On behalf of long standing investor clients FHP will shortly be bringing to the market good quality warehouse or industrial space on Wimsey Way in Alfreton of just under 20,000ft².

Available to purchase or rent the building offers a good standard of accommodation, to be refurbished shortly and with the benefit of parking to the front elevation and separate delivery yard to the rear of the building, all set on a secure site.

Early interest is sought with the current tenants due to vacate shortly. 

FHP Property Consultants are delighted to announce the letting of Unit 7 Acorn Park, a traditional warehouse/light industrial unit on the Lenton Lane Industrial Estate just off the Ring Road (A52) near the Showcase Cinema.  The property has been let to Glitter Pantomimes, a company relocating from Liverpool to service the local theatres.

Mark Tomlinson of FHP Property Consultants who concluded the letting commented: –

“The City Centre and City Fringe industrial market has been fairly buoyant over the last 12-18 months and I have concluded various lettings of local small to medium sized companies where we are seeing some positive activity, the general feeling being that the worst is over and it is time to move forward and think more progressively about their businesses”

FHP Property Consultants are delighted to announce the letting of Unit 7 Little Tennis Street in the Colwick area of Nottingham City Centre to Alan Tully Cars, a local car sales company having been established in the area for some 15 years.

The unit will be used for storage of cars in conjunction with Alan Tully Cars online sales business which is seeing increasing levels of activity.

Mark Tomlinson of FHP Property Consultants commented: –

“This letting is further proof of a large increase in activity among the local market in Nottingham City Centre.  We have especially seen an increase in activity in Colwick having concluded 7 transactions in this area alone over the last 4 months.  We are now seeing a real lack of supply of good quality options for local companies in the area with the majority of available stock now being more secondary.”

FHP have been appointed by Property Alliance Group in conjunction with Lambert Smith Hampton to market prime warehouse or production space on Blenheim Industrial Estate.

Set just off Junction 26 of the M1 Motorway this superb building offers high calibre two storey offices interlinking with fully fitted production space all set on a large site with yard and car parking.

Immediately available on a new lease, or potentially with the option to sell the long leasehold interest the building extends to approximately 38,000ft² plus extensive mezzanine of just over 8,000ft².

Given the lack of supply in the market and the increased activity being felt in this sector, strong interest is anticipated.

Mark Tomlinson of FHP Property Consultants has recently secured the letting of a prominent trade counter unit at the front of the former Timber Trade Centre on Daleside Road to Trent Electrical Supplies, an electrical wholesaler expanding their operations in Colwick. 

Mark Tomlinson commented: –

“We sold this site on behalf of the previous owners to Silverdale Coaches who saw the value in this site, which includes two prominent trade counter units as well as circa 40,000ft² of warehousing to the rear.  Both trade counters have let very quickly, the other being let for use as a fireplace show room.

“Trent Electrical secured this property as a result of a competitive bidding process and we were impressed by the business plan which has been outlined to us.  I am confident that, given the prominence of the site, their business will go from strength to strength in this location.”

Simon Peckover, Director of Trent Electrical Supplies commented: –

“Trent Electrical Supplies was set up 3 years ago and has continued to grow rapidly. This new location is perfect for our growing business with it having excellent access, ample parking, an impressive trade counter and larger stores. This move will enable us to provide our customers with increased stock levels and the very best service possible.”

An engineering firm which has been in business for 95 years has bought one of the buildings it occupies on an industrial estate.

Precision engineering firm Boneham & Turner has acquired the second of the three industrial units it occupies on a site alongside the A38 and only two miles from the M1.

The family-owned business was based in landmark premises on Nottingham Road in Mansfield for many years.

But it moved out of its site to make way for a new supermarket, transferring its business to the Gateway 28 industrial development off Penny Emma Way, Sutton-in-Ashfield.

Boneham & Turner already owned one of the three inter-linked units it occupies at the site but has now bought a second in a deal negotiated on its behalf by Alastair Fearn, of Nottingham property agent FHP.

Peter Boneham, the latest generation of the family to run the business, said:

“When the opportunity arose to acquire unit 2b, we were immediately interested because of our unique position of being a tenant of the property.

“The buildings work for us and we were keen to secure our future at the site. We instructed Alastair Fearn to act on our behalf on the acquisition following the initial valuation advice he provided to us.”

Alastair Fearn of FHP Property Consultants said:

“Boneham & Turner is a long-established and very well-respected business which settled well into a modern location after its move from Mansfield.

“It made sense for it to buy the unit that it had been leasing and the important thing was to make sure that it secured acceptable terms.

“We’ve been involved in numerous industrial property transactions in this area and we were able to use our market knowledge to negotiate effectively and make sure the transaction progressed smoothly.”

Boneham & Turner was founded in 1918 by John Boneham.

