Dragon's Den to select Affleck's style traders

TV Show 'Dragon's Den' could influence Rochdale's proposed Affleck's style market in Rochdale Town Centre. Cabinet Member for Finance Councillor Greg Couzens has proposed a panel of local entrepreneurs to interview potential traders for the new venture aimed at supporting new and emerging, creative retail businesses.

The plan is for the Council to lease a large empty building that can be split into smaller units to be let by small, independent businesses on a short-term basis.

Councillor Couzens said, "Ever since I suggested this idea, it has been met with extreme enthusiasm by existing businesses and potential new traders.

"There are many entrepreneurs who have shown business acumen over decades in Rochdale. They are keen to give something back and by contributing to selecting and advising smaller businesses for our new venture they will be playing a key role.

"This will not be a case of first come first served, I am proposing a Dragon's Den style of application, we need a panel of entrepreneurs that will be prepared to share the knowledge they have acquired and I am prepared to take a lead role.

"This is another example of the type of action we need to take to take Rochdale out of the recession, support existing traders and building for the future.

"As for the venue for this project, we are in negotiation with various property owners and building a sound business case.

"The whole idea of an Affleck's Style Palace is to provide a platform for new aspiring creative people to receive support on running a successful business, a nursery for the future."