Lock Stock Self-Storage, which operates 18 container-based self-storage facilities in Wales, is celebrating a company milestone of reaching 3,000 units by launching a contest for small-business owners. Open to new and existing tenants, the competition will award one winner a £3,000 cash prize, one year of free storage at a Lock Stock facility of his choice (valued at £5,000), and business mentoring, according to the source.

The contest, “Lock Stock Business Dragons,” will be modeled after “Dragon’s Den,” a BBC reality-TV show that gives entrepreneurs three minutes to pitch their business idea to five multi-millionaires and entice them to invest. In the Lock Stock version, contestants must submit a written business idea. A short of list of finalists will compete by pitching their concepts in a grand finale to the judges, who’ll include Mike Trow, a Lock Stock property manager, and Will Jones, business-relationship manager for HSBC Bank.

The winner package also includes public-relations advice and HSBC lending opportunities. In addition, Jones will provide two one-hour sessions, with one focused on business strategy and growth and the other on networking opportunities. “The idea behind this—to give some positive support that makes a real difference to a business—is a real winner and we were delighted to be involved,” Jones said.

Lock Stock has also commissioned a “golden unit” that’ll visit each property over the next two months on a flatbed truck. The company will award prizes via its social media pages to anyone who spots the special container.

“We are very excited to launch our ‘Business Dragons’ competition, which is aimed at helping someone turn their bright idea into entrepreneurial reality. Our storage parks are at the heart of our communities, and so many of our units are already helping people grow their businesses; in some of those parks, over 60 percent of our units are taken by businesses,” Trow said. “It is with this in mind that we wanted to offer a local person with a great business idea the chance to make their dream reality without many of the start-up costs, which can be so prohibitive when you make that first, scary step.”

Founded in 1999 by brothers Nick and Shon Powell, Lock Stock offers 3,000 self-storage containers across its properties. The family-operated business provides 24-hour access and the sites have video surveillance. It also offers moving services through its “Take Stock” van fleet.

Source:
Shropshire Star, Storage Giant Offers £5k Prize for Best Budding Business Talent