Today, it provides a variety of high-quality engineering products to customers worldwide operating in the aerospace, automotive, motor sport, power generation, defence and machine building sectors.

Tim Gilbertson, a Director at Nottingham property consultancy FHP, reviews the prospects for the office and industrial property market.

False dawn is an over-used phrase.  But there have been so many of them since the financial crisis pole-axed our economy that it’s no surprise. Since 2010, we seem to have gone through cycles in the commercial property market where promising signs early in the year have been replaced by uncertainty and disappointment.

This year, though, could be different.  Sure enough, 2013 started off on a positive note with a rise in the numbers of people enquiring about moving their businesses into new property and then the market went to sleep again.

But once we got past what seemed like an interminably long Easter, the numbers of people looking to do deals for office and industrial property has slowly but surely increased.  Not only have there been more enquiries, but those enquiries are more serious and they have translated into more deals.

In the wake of all those false dawns, it’s a brave surveyor who calls recovery.  The evidence of economic progress is all around us though.  We’ve seen the GDP figures for the whole of the UK steadily improving and at grassroots level the surveys from the local Chamber of Commerce suggest that sales, profits and order books for businesses in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire have been getting stronger for months.  Even Forest are riding high in the Championship!

On that basis, we shouldn’t be surprised to see those businesses who put expansion plans on ice in the downturn deciding to dust them off and see what’s out there.  In the market for small to medium-sized industrial property, I and my colleagues at FHP have been handling a steady stream of activity, and there have been some real successes at prominent sites in and around the M1 corridor – notably at Castlewood, near Junction 28 of the M1, and down at Castle Donington.

With no new stock around, good quality second hand buildings are being snapped up quickly when they become vacant.  That tells you the appetite is out there. In fact, demand is running ahead of supply to the point where businesses are snapping up older premises rather than waiting for something new and perfect to come along.

This hints at the reasons why it might still be a while before the market recovers its equilibrium properly.  Nothing new was built during the downturn and to this day the losses banks suffered on property mean you have to make an extremely strong case to fund development and satisfy investors that there will be a return – especially when occupiers will no longer sign very long leases which give building owners security.  So while the evidence of recovery is gathering, the risks of building speculatively and hoping an occupier will appear mean caution is still the watchword.

Where does this leave us?  Well, we haven’t got people beating our door down every week asking if we’ve got a spare 100,000 sq ft on our books, but the building Asda took for a home delivery operation at Bulwell could have been let three times over – so serious demand is out there.  As the increasing evidence of recovery demonstrates, so is the pressure to try to find property solutions for businesses who want to make the most of growth.  One of those solutions may be design-and-build, where a deal is done to develop a new, purpose-built property.  Not only does this mean planning ahead, it means having a sound financial package and the security of a long lease to support it.

Interestingly, it isn’t just distribution warehouses driving demand alongside the M1 corridor.  Much of the interest in the larger properties that are available in Nottinghamshire has come from manufacturing businesses, which is a positive sign for jobs.

We have seen the back of false dawns now.  The next most over-used phrase?  It’s time to stick a spade in the ground!

Acting on behalf of Commercial Estates Group, FHP Property Consultants are delighted to announce a further letting at Amber Business Centre, Riddings. 

Derbyshire Motorbike School originally based on Monk Road Industrial Estate have relocated and expanded to Unit 13.8 Amber Business Centre extending to 58m² (624ft²). 

The motorbike school offers motorcycle training courses ranging from Basic Introductory Lessons, CBT, help and advice with the Motorcycle Theory Test and motorcycle training to gaining your full motorcycle licence or the Direct Access Scheme. 

George Dunnicliff of FHP Property Consultants commented:- 

“It is pleasing to see yet another completed deal here at Amber Business Centre at Unit 13.8.  Derbyshire Motorbike School is a frequent user of Amber Business Centre for training purposes so therefore it was a natural progression for them to take a small unit when one became available.  I wish the team at Derbyshire Motorbike School all the very best of luck for the future”. 

For further information on this letting or available opportunities at Amber Business Centre please contact George Dunnicliff on 01332 224851 or George@fhp.co.uk.

FHP Property Consultants are delighted to announce the letting of an 8,000ft² modern industrial unit in Clipstone on behalf of Newark & Sherwood District Council.  The property has been let to UK Metering, suppliers of high quality metering products throughout the UK. 

Previously based in a unit on Nottingham South & Wilford Industrial Estate the company have taken a unit 4 times that size representing a marked expansion to better accommodate their growth and future growth plans.

Mark Tomlinson of FHP Property Consultants commented: –

“I am delighted to have found such a high quality tenant for this unit in Clipstone.  The unit has been on the market for some time with Newark & Sherwood District Council and I am delighted that we have been able to add value here by completing a letting in just 4 months.

The process was assisted greatly by the attitude and pragmatism shown by Newark & Sherwood District Council who fully understand the market conditions and flexible approach which needs to be adopted to achieve success in the current market.”

