Kate ScotterLocal businesses are being offered the chance to trade in a Norwich shopping centre from just �10 a day. In a bid to help small independent businesses, bosses at the Mall Norwich have decided to offer two retail merchandising units (RMUs) exclusively for local traders at affordable rates.Kate Scotter

Local businesses are being offered the chance to trade in a Norwich shopping centre from just �10 a day.

In a bid to help small independent businesses, bosses at the Mall Norwich have decided to offer two retail merchandising units (RMUs) exclusively for local traders at affordable rates. The units are stalls which are located in the middle of the Mall.

It is hoped the new scheme will be a welcome boost to local traders hit by the recession.

Victoria Haverson, the shopping centre's marketing manager, said: 'We are extremely excited to have the opportunity to offer small independent businesses the chance to access an exciting new customer base by offering their products and services within a busy shopping centre environment, which is something that would not usually be viable for many of them.

'We already have a great range of national and regional larger retailers for our customers to enjoy. By making these units exclusive to smaller local businesses we hope to provide our shoppers with a wider retail mix while reducing our carbon footprint and helping to stimulate and stabilise the local economy.'

As previously reported in the Evening News, a number of city centre shops have closed over the last few years as a result of the economic downturn.

The Mall has lost a number of shops including music, DVD and games retailer Zavvi with a loss of 25 jobs and Oasis and the Disney Store which both relocated to the Chapelfield shopping centre.

Stefan Gurney, manager of the Norwich City Centre Partnership (CCP), said he thought the new initiative would be positive for the city.

He said: 'It's welcome news that some of the bigger businesses are looking at innovative ways to help entrepreneurs in Norwich and business growth.

'It is an opportunity for small, independent stores to have their first foothold on the rung and grow into bigger and stronger businesses that feed into the Norwich economy. Anything which helps growth is good.'

The Mall would like to hear from individuals and independent businesses who are based in or around Norfolk and North Suffolk. Daily rates start from just �10 or weekly rates from �168.75, a 25pc saving of the normal rate.

Anyone who is interested or would like more information should contact Danielle Askham, marketing and events co-ordinator, on 01603 766430.

Are you launching an innovative scheme to help local entrepreneurs? Call reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326 or email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk