Retail entrepreneurs are being given a chance to open their own ‘pop-up shop’ in Birmingham city centre – without having to pay a penny in rent or business rates.

The Square, off Corporation Street, is running a competition giving fledgling retailers the chance to run a store at the shopping centre from the end of October right through to Christmas. The winner will not face any bills for rent, rates or utility costs.

They will also receive mentoring from owners of other shops within the centre, along with the Square's management team.

Yvonne Moulton, manager at The Square, said: “We know that while times can be tough for more established businesses, if you are someone hoping to get a retail business off the ground, it can be an almost impossible mountain to climb.

“No matter how tenacious, creative and determined you are, the expense of renting a unit may prove a killer blow to your dreams and aspirations

“That’s why we have launched this competition. Whether you’re a designer, artist, entrepreneur or retailer of the future with a brilliant business plan, this could be your chance to turn your dream into a reality.”

Anyone wishing to take part in the competition should log onto www.facebook.com/TheSquareShoppingCentreBirmingham before the competition deadline of Sunday, October 10, explaining their business idea and why they deserve the opportunity to win.

A group of experts, including the Birmingham Mail’s Consumer Editor Emma McKinney and Paul Lewis, manager of The Oasis fashion store in The Square, will then review the entries before whittling them down to a short-list.

Those short-listed will be invited to pitch their ideas in a Dragons’ Den-style interview on October 12.

Yvonne added: “Going from trading as a hobby or selling things from home can be a massive step and we can’t wait to hear from people who want to convince us to share their dream.”