Andy Wood of UK Metering commented: –

“We are delighted to have agreed a deal with FHP & NSDC for the lease of Unit 7 Woodland Close. We have experienced an excellent level of growth, particularly over the last 2 years, which has been largely driven by the introduction of the governments Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). As a major distributor of approved metering solutions for the RHI scheme, the Company has invested significantly in stock levels to ensure that we are able to offer ‘off the shelf’ availability on all heat metering requirements. The Company has also increased stock levels on water meters, gas meters & electricity meters which enables us to offer full utility metering solutions to contractors and/or end users.

Proximity to major routes in and out of Nottinghamshire, locality to the current workforce, sufficient space to allow further growth over the next 5 years together with its well-presented, modern offices, reception and meeting room were all major factors in our selection of Unit 7.”

Phil Daniels of Newark & Sherwood District Council commented:-

“FHP’s market knowledge and excellent market coverage was invaluable to the early identification of a good quality tenant for our unit at Clipstone. I would have no hesitation in recommending FHP to other local authorities.”

FHP Property Consultants are delighted to announce their latest letting at City Business Park in Colwick to Mortimer Management Group, the latest in a series of lettings has resulted in full occupancy being achieved on the site.  The units were constructed in 2008 in connection with the city electrical factors trade counter branch and has been vacant for some time prior to FHP’s involvement.

Mark Tomlinson of FHP Property Consultants commented: –

“The completion and construction of these units couldn’t have happened at a worse time, coinciding with the decline of the general economy that marked a sharp decrease in the industrial market generally which resulted in subdued demand for trade counter opportunities in this location for some time.

Upon being instructed the units no longer commanded trade counter rents and therefore we corrected the rents in order to compete with the general local industrial and warehousing market.  This stood us in good stead and we achieved a series of lettings and I am delighted we have now achieved full occupancy on the site.

I am now seeing an increased appetite among occupiers to secure new premises both on a leasehold and freehold basis and good quality units such as these are becoming increasingly rare.  With little development of this nature in the pipeline around the City this is likely to become an increasingly familiar story.”  

CLOWES Developments’ Castlewood site has cemented its position as one of the fastest growing industrial locations in the East Midlands after a distribution specialist unveiled plans for a £20m warehouse complex.

UDG, a specialist distribution company for the healthcare industry, has begun work on a 220,000 sq ft warehouse development which may ultimately employ up to 250 people. It is the latest in a series of major names to sign up to Castlewood, which has now become established as a regional destination for businesses looking for bespoke development served by a major motorway route interchange.

The company joins Co-Operative Food, which has developed a 480,000 sq ft landmark distribution centre employing 900 people to serve is regional store network. Castlewood is also home to new developments by the electronics division of transport giant Bombardier, Midland Aerospace, and automotive industry supplier Meridian Lightweight Technologies.

The site is less than a mile from the interchange of the north-south M1 and east-west A38 at Junction 28, and the momentum behind its expansion is such that Clowes Developments is now embarking on the provision of restaurant facilities and a petrol station to support the numbers of people working on and visiting the site.

James Richards, Development Surveyor at Clowes Developments, explained: “When we acquired Castlewood there was no question that it was an ambitious move, but we felt from the start that a perfect location and the significant scope of the site meant that it had enormous potential.

“It is a genuine strategic location and we have worked hard to deliver development opportunities that would meet the needs of some prestige occupiers while remaining commercially pragmatic. The names of the companies who have moved on to the site suggest our faith is paying off.

The next step is likely to be the development of facilities to support a site which will be home to substantial numbers of people. Looking forwards, there are still some significant development opportunities on the site and Clowes Developments is in a strong position to provide solutions for occupiers.”

The UDG deal also involved a number of leading regional professionals, with Claire Gay, of the Nottingham law firm Brown Jacobson, representing UDG, and Heather Dixon, of the Derby solicitors Flint Bishop, handling legals for Clowes Developments.

UDG already has three distribution facilities near Junction 28, but continuing expansion means a new, purpose-built warehouse is now needed. Chris Williams, UDG’s Managing Director, commented: “We have outgrown our existing properties and we are fully expecting our business to expand further

“We did consider a number of other locations for our new development, but the key benefit of moving here is that it is immediately accessible to the people who work at our other sites. This is important, because they are an experienced team. We anticipate that around 50 people will work here to begin with, probably transferring form other sites, but we would expect to be adding another 150-200 jobs over the next three years.”

UDG is likely to invest around £20 million in the site over the course of its lease. Mr Williams added: “Being close to the motorway is particularly important for a business like ours, and moving on to a site like Castlewood gave us the opportunity to develop a building from scratch to our own specification.”

