New retail innovation hub launches in London’s Victoria
Land Securities has backed a new retail and consumer innovation hub called TrueStart which will provide expertise and advice for retail start-ups.
The commercial property company has formed a strategic partnership with specialist investor True Capital which has launched the hub in London’s Victoria.
When it opens next month, TrueStart will house up to 20 new businesses a year and will allow entrepreneurs to liaise with high-profile retailers and successful entrepreneurs to test retail ideas and concepts.
The TrueStart entrepreneurs will also be given access to Land Securities’ own experts across a number of different disciplines who will share their expertise and offer mentoring. In addition, TrueStart will be offered access to Land Securities’ portfolio of premium retail locations across the UK.
Never Miss a Retail Update!Ashley Blake, director of retail portfolio management at Land Securities, said: “This partnership means we can help today’s entrepreneurs recognise their potential and succeed as the retailers of tomorrow. It gives us first-hand access to the sector-leading innovation and fresh ideas which will shape the retail landscape of the future, allowing us to continue delivering the best retail to consumers in Victoria and beyond.
“It’s also a fantastic opportunity for some of our key people to work with new entrepreneurs and to get first-hand experience of a start-up environment, which will benefit our future business and their own personal development.”
Matt Truman, co-founder of TrueStart and True Capital, added: “We are excited about the opportunities the partnership will bring both for TrueStart and, most importantly, for our resident entrepreneurs. The support of a major blue chip company for the launch of what will be the leading retail and consumer sector specialist innovation hub in Europe is a key milestone in achieving our wider vision to become the first contact for any stakeholder within the retail sector.”
