveTheHighStreet.org teams up with Redevco for Guildford vacancy project
Back in March this year, SaveTheHighStreet.org and Redevco, owner of the White Lion Walk shopping centre in Guildford, joined forces to launch a unique competition for up-and-coming high-street brands to win rent-free space to boost occupancy.
Hundreds of businesses entered but only three could win and in this article, we’re excited to bring you up to speed with the project and what’s happened so far.
What was on offer
Each of our winners received:
- 8 weeks of completely rent-free space at White Lion Walk, one of Guildford’s prime retail hotspots.
- A place on our JO Accelerator Programme, giving them access to a team of high street experts, 1-to-1 support and a whole host of done-for-you solutions to launch their new stores with success.
- Help with securing a permanent lease at White Lion Walk and access to ongoing support to grow their businesses.
At the time of the announcement, Alex Schlagman, Founder of SaveTheHighStreet.org said:
“We are thrilled to offer this unique opportunity to Guildford’s entrepreneurial community. The White Lion Walk Incubator is more than just free space; it’s a chance to gain invaluable experience and establish a successful business in a prime location.”
Whilst, Claire Yeadon of Redevco said:
“We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with Save the High Street, aligning perfectly with Redevco’s mission to help towns and cities be more sustainable and liveable. This collaborative effort allows us to provide local businesses with a unique opportunity to establish a shop and receive comprehensive support and guidance, ensuring their new ventures thrive.”
Introducing our winners
After much deliberation, Redevco and SaveTheHighStreet.org selected the following three businesses as our lucky winners…
Silent Pool Distillers
Drawn by a common passion for craft distilling, in 2013 a group of friends came together to create a new kind of distillery, producing handcrafted, artisan spirits with uncompromising quality. In an extraordinary location on the Duke of Northumberland’s Albury Estate, a group of dilapidated farm buildings on the banks of the legendary & mystical Silent Pool has been transformed to become the home of the Silent Pool Distillers.
Silent Pool is now selling from a prime unit in White Lion Walk.
Find out more about the brand here.
My New Fave Collective
My New Fave Collective by Kelly Attfield brings together a diverse range of handmade and originally-designed products from local creators, including clothing, jewellery, homeware, skincare and so much more. The store aims to become the go-to destination for high-quality, handmade gifts with a personal touch in Guildford.
Kelly first launched the brand online as a jewellery business but, thanks to our competition, has now been able to operate offline for the first time by teaming up with other like-minded local creatives.
Check out My New Fave on Instagram to find out more.
Rita Botanicals
Rita Botanicals by Nadia Margherita Jbilou is Guildford’s very first houseplants store, offering a diverse selection of high-quality plants, plant care products and plant-inspired gifts, along with educational workshops and community events.
Nadia’s journey began at Portobello Road Market in London, where she ran a successful market stall. Winning a spot on the incubator program has now allowed her to scale up her business and realise her lifelong dream of launching her very own store.
The shop is named after Nadia’s beloved Italian grandmother, Nonna Rita, who instilled in her a deep love for plants and nature.
What’s happening now
Each of the three businesses are now open in White Lion Walk and attracting local shoppers from across Guildford. The three winning owners are also receiving support from JO, which is helping them succeed and prepare for longer tenancies in the centre.
We’re helping our winners with their marketing, store design, branding, market research, press outreach and much more, all through our unique business support platform and a team of high street experts.
Get involved
Looking to launch your own high street store?
Or want help with occupying vacant units in innovative, sustainable ways?
Whether you’re a small business owner, an aspiring one, landlord, local council, shopping centre manager or anyone else that’s looking to set-up, sustain and scale high street brands, SaveTheHighStreet.org is here to help.
Get in touch with us at hello@savethehighstreet.org or by completing the form below to let us know what kind of support you’re looking for. We’d love to hear from you.