All the deals at Castlewood have been secured by the Nottingham property consultancy FHP. John Proctor, director of the firm’s office and industrial team, said: “Castlewood stands out as a genuine success story during some challenging times. To secure occupiers of the calibe of UDG so soon after the Co-Op transaction is a testament to the site’s quality.

“Its location is the key to why it has succeeded – it’s less than a mile from Junction 28, which gives occupiers fast and easy access to enormous regional and national markets. The economy is certainly starting to look up now and on that basis we would expect more businesses to come to Castlewood in the coming months.”

Businesses trying to keep their costs down have driven sales of renewable energy meters up for an expanding Nottinghamshire distribution company.

DMS Flow Measurement & Controls, which supplies utility meters, flow control and detection systems to customers ranging from property developers to industrial customers, has moved into new, larger premises at Eastwood.

In a move secured by the Nottingham property consultancy FHP, DMS has transferred from its old premises at Pinxton into a purpose-built complex at Chrysalis Way, just off the A610 and close to Junction 26 of the M1 motorway.

The company is owned and run by Managing Director Ceri Minns, who built on his significant experience in the industry to launch the business in 1999. He explained why he had decided to make the move.

“We have moved from our old premises at Pinxton because of expansion, which meant there was a need for more office and warehouse space.” he said. “That expansion is in part a direct result of the Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive scheme, which has led to an increase in sales.”

The Renewable Heat Incentive scheme is the first long-term financial support programme that encourages the use of renewable heat. It offers payments to industry, businesses and public sector organisations, with district heating companies among DMS’s customers.

The company has moved into a 5,500 sq ft bespoke development which combines extensive warehouse space with two-storey offices. It has a customer reception area, training space for customers, a loading bay and car parking.

Mr Minns added:-

“We chose Chrysalis Way at Eastwood because it is less than four miles from Junction 26 of the M1, which gives us excellent road communications. But it is also within a few miles of our old site at Pinxton, which meant that our staff would not have to travel too far.”

The deal was completed by FHP Associate Director Laura West, a member of the consultancy’s office and industrial team. She said: “DMS is another great local success story, with an experienced team who are respected in their market and making the most of some strong opportunities.

“They have been looking for a site where they would be able to stamp their own identity on the property and Chrysalis Way fitted the bill. They have now transformed an unfinished building into something really impressive.’

She added:-

“DMS is the latest in a stream of growing, privately-owned businesses to bite the bullet and expand into new premises. We’ve seen a lot of positive economic news recently and I don’t think they’ll be the last.”

END

FHP Property Consultants have been appointed to dispose of the Watlow premises which is located on the popular Industrial Estate in Linby. The modern industrial/warehouse unit is fully fitted to include two storey contemporary offices which total 1,982m² (21,335ft²).

The site has great potential for further expansion (STP) on 1.033 hectares (2.55 acres).

Laura West, Associate Director at FHP commented:-

“The Watlow building brings about an exciting and very rare opportunity to the market and I am pleased to report that there has been strong interest to date.”

For further information or to arrange a viewing then please contact Laura on 07917 460029 or laura@fhp.co.uk.

END

Laura West

Initial marketing is now commencing on the sale of a substantial site on Newmarket Drive, just off Ascot Drive, one of the prime industrial and warehouse locations in Derby.

Tim Gilbertson of FHP has been instructed to dispose of the site which extends to approximately 1.64 acres.

Previously used for trade counter and storage purposes the building will suit any number of potential uses subject to planning consent with the building and site being set in a prime spot.

With the benefit of a very large secure surfaced site this is a rare opportunity for any potential occupier to secure a prime location with warehouse, storage and trade counter facilities all set on a very large secure site.

The buildings will be sold with vacant possession on a freehold basis and good levels of interest are anticipated. 

Early expressions of interest are sought and any party wishing to discuss or view should contact Tim Gilbertson on 01132 343222.

THE FINAL letting at Abbey Trade Park has been concluded by FHP Property Consultants and Innes England resulting in 100% tenant occupancy. 

Travis Perkins, one of the largest suppliers to the UK’s building and construction industry, has acquired a 13,000 sq ft industrial unit at the popular trade park in Mansfield, which now dominates the centre of the estate.

The company is part of the wider Travis Perkins Group which includes some of the leading brands within the building and home improvement markets, such as BSS Industrial, PTS, Keyline, City Plumbing Supplies, CCF, Wickes, Benchmarx, Tile Giant and Toolstation.  The Group has a combined national network of more than 1,900 stores and branches.

The UK construction market has been through a difficult period over recent years but the Travis Perkins merchant brand has managed to hold a steady course during that time.  The new site is one of the largest in the region for Travis Perkins.

Martin Beale, Regional Director, Travis Perkins, comments:-

“We’ve made significant investments in this great new branch, so we can offer all our customers in the Mansfield area the right products, in the right place, at the right price. And since we opened the doors of our Travis Perkins Mansfield branch on 1 May 2013, the fantastic location has helped us get off to a successful and very busy start!”

