This month’s newsletter is packed with insights for small business owners planning to open or grow on London’s high streets. From free pop-up spaces to funding advice, neighbourhood recommendations to government initiatives, here is everything you need to know.
What’s Been Going on at Hatch?
New Community For London’s Retail and Restaurant Owners
We’re excited to announce the launch of our WhatsApp community for London’s high street and market traders. It’s a space designed to connect founders and owners of high street businesses, share advice, and keep you updated on the latest property news and opportunities.
Inside, you will find:
- A chat space to connect with other owners of high street businesses in London
- A news board with retail and restaurant sector updates, tips, and insights
- A dedicated free property advice channel
If you would like to be part of a growing community of small business owners, keep up to date with government announcements on business rates, or discuss property related issues like rent reviews or lease renewals, you can join here.
Boost Your Property Search
More small businesses are now advertising their property requirements to agents than ever before. If you’re looking to open a new premises but struggling to find the right space, consider creating a listing for your business. Many agents have empty properties available but don’t know which businesses are searching or what their specific needs are — a listing helps bridge that gap.
By creating a listing you make it a two way search so agents can find you and send through suitable properties matching your description. It’s a free and effective way to optimise your property search. If you have not yet created your listing, now is the perfect time. Just send over a short overview of your business, your logo, and any relevant images to isaac@hatch-retail.space.
Best Locations For Small Businesses
Opening a business in London doesn’t have to mean choosing from the swankiest units in the centre of the city. There are plenty of bustling neighbourhoods that are perfect for opening your first or next store. Each month we highlight one of these great areas, where rents are more affordable but footfall remains strong.
Why Greenwich
Greenwich offers a unique mix of history, tourism, and local community that makes it an attractive spot for small businesses. Shops here benefit from consistent footfall thanks to the regular visitors of Greenwich Market. Add to that the iconic Cutty Sark and the Royal Park (which famously featured in the film Layer Cake), and you have a steady flow of tourists and locals exploring the area. The Trafalgar Tavern is another draw, with licensed outdoor seating on the riverside that attracts crowds year-round.
The main landlord is Greenwich Hospital who own the market and most of the retail units on Nelson Road, College Approach and Greenwich Church Street which is where you’d want to be.
The good news is that Greenwich Hospital favour small business whilst refusing to lease their retail space to large high street chains so you’ll only be up against other independents.
We love 12-14 Greenwich Church Street which is available to rent. A double fronted shop, with good footfall, next to one of the entrances to the market. Click here for marketing details. If you’re wanting to keep costs down then speak to Hindwoods about opportunities within the market.
Funding
Thinking About How to Finance Your Store Fit-out?
Opening a new shop, café, or salon often involves significant costs. From furniture and equipment to lighting, flooring, and décor. One option some business owners consider is asset finance, which allows you to spread the cost of assets over time rather than paying everything upfront. Asset finance can help preserve cash and make budgeting easier, and it allows your store to be fully equipped from day one.
However, it also comes with obligations: interest or fees can increase the total cost, ownership may remain with the lender until payments are complete, and you are responsible for maintenance and insurance.
Understanding both the advantages and potential downsides can help you decide if asset finance is suitable for your store fit-out. Click here to learn more about asset finance.
News and Opportunities
Free Pop-up Opportunities Coming Soon
In 2026, Hatch will be working with landlords across London to bring vacant retail spaces to life. As part of this programme, there may be opportunities for small businesses to trial 1-month pop ups in areas such as Brixton, Peckham, Kings Cross and more.
If you are interested in being considered for these opportunities, you can register your interest early by doing the following:
- Follow us on Instagram here, where we will be posting about pop-up opportunities as spaces become available.
- Send an email to isaac@hatch-retail.space including your business name and phone number.
This is a fantastic chance to test out a new concept, connect with customers in high footfall areas, and be part of reactivating some of London’s most exciting neighbourhoods.
High Street Rental Auctions
The government has introduced a new scheme called High Street Rental Auctions, designed to tackle long term vacant shops. This gives local councils the power to auction leases for empty retail units that have been vacant for a year or more, helping to bring them back into use. For small business owners, this could open up opportunities to secure space on high streets at more accessible terms, with a transparent process where all bidders compete equally.
If you are planning to open your first or next shop, this is worth keeping an eye on, as councils across London begin to roll out the scheme in the coming years. To learn more, you can read our full blog here.
