West 12 launches retail incubator for local entrepreneurs

West 12 shopping centre in London, operated by Land Securities, has launched a new entrepreneur retail hub in partnership with Petit Miracles, a local incubator for business owners in Hammersmith and Fulham.

The West 12 retail hub, which will be open for a year, spans 6,000 square feet and offers a new bespoke retail space for 20 local and independent business owners at a flexible rate, with contracts lasting between two weeks and the full 12 months.

Rates range from less than 50 pounds to up to 150 pounds per week, inclusive of space, utilities, business rates, service charges, concierge service for customers, marketing and social media coverage. The shop will also promote a different entrepreneur each month in the front window and those who rent for a minimum of six weeks will receive mentoring sessions from the hub’s corporate partner Zolfo Cooper.

Elisicia Moore, director of Petit Miracles, explains: "The Hub will provide a great opportunity for people looking to trial a business or take it to the next level. We are so passionate about creating a fun and inspirational space where people can learn and succeed independently while being able to learn skills and different approaches from others around them.

“The rates are significantly lower than normal high street business rates. This was important as often these high rates are prohibiting amazing entrepreneurs from taking their first step onto the business ladder. The Hub will get people and their great services and products in front of shoppers in a cost effective way."

Petit Miracles launches retail hub for indies at West 12

The West 12 hub not only features 20 retail spaces, it also houses a cafe area, a DJ booth, and a garden shed that can be used for workshops, events and meetings. Of the 20 available spaces, nine are currently occupied by independent fashion and accessories retailers, including streetwear labels Flye Clothing and Ounce, and menswear brand See:Saw with others offering products ranging from candles, chocolates and cushions to jewellery.

Carl Meale, centre manager of West 12, added: "We are proud to have worked in conjunction with Petit Miracles to create such a pioneering concept. The Hub is a fantastic platform for showcasing local entrepreneurship. Not only will it introduce fresh, local talent into the retail industry via the business incubation model but The Hub will be a new creative centre for West 12 and Shepherds Bush."

Patrizia Galeota, founder and director of SensiChic Limited, who has rented a kiosk at the Hub, said: "It’s always been an ambition of mine to run my own business and I needed to change my work/life balance after the birth of my son. I wanted to develop something I could do from home and that would generate an income as well as offering the flexibility I needed as a mother.

“The Petit Miracles Hub is such an incredible initiative that will give entrepreneurs like myself an important stepping stone into retail; there really should be more projects like this up and down the country."

The Petit Miracles Hub can be found on the first floor of the West 12 shopping centre.