Scott Osborne from Innes England said:-

“We are delighted to see that Travis Perkins is continuing to thrive and to welcoming them to the trade park. I wish all the staff at the Mansfield branch, and their customers, all the best for the future.” 

Ian McRae at Chadwick McRae acted on behalf of Travis Perkins and identified the site quickly after the property had become available to the market. He commented:-

“I’m delighted that we were able to secure the property for Travis Perkins, and working with Abbeyfield Estates and their agents was very easy. Mansfield Council was of real assistance with everyone playing their part to make the deal happen.”

Joining Travis Perkins at Abbey Trade Park this year is one of the UK’s leading equipment hire company A-Plant. A-Plant were keen to secure premises in Mansfield close to other principal Trade Counter occupiers such as Screwfix. The move to the estate was integral to their overall expansion plans for the leading trade counter user.

The letting that was secured by Laura West, Associate Director at FHP Property consultants who commented:-

 “Abbey Trade Park has always proved a popular estate with both local and national occupiers. The units have grown in popularity with businesses wishing to sell to the trade from this prominent and accessible location, next to fellow trade counter operators.”

Steve Cole at Abbeyfield Estates, owner of the trade park, added:-

“We have been very pleased with the excellent service provided by our agents, and are delighted that Abbey Trade Park is now fully occupied.”

Abbey Trade Park is situated just off the A617 close to Mansfield and is five miles from the M1 and 14 miles from Nottingham. Other occupiers on the estate include Screwfix, Tru Plastics, Yesss Electrical and Hi-Q. 

Following the successful letting to Europcar at A1 Cranmer Road in July, FHP Property Consultants are delighted to announce the recent opening of General All Purposes Plastics at A2 Cranmer Road, Derby.

The opening of the new trade counter in Derby is their 30^th store across the Country expanding from Aberdeen to Hemel Hempstead. 

GAP is the leading stockist of UPVC building products including; fascia’s, soffits, gutters, windows, UPV cladding, conservatory roofs and door panels but to name a few.   Their ever extending business which now covers most parts of the Country provides installers access to leading brands including; Homeline, Lock Door, Composite Door and Cosmopolitan Door Panels. 

The unit at Cranmer Road extending to 550m² (5,921ft²) has been let on a new ten year lease. 

The refurbished units at Cranmer Road, off Pentagon Island are still seeing signs of great interest with a further unit under offer, due to complete in the next few weeks.  FHP truly believes the standard of refurbishment has benefitted the potential re-letting of these properties which is considered one of the best trade counter/industrial areas in Derby.

George Dunnicliff of FHP Property Consultants commented:-

“It is excellent to see another high calibre operator such as GAP opening in Derby and increasing their coverage across the UK.  This deal was facilitated via Nottingham, whereby GAP has halved the size of their current unit in order to meet increased demands in the Derby market.   I wish all the team at GAP the best of luck for the future.”

For further information on this letting or any other trade counter/industrial properties available in Derby then please contact George Dunnicliff or one of the team on 01332 343222.

Acting on behalf of London based property investment company Noak, Tim Gilbertson, Director of FHP, is pleased to confirm the sale of substantial warehouse premises on the edge of Nottingham.

Unit 2, Riverside Way sits prominently just off Queens Drive adjoining the River Trent and is highly visible when approaching the City Centre along one of its main arterial routes.

This feature alone made the building an attractive proposition to the market plus the fact that the building is set in a prime location for access to Nottingham’s Ring Road and the Motorway junctions but perhaps most importantly with the benefit of a large car park and even larger secure yard this building was always going to attract interest. 

Interest was quickly generated and a sale agreed with the legal documentation flying through within a matter of weeks. 

The marketing of the building was dealt with by Tim Gilbertson at FHP who commented:

“As soon as our clients instructed me upon this building I was delighted at the prospect of putting the opportunity to the market.  Nottingham remains bereft of quality industrial/warehouse space to purchase in this mid range sector and the fact that this building stood prominently just off one of the main routes into the City Centre, provided terrific access to Nottingham but more pertinently the Ring Road and perhaps most importantly of all benefitted from a large car park and yard, always made it an attractive proposition.

Therefore, from the off I was confident that we could achieve a sale at an attractive price and pleasingly this anticipated result came to fruition with the sale flying through in double quick time.

Nottingham’s lack of quality industrial and warehouse space to purchase or rent in this sector, particularly units with large yards which are always sought after, meant that this opportunity would be a valued commodity and I only wish that we had more properties such as this to market at present.  There is demand in the market place, I had to turn away two or three other potential purchasers and would be delighted to place similar property on the market for clients now, either new or old. 

Equally pleasing though was the fact that the purchaser was an expanding locally based company and I have no doubt that the building will serve them well for the future.

