Renting a Permanent Store vs a Pop-Up Store: Which Is Best for Your Business?
When launching or growing a retail brand, one of the biggest questions you will face is whether renting a permanent store vs a pop-up store makes more sense for your business. Both options offer advantages and challenges, and the right choice depends on your goals, budget, and stage of growth. This guide explains the differences […]
EPOS Systems vs Traditional Payment Setups: Which Is Best for Your Business?
A great space means little without a way to take payments, so choosing the right setup is key. Many small businesses debate EPOS systems vs traditional payment setups, wondering which works best for their model. Both approaches have their merits depending on your business model, but they offer very different experiences in efficiency, insight and […]
Hatch Newsletter – October 2025 Edition
The Hatch Business Newsletter October 2025 edition is packed with new tools, free support, funding insights, and early access to exclusive spaces — everything small business owners need to stay ahead this month. What’s Been Going on at Hatch? The Hatch Portal is Now Live We’re excited to share that the Hatch Portal is […]
Renting Council Owned Commercial Property in London: A Complete Guide
Renting council owned commercial property in London can be a smart move for small businesses seeking affordable and well-located shops, cafés, or offices. Across the city, councils manage thousands of commercial spaces that support independent traders and local entrepreneurs. However, the process can often feel opaque, and landlords expect tenants to be well prepared. In […]
Meanwhile On Westminster: How to Apply for Rent-Free Shop Space in Central London
The Meanwhile On Westminster programme is a council initiative designed to bring life back to empty spaces. This scheme offers rent-free or heavily discounted use of vacant shops in prime locations, paired with support and visibility. Below is everything you need to know: what Meanwhile On is, who it is for, how to apply, and […]
Tenant Checklist for Renting a Shop in London: How to Stand Out to Landlords
When it comes to renting a shop or restaurant space in London, competition can be fierce. Landlords and agents will receive several enquiries on the best spaces, so standing out from the crowd can make all the difference. Startups have the best chance when they can demonstrate that their concept is viable, their finances are […]
Hatch Newsletter – September 2025 Edition
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 […]
Asset Finance for Store Fit-Outs: What Small Business Owners Should Know
Launching a new shop, café, or salon often involves significant investment in premises, furniture, and equipment. To manage these costs, many small business owners turn to asset finance for store fit-outs, which allows payments to be spread over time. This guide explains how asset finance works, what it can cover, and whether it’s the right […]
High Street Rental Auctions: What Small Businesses Need to Know
Empty shops are a growing challenge on many high streets. The new High Street Rental Auctions (HSRA) scheme gives local authorities powers to force rent auctions for persistently vacant properties. For small businesses looking to open or expand onto the high street, understanding how this works could open up new opportunities or risks. What […]
D2C vs Food Delivery Apps: Which Model Works Best?
For food entrepreneurs, one of the biggest decisions is how to reach customers. Choosing between D2C vs food delivery apps can shape your costs, brand, and long-term growth. Should you open your own café, restaurant, or retail unit? Or should you rely on delivery platforms like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat? The Cost […]
The 6 Stages of Renting a Shop or Restaurant in London: A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Business Owners
Starting your first shop, café, or retail business is an exciting milestone, but the process can be lengthy and complex. For many small business owners, it may be the first time dealing with property agents, solicitors, lease agreements, funding and fit-out contractors. The good news? With the right preparation and expectations, you can avoid costly […]
Hatch Newsletter – August 2025 Edition
Welcome to the Hatch Newsletter August 2025 Edition — your monthly roundup of retail, property, and hospitality updates. This issue covers smarter ways to fund your fit-out, how to save on business rates, key government reforms, and what’s new at Hatch, including updates to our property search tools. Funding Your Fit-out Funding options Opening your […]
Opening a Second Store in London: Angus Shares His Experience
Opening your first store is a huge milestone. Opening a second? That’s a whole new challenge. We catch up with Angus, founder of healthy grab-and-go food brand Bewliehill, one year after launching his second site near Liverpool Street Station. His story offers practical lessons for small business owners thinking about expansion. Knowing When You’re Ready […]
Government Hospitality Reforms 2025: Major Red Tape Cuts for Small Businesses
The 2025 UK government hospitality reforms aim to make it faster, simpler, and more affordable to open new pubs, cafés, bars, and music venues. The initiative focuses on cutting red tape for small businesses, revitalising local high streets, and protecting existing venues that are central to communities. What’s Changing? A new National Licensing Policy Framework […]
Hatch Newsletter – July 2025 Edition
Funding, business advice, and a shot at a free restaurant. Sound good? From start-up loans to rent-free spaces and founder insights, it’s all inside this edition of the Hatch Business Newsletter. Funding and Grants UK Government’s Startup Loan The UK Government’s Start Up Loan programme offers personal loans of up to £25,000 to aspiring and […]
Top 10 London High Streets to Rent a Shop in 2025
The London Neighbourhood Edition In this 2025 edition, we’ve ranked our top 10 favourite high streets across London for retail leasing, ideal for small shopkeepers, start-ups, and seasoned independents looking to plant roots within local communities. From Northcote Road’s al fresco rebirth to the iconic flower stalls of Columbia Road, each street offers a unique […]
What I Learned from Opening Our First Store: The Highs, Lows & Everything In Between
Beaufort & Blake is best known for its distinctly British take on modern men’s and womenswear, offering smart, considered clothing with a touch of heritage charm. After growing a loyal online following, the brand made the leap into physical retail by opening their first store in Wandsworth, London. We spoke with founder, Ed Bonnar, about […]
How to find a retail space for your business
What to consider when choosing your premises. The property you choose will play a major role in determining the success of your business. So, it is important that you get it right and give your business the best opportunity to thrive. Factors to consider include not only the location, pitch, and footfall but also things […]