Mone leads shop contest

Published on 04/06/2009 21:24

THREE spaces in Dundee's Wellgate shopping centre are up for grabs in a Dragons' Den-style competition led by Ultimo bra maker Michelle Mone.

Prupim, the Prudential insurance company's property investment management arm, which owns the centre, is also offering three years of business, marketing and mentoring support from a panel of experts to the three competition winners.

The packages are each worth up to 250,000. Small firms and individuals will pitch their ideas to a panel, which will pick the winners. If the contest is a success Prupim may roll out the scheme to its other shopping centres.

Mone, who earlier this week was praised as "a great ambassador" for Scotland by Prince Charles, said: "We are now looking for great business ideas that will enhance the Wellgate Shopping Centre as well as enthusiastic and passionate candidates."

News of the Project Retail contest comes days after The Scotsman revealed details of the Retail Rocks! scheme, which is offering rent-free shops and up to 50,000 worth of support across Scotland.