I can only reiterate the fact that the market does seem to be livening up even in this traditional holiday period and we are starting to see a few more properties coming to the market as well to meet the growing demand.  I would still like though to have more opportunities such as this one to market and would be delighted to hear from any potential clients.”

For further information or to contact Tim Gilbertson please call us on 0115 9507577. 

Further signs that the market is improving can again be viewed from the latest sale that Tim Gilbertson at FHP has completed on Codnor Gate Industrial Estate in Ripley.

Acting on behalf of private property company clients, the deal agreed has seen 43,000ft² of modern warehouse space sold to expanding local company, Eden Tyre Sales. 

At a time when there seems to be signs of increased demand in the market place for both freehold and leasehold industrial and warehouse space across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, this sale confirms that thought and reduces still further the supply of good quality stock available in the market.

The deal was brokered by Tim Gilbertson with ETS’s agent, Andrew Nichols of Gadsby Orridge.  Tim Gilbertson commented:

“This property was a rare visitor to the market, offering a large detached warehouse on a good sized site on an ever popular industrial estate in Ripley.  Having previously sold for the same client the adjoining site of over 100,000ft², when their tenant on this building vacated we were immediately charged with the responsibility of selling with equal speed. 

Pleasingly, ETS tyres were targeted through their agent and after a single viewing terms were quickly agreed and the deal progressed.

The ability to minimise the void period between the end of the former tenancy and the sale to the new occupier really was key to our client here and in achieving our goal of a quick sale we still secured a competitive price and managed to negate the impact of empty rates upon our clients. 

Equally pleasing is that the sale was concluded to a local company, Eden Tyre Sales Limited, and this will further help and strengthen their ever expanding business and we wish them well for the future.

Again we are seeing sensibly priced and good quality stock sell quickly as the squeeze on supply in the region continues to be felt.  With signs of increased demand now is certainly the time to bring property to the market and we are hopeful of announcing further new instructions and deals shortly.  As ever though, we are eager for more stock and for any parties considering a sale or letting of their premises then I would be delighted to speak with them.”

Tim Gilbertson acted on behalf Stainton Capital Limited and Director Hugo Jackson commented on the deal:

“Stainton are happy to recommend Tim having sold over 150,000ft² of units through him over a three year period.  Tim quickly found us a buyer for this unit and at a very competitive price.”

For further information on how FHP can help you sell or let your premises then please do not hesitate to call on 0115 9507577 or 01332 343222. 

With sporting glory, good weather and an economy, dare we say it, that is showing signs of improvement, the positive feel of Summer 2013 continues with deals being agreed and indeed done more quickly than for many years. 

With stock levels diminishing and rents and freehold prices starting to show signs of hardening further, postive news has come from Tim Gilbertson of FHP who has let modern warehouse space in Castle Donington within a matter of weeks of the building coming to the market. 

Instructed to bring the premises to the market in early April, a deal was agreed within a matter of days and within 3 months of marketing commencing not only has the lease completed but the tenant is now in occupation providing our client with income. 

Tim Gilbertson who dealt with the letting commented:

“There certainly does seem to be a more positive feel in the market place.  Good weather always helps and national pride seems to raise everyone’s mood and to compliment this it really does feel as if there may be positive news coming out of the property market.

Deals are being agreed, both freehold and leasehold, stock is starting to move, supplies are diminishing and interest levels are generally rising.

Whilst we all hope that The Ashes will bring further sporting glory over the rest of summer to compliment the British Lions and Andy Murray’s success, the more pressing need for the property market and its continued improvement are for more enquiries to come forward for properties to buy or rent and indeed more space coming to the market to meet the growing demand.

What a pleasure to write a positive press release about the market hopefully improving and ideally this trend will continue for the remainder of the year and indeed the foreseeable future.”

Tim Gilbertson acted on behalf of local property investors RMJ Estates and their spokesman commented:

“Our unit was vacated last Christmas time and we continued to instruct a national agent that had been trying to assign the original lease on behalf of our former tenants.  As soon as this lease had expired, we looked at the market place locally and turned to Tim at FHP as he had been recommended to us, and had offices in both Nottingham and Derby.  We were then delighted to secure such a big name tenant in a relatively short period of time.  Tim’s friendly and approachable manner coupled with his professional skills have produced a very favourable result for our partnership.”

Tim Gilbertson concluded by adding:

“With demand increasing the squeeze now is on supply and despite the onset of the Summer Holidays I really do hope that we will have the opportunity to place more property on the market across all sectors and throughout the East Midlands to meet what we hope will continue to remain growing demand.  I would welcome discussions with any potential clients on that basis and be delighted to provide them with marketing advice without commitment.”

For more information on the deal and to see how FHP could help you dispose of your property please contact the team on 0115 9507577 or 01332 343222.

