Independent clothing retailer gets boost from Derbion

A clothing business has been named as the winner of a competition run by Derbion, which aims to help small retailers grow.

Derby-based 1NE has been announced as the winner of its annual Hatch competition.

Designed to offer local businesses the opportunity to take their business to the next level, the Hatch scheme, now in its fourth year, provides small businesses with the chance to open a retail space within the shopping centre for six weeks, completely rent free.

Following a competitive pitch process, friends Daniel Bennett and Alex Mcleod, who founded 1NE, have been given the chance to expand their clothing business.

1NE began by selling trainers and retro clothing in a small space above a hair salon.

The business quickly outgrew that space and upsized to its current Sadler Gate location.

The sustainable clothing business offers a wide collection of authentic, pre-loved and deadstock pieces, including footwear, collectables and accessories, alongside personalised soft furnishings including rugs.

The business aims to inspire and help shoppers build a sustainable and desirable wardrobe.

In a joint statement, Daniel and Alex Mcleod said: “Winning the Hatch competition is an amazing opportunity for us to further grow our brand and introduce a variety of new people to what we do.

“We can’t wait to bring something different into the centre and show people a new style of retail.”

Beth McDonald, managing director of Derbion, said: “We’re excited to welcome 1NE to Derbion later this year.

“Our Hatch initiative is a great way for us to give local, independent businesses the support they need to take the next step up – with a popular store in the city already, a space in Derbion feels like a fantastic next step for 1NE, who are already a much-loved local business.

“We know that our customers are always on the lookout for up-and-coming brands to enjoy alongside our breadth of major retailers, and Daniel and Alex really impressed the judges with their strong business vision and unique offering.”