STARTING a business is tough. Especially in the food and drink industry, and especially in such a saturated market as Manchester. Hats off to those that succeed.
"Manchester has a flourishing food and beverage scene, but the city centre isn't an affordable location for new businesses to really make a go of it."
But what about those with big dreams yet to make a name for themselves in the city?
Spinningfields is here to offer a helping hand.
Launching on Thursday 12 June, 'The Kitchens Leftbank' competition will offer six lucky food and drink operators a licensed space in the heart of Spinningfields with the chance to win a permanent residence.
Innovative entrepeneurs must have an existing business to enter and will have one week to submit their initial pitch. The twelve most exciting ideas will be shortlisted and have ten days to submit their business plan and also give a short presentation to the judging panel.
Six finalists will then be chosen and given a premises for a six to twelve month period, opening their doors to the public on 1 September.
The six finalists will be handed a plain, unbranded and undecorated space with: a kitchen, storage, refrigeration, service counter and indoor and outdoor seating areas. Each vendor will get the chance to make their mark on their space.
Leftbank, Spinningfields
After the six to twelve month period is up, a winning vendor will be chosen. The winner will secure a prime unit for their business and the backing and partnership of Spinningfields property developer Allied London.
Entrants will be judged on various criteria: sales, concept, product, social media, brand, sustainability and a public vote.
"In international cities around the world, we've seen the most innovative, independent businesses get an opportunity to operate alongside premium brands," said Allied London's Chief Executive Michael Ingall.
"Manchester has a flourishing food and beverage scene but the city centre isn't an affordable location for new businesses to really make a go of it.
"The launch of The Kitchens Leftbank at Spinningfields will give these operators an unrivalled opportunity to establish themselves without the extensive overheads other small businesses face when starting up, with the winner also having the advantage of ongoing support from Allied London and the team at Spinningfields.
"It's up to these businesses to come up with an idea that both captures the imagination of the judging panel and appeals to the general public," Ingall continued. "We've seen how successful independent operators can be in Spinningfields, and with the right idea and delivery, one of these operators could have a bright future on the estate."
The concept, which will be launched on Thursday 12 June at 6.30pm at Quay House, Spinningfields, is open to any innovative food and beverage entrepreneurs who have an existing business but are keen to take it to the next level by running a permanent space.
The launch event on the Thursday 12 June will offer operators the chance to learn more about the competition and sign up to submit an initial pitch.
For more information, follow The Kitchens Leftbank on Twitter at:@_TheKitchens
Follow Niamh Spence on Twitter at @missnspence