A Midlands property consultancy left the economy’s doldrums behind to record one of its most successful ever years in 2012.

FHP, led by founding directors David Hargreaves and John Proctor, was involved in a series of landmark deals in key commercial property markets which saw it play a major role in transactions worth more than £120 million in sales or lettings.

The deals – which involved projects which have helped create or safeguard more than 2,000 jobs – saw FHP dominate key markets. In the central Nottingham office market alone, it accounted for nearly 50 per cent of deals measured by either number or square footage in 2012. And this success came in the wake of a previous year when it had been responsible for a third of deals.

Across office, industrial and retail markets FHP has been involved in nearly all the major instructions, ranging from a major office letting at Castle Wharf through to giant distribution warehouse developments alongside the M1 corridor for High Street giants.

John Proctor says the scale of the activity that FHP has been involved in is the result of a long-term strategy coming to fruition. He commented: “It was obvious even before the credit crunch that the property market had to find a more sustainable way forward, and we began to focus on long-term relationships rather than individual opportunities some time ago.

“We have been able to forge some productive partnerships as a result, and it has been a privilege to work alongside some incredibly professional development teams whose commitment and experience has led to the successful delivery of ambitious projects which have made their mark on the regional economy.”

Those projects include two giant industrial warehouses delivered on behalf of Clowes Developments for High Street giants Marks & Spencer and Co-operative Food. The two projects account for nearly 2000 jobs between them. But Tim Gilbertson, who is a senior member of FHP’s office and industrial team, says experience at all levels of the market have proved just as important to the firm’s success as the landmark deals.

He commented: “What matters to vendors or potential occupiers is not so much the state of the wider market as the strategy that is going to help them navigate their way through that market and achieve their objectives. Despite the challenges, and the dearth of new development, there are growing businesses that need room to expand and sites that have the potential to accommodate them. We’ve got the experience and market intelligence to find solutions.”

Gilbertson is part of one of the most experienced commercial property teams in the Midlands, and John Proctor says a consultancy that is now within sight of its quarter century has grown more than anything else because it has invested in its own surveyors.

“There are all sorts of measures of success in the commercial property market, but you can’t argue with simple square feet, particularly when it involves so many high-profile developments and prominent deals,” he said. “Whether it’s a third of the deals or half of them, we’re thrilled by these results.

“What makes me particularly proud is that this is also a consequence of the efforts we’ve made to develop our own people. Alongside Tim we have people like James Hartley and Laura West, who have developed an encyclopaedic knowledge of key parts of the East Midlands market, and Mark Tomlinson, who has won two EGi awards already, even though he is one of the youngest members of the team.”

During 2012, FHP secured sales worth £11m and lettings worth £3m per annum in the office market; sales worth £18m and lettings worth £18m per annum in the industrial market; and sales worth £70m and lettings worth £6m per annum in the retail market.

Only a few weeks ago, FHP won a competitive pitch to become joint agent for Intu Properties on its planned refurbishment and expansion of the Intu Victoria Shopping Centre in Nottingham. Earlier this month, both the retail and office and industrial teams won EGi Most Active Agent awards for Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire in the first quarter of 2013.

The success of Castlewood Business Park located at Junction 28 of the M1 Motorway at its intersection with the A38, shows no signs of abating after the latest deal was confirmed by agent Tim Gilbertson of FHP.

After a stunning 2012 which saw the successful letting of a new national distribution centre to the Co-op of 475,000ft², together with further deals for expanding local occupiers Midland Aerospace at 40,000ft² and Meridian Lightweight Technologies at 60,000ft², a further deal has now been completed with renowned Derby based train maker Bombardier taking on a building of 25,000ft² on the site. 

This latest deal will see a relocation by Bombardier in Mansfield to Castlewood with the occupier drawn to the location due to its prime road links and the high quality of space available.

By bringing a further household name to the park, its profile will no doubt rise still further and with over 60 acres of land still available for new build units there is still plenty of supply to keep up with demand.

Sole agent for the site Tim Gilbertson of FHP who secured the deal commented:

“The attraction of a major occupier such as Bombardier to the site further enhances Castlewood’s burgeoning reputation.

2012 was a standout year for the park with two local occupiers taking over 100,000ft² together with a further letting to the Co-op of nearly half a million sq ft.

The latest deal whilst somewhat smaller at 25,000ft² is no less significant and it sees a major local occupier take space on the park in direct response to the prime location offered, the quality of space and the growing reputation that the site commands. 

Various discussions continue with other potential occupiers for the site and with over 60 acres of land left for development we can still accommodate requirements from as little as 20,000ft² on either a purchase or rental basis. 

I would warmly welcome any further interest from occupiers already in the area or indeed those looking to relocate and take advantage of the location which cannot be matched in the region, the site literally adjoining the M1 at Junction 28 and therefore providing terrific east west links as well via the A38 too.”

