Westminster City Council has today launched a new project for small businesses in partnership with New West End Company, where small businesses will be offered the chance to take over a shop on Oxford Street, rent-free. The multi-million-pound campaign will also address the American souvenir/candy stores that have blighted one of London’s most famous streets in recent years. The package support being provided across the project by landlords, the council, and partners is estimated to be worth over £10 million.

The Meanwhile On: Oxford Street programme invites applications from innovative, cutting-edge and up-and-coming brands that will offer something exciting and new to one of the world's most iconic shopping streets.

The campaign is aimed at businesses looking to launch their first store or physical space. Selected brands will be given a prime store location for an initial six-month period. These opportunities will be rent-free for brands, with a minimum 70% reduction in business rates. Stores will either be available for single occupancy or as a themed concept store shared between multiple brands. Although rent-free, successful applicants must be able to fund the other associated costs of running a store for six months and show potential to launch long-term after developing their brand through the programme. Westminster City Council have appointed Someday Studios to deliver the three-year project. For more information visit westminster.gov.uk.