Five local business start-ups will win an opportunity to operate their emerging businesses from the shop floor of the region’s largest department store.

East Anglian Daily Times: Fenwick department store in Colchester High StreetFenwick department store in Colchester High Street (Image: Archant)

The competition, launched by the Colchester Business Enterprise Agency and Fenwick, will offer winners the opportunity to trade alongside leading brands like Moschino, Paul Smith and Hugo Boss in Fenwick’s 90,000 square ft Colchester High Street store.

Fenwick store director Julie Hayward, said the competition will give “the opportunity to sell their business dream on the prestigious Fenwick shop floor”.

The winners will be selected from successful graduates of In the Market for Success, a NatWest funded programme of start-up support for businesswomen provided by Colbea.

A shortlist of entrants will be interviewed by the competition panel in September, with winners set to be announced at Colbea’s annual general party on October 18.