Restaurateurs invited to enter Croydon pop-up competition

Budding hospitality entrepreneurs stand the chance to win their share of £7,000 in cash and a pitch to open a pop-up business in Croydon, thanks to a new scheme.

The competition sees Croydon Council supporting new businesses by inviting them to pitch ideas for a start-up business, including restaurants.

It is the latest council initiative funded through the Mayor of London's Regeneration Fund, which is contributing over £23m to regeneration initiatives in Croydon following the 2011 riots, which saw Croydon badly affected.

It follows a successful pop-up shop programme in 2013.

As part of the competition, the council will award an overall prize fund totalling £7,000 for the most imaginative and engaging ideas from businesses hoping to set up in vacant units and empty spaces in Croydon.

The deadline for submissions is 31 March, and entries will be judged by a high-profile panel including Roger Wade, founder of Boxpark; Sam Jacob, architect and writer; Louis Downes; Vincent Lacovara, architect and leader of Croydon council's placemaking team; and Trevor Reeves, owner of the House of Reeves furniture store which burnt down during the 2011 riots.

Roger Wade said: "Croydon council's pop-up competition is a great opportunity for budding entrepreneurs to test their business ideas in one of London's most up and coming areas. We'll be looking for flair, innovation and a sound business plan.

"Nowadays pop-ups often have the potential to lead to successful long-term businesses, and I look forward to working with the rest of the jury and the council to choose the best ideas for Croydon. I'm a big supporter of the Innovative scheme from Croydon council offering free business rates for up to a year as part of a bid to attract new firms and start-ups to the area."

To apply visit www.croydon.gov.uk/retailsupport