The Mall is launching its annual Retail Factor competition across its shopping centre portfolio. Partnering with Ingenious Britain, the Mall Fund is calling for entrepreneurs across the UK to apply for the chance to trial their ideas in the busy retail environment rent free. 

A panel of judges, comprising senior retail figures from The Mall Fund, will assess all applicants on their commercial viability, originality, market appeal and development potential.  Shortlisted finalists will be invited to pitch their idea in person to the panel of judges. The local winners will trade rent free for three weeks and will also be entered into a nationwide competition to win cash contribution towards stock and mentoring from a leading industry entrepreneur.

The Retail Factor provides small businesses, both start-up and established, with the opportunity to grow their business, meet thousands of new customers face to face and build their brand.

Mark Bourgeois, Executive Director of Capital & Regional, commented: "The Retail Factor provides businesses, a platform to experience physical retailing in a busy shopping centre where they can meet thousands of customers face to face and engage with other retailers.

"The Mall is also delighted to be working with Ingenious Britain for this year's Retail Factor. Their ethos and goals fit those of the competition and are in-line with our own aims of encouraging and supporting young and flourishing independent businesses.

Marlon Wolff, CEO of small business advice hub Ingenious Britain, which is the national partner on the The Retail Factor, says: "The largest numbers of businesses in the retail sector - 83% of them - employ less than ten people; that's nearly a third of the retail workforce and around a fifth of total annual turnover of retail businesses.

"We know from our own Ingenious Britain online community that there are thousands of innovative and dynamic small retail businesses in the UK and initiatives like The Mall Fund provide a great opportunity for some of those businesses to reach a wider market. That's why we're on board supporting it."

Any business without permanent retail presence can apply by submitting completing the online application form by 23 February 2013.