Have you got a great business idea but just need that vital leg-up to get your brainchild off the ground?

Well take note, because we could have just the answer – welcome to the Retail Factor!

We’ve got together with the Mall Chequers, Maidstone busiest shopping centre, for an exciting competition which aims to seek out the next Sir Richard Branson or Sir Philip Green.

On offer is a unit at the Mall, which attracts 220,000 shoppers every week, completely free. The contest is linked in with the Mall’s sister centres around the country.

The local KM winner will get two months at the Mall plus other prizes but could be in line for a whole year’s trading plus a place at the renowned Oxford Business School if it wins the national competition.

Entries for the competition open today (Friday, January 14) and applicants can submit their ideas until February 20, when a shortlist of entrants with the strongest potential will be selected.

Those shortlisted will get a two week trial in a unit at the Mall Chequers, and a panel of judges – including the KM Group business editor Trevor Sturgess – will decide which is the most successful.

They will be rewarded with a start-up package worth £10,000, including two rent-free months of trading at the Mall, a Sony laptop, business mentoring from the National Skills Academy and the chance to win a place on the BHF-BSSA Oxford Summer School retail business course.

KM editor Bob Bounds said: “We’re really excited at the prospect of helping a bright new business venture get off the ground but also seeing what other entrepreneurial talent is out there.

“It’s taking a little bit of the Apprentice and a bit of Dragon’s Den and putting them together into a fresh new local format.

“At a time when self-employment is increasing, this competition gives a valuable head- start to our winner and we look forward to seeing what entries come in.”

Paul Alcock, general manager of the Mall Chequers, said: “This competition has been designed to provide the people of Maidstone and beyond with the chance to turn a hobby into a profitable and enjoyable career.

“With a unique idea and the dedication to develop it, all the components are there for someone to start a new and exciting retail business that could become a national high street store of the future.”

Visit www.themall.co.uk for details.