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Prominent high street retail premises in Bedlington are being offered RENT FREE for 12 months in an enterprise competition. Aimed at encouraging a fresh new approach to retailing in Bedlington, the competition will seek out commercially viable, creative and ambitious ideas that can be made a reality. Startup businesses or existing ones that want a high street presence are able to apply. Not only that but the winner has also been offered half price accountancy fees for the first year of trading by Grimes Accountancy Services and Free advertising on bedlington.co.uk for the lifetime of the business. The successful applications will be put to a public vote. Votes will be cast by members of the bedlington.co.uk town website and local Facebook groups such as Make a Noise for Bedlington, Bedlington Matters and Bygone Bedlington. To enter, applicants should submit a business plan no later than March 31st via email to competition@bedlington.co.uk. A panel of judges will then choose suitable applications to be put to the public vote. "This is one of the best retail locations in the town, close to a major bank, the post office, and acres of free parking" said Andrew Millne offering up the space. Mayor of Bedlington, Malcolm Robinson, said "What a fantastic opportunity not only to try out your business idea for a whole year with reduced costs but to also work with a first class business advice service (Bedlingtonshire Development Trust) with a proven track record in helping small businesses succeed. It would also seem a very opportune time because your business might just be hitting its viability when the wholesale redevelopment of the Town Centre is underway. I am sure business premises will be at a premium the closer to being finished that gets, so now is the time to dip your toes into the water if you are thinking about it!" Competition winners will see one of the biggest costs of doing business removed entirely for their first year although businesses must be able to show evidence of future sustainability in their plans. Some businesses and local organisations will also qualify for small business rate relief but day to day running costs such as utility bills must be accounted for. "It's time the people of Bedlington had a say in what they need on their high street. By winning a competition like this the enterprising retailer will already have the firm backing of local residents which gives them every chance of success." said Christina Laking, local property investor. Everyone can participate in this innovative competition by commenting on what you would like to see in your town in the comment section below.