Fledging businesses could have a shot at aiming high this month as Borough Parade in Chippenham has launched a competition to ‘win’ a shop.

To encourage new start-up businesses while keeping empty units busy, owners of the shopping centre have offered either the old JAG Communications or Luggage Centre spaces for six months, rent-free, as well as covering the rates and service charges for the first two months.

Shoshana Abrams, who represents Borough Parade, said the company would be on-hand to support with marketing and the shop’s grand opening.

“It fits in well with the regeneration of the town, which people are aiming for after the Mary Portas review of our High Streets,” she said.

“It works well for everyone. If all goes well, then the winner may want to take on the unit full-time and that means we’ve filled a space we really don’t want to be empty.”

Ms Abrams acknowledged that both empty units are difficult to fill because of their shape and size.

“They are relatively tricky spaces, and we want to get them filled as soon as possible,” she said.

“The good news is that they’re not huge spaces. That can be intimidating for a smaller, start-up business.

“There isn’t going to be acres of space left empty, which should work for a smaller company.”

There are 28 units in the parade, including big national chains such as New Look, the Body Shop, Argos, O2, Claire’s Accessories, Waterstones and Waitrose.

After the two-month amnesty on rates and service charges runs out, the charge for both units will be £1,447.10 per year.

Ms Abrams said: “Anyone could take on the space, providing they have the best idea for it, combined with a strong business plan.

“It could be a young person who has started a business selling clothes or jewellery on the internet, or it could even be a farm looking to sell their produce who end up winning.

“It all depends on the quality of their application to us.”

To apply, send a 200-word summary of your idea and a brief business plan to info@boroughparade.co.uk by April 20.

The deadline could be extended based on the volume of applications.