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WeeCOOK proper tasty pies fended off tough competition to win a free shop for a year at Dundee’s Wellgate Shopping Centre.

Launched in October in association with The Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce (DACC) and chartered accountants MHA Henderson Loggie, The Wellgate Shopping Centre’s ‘Shop Star’ campaign was designed to celebrate up and coming entrepreneurs throughout Dundee and Angus.

New and growing businesses were invited to apply online to take part in the competition to win a valuable business bonus designed to create additional opportunities for growth which included:

• A one-year license to run a shop
• The opportunity to extend the license
• Free of rent for 1 year
• Free of service charge for 1 year
• Free 12 months membership of Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce
• Free HR/Legal/Health and Safety advice
• Free training events
• £500 voucher toward first year accountants’ fees from MHA Henderson Loggie
• Free logo design service
• Free marketing support

A total of 18 entrepreneurs applied and the judging panel comprising of business experts from DACC, MHA Henderson Loggie and The Wellgate Shopping Centre selected 4 finalists to present their concept and answer questions through video calls.

Other finalists included:

• Emily’s Eco Cheeze Café
• Boyle Decorators
• Sparkle Magic Balloons

Morag Dennis, Centre Manager of The Wellgate Centre said, “We were delighted to receive applications from so many high-quality businesses throughout Dundee and Angus. We understand that this year’s pandemic has bought a level of economic uncertainty for many, but history dictates that this uncertainty can have a positive effect on new business registrations.

“The fact that we were contacted by so many entrepreneurs is testament to the creativity of Dundee and Angus as an area.

“My heartfelt congratulations go out to all the finalists, but Hayley and Emelye presented the WeeCOOK concept exceptionally well. Hayley’s brand and product development is second to none and the way the whole team worked together to keep the business moving forward during lockdown was inspiring.”

Hayley Wilkes from WeeCOOK said “Wow! We were absolutely delighted to win! It’s an amazing opportunity for a growing little independent business like ours. We’re grateful to the local food lovers of Dundee & Angus and further afield who have supported our business before and throughout some of the toughest times of the pandemic. Enabling us to develop the way we work, the products that we offer and continue to employ and develop our awesome team of staff and apprentices. Thank you Wellgate shopping centre for such an incredible early Christmas gift!”

Alison Henderson, Chamber CEO said “This has been a fantastic opportunity for a business to get a really tangible chance to grow and reach new customers at a time when we’re all looking to spend local and support small businesses. Our thanks go to the Wellgate for bringing this amazing package together – we’re delighted to be a part of it and look forward to working even more closely with WeeCOOK.”

Clare Watson, Manager at MHA Henderson Loggie said: “Congratulations to WeeCOOK who delivered a great pitch to the judging panel and are a very deserving winners of the Shop Star competition. We were delighted to be able to support this initiative and the winning business as they look to grow their business, as our purpose is to help our clients achieve their potential and create wealth for the local economy.”