Development Manager of Clowes Developments, James Richards, Commented:

“This is another significant deal for Castlewood, despite the wider difficult market conditions.  We are particularly delighted as we have concluded this deal on what was the only remaining unit on the site. 

We are pleased that this deal signifies a new chapter in Castlewood’s recent history and we are now considering our options as to how to bring new stock into the market.  The addition of Bombardier to the mix of occupiers on site is an example of yet another UK manufacturer who has chosen Castlewood as a base for expanding their business.  Bombardier, coupled with Midland Aerospace and Meridian Lightweight Technologies, means that we now have overall 125,000 sq ft of space afforded to new manufacturing within the automotive and aerospace industries.”

Simon Griffiths, Commercial Property Solicitor at Flint Bishop in Derby dealt with the legal necessities for the deal and commented:

“We negotiated and drafted the lease and licence for alterations to the existing Clowes building and helped bring the deal to a successful conclusion. This is another important success for the Castlewood site and highlights Clowes’ skill in developing property solutions that are tailored to the needs of local industry.”

The relocation of Bombardier from older stock in Mansfield to their new base at Castlewood will improve their efficiency and customer service and General Manager for BTRos, Stephen Hutt, commented:

“Bombardier Electronics Division view the move to the new facility as a step forward in the growth of the business. The new building presents a major opportunity to further develop our manufacturing and engineering capabilities in the supply of high-tech electronics solutions to the rail industry and beyond. The state of the art facility is reflective of our business and the prime location will enhance our ability to support customers. We look forward to taking ownership upon completion of the relocation from our existing premises.”

For further information on the site and to discuss how Castlewood could become your company’s new home please contact Tim Gilbertson at FHP on 0115 9507577. 

Wilson Bowden Developments, Blenheim Park, Nottingham’s only prime new build industrial and warehouse scheme, set just off Junction 26 of the M1, has welcomed the arrival of Arden Winch, the market leading supplier of personal protective equipment as the latest occupier to the development.

The deal concluded has seen the sale of prime new build space to Arden Winch for the expansion and relocation of their Nottingham base to complement their other supply stations around the Country.

The Company has been attracted to Blenheim as a result of its terrific links to both the centre of Nottingham via the A610 and the wider region via Junction 26 of the M1 Motorway, Blenheim Park represents the only speculatively constructed new build warehouse and industrial space immediately available on the market in a prime location in and around the Nottingham area, with units from 563m² (6,060ft²) to 2,170m² (23,364ft²) still on a leasehold or purchase basis. 

Equally though, site owners and developers Wilson Bowden Developments are keen to press on and further encourage larger new build units on a design and build basis.  With the site having over 17 acres left undeveloped it can accommodate units of up to 200,000ft² on the site either to purchase or rent.  New units could though be constructed from as little as 30,000ft² upwards as Blenheim really is the place to be in terms of deliverability and prime space in a location unrivalled within the county. 

Development Director of Wilson Bowden Developments, Stephen Pedrick Moyle commented:

“I was delighted to see this deal complete and another unit occupied on the estate.

Demand is certainly picking up and we expect the final units to let or sell shortly but the key benefit with Blenheim Park is the ability to offer design and build solutions on either a purchase or rental basis for any occupier from as little as 30,000ft² up to 150,000ft².

We have a number of enquiries that we are talking to and hopefully we will be able to bring good news shortly.”

Agents for the scheme are Tim Gilbertson of FHP and James Keeton of Jones Lang LaSalle in Nottingham with the recent deal to Arden Winch being concluded by Tim Gilbertson.

Tim Gilbertson commented:

“It was good to see a locally based company expanding and relocating to Blenheim and another deal being concluded.  Attracted to the site by virtue of its superb transport links and the availability of literally the only new build space in the region, it is these characteristics which are encouraging further interest in the scheme at present.

We have the ability to let or sell the existing buildings and with the wide range of existing units available plus also the ability to deliver design and build solutions within a very quick period, provided by an experienced and well funded developer we really are in a strong position as the market continues to show signs of activity in early 2013.

Stock levels in the County are limited and we are seeing more and more a trend for design and build enquires to be received and indeed buildings being procured in this fashion.

With Blenheim having over 17 acres undeveloped and our ability to provide bespoke opportunities to the industrial and warehouse market from 30,000ft² upwards, we very much hope that the continuing trend of design and build deals will remain throughout the year and that we will be bringing news of further developments on this front at Blenheim shortly.”

Arden Winch are one of the leading suppliers of PPE to businesses throughout the Country and Managing Director Steve Barker commented: 

“We are delighted to have secured new premises for our Nottingham expansion to offer a first class service to existing and new clients alike. Blenheim Park offered a freehold opportunity in an established and expanding location with good accessibility ideally suited to our business needs.” 

Arden Winch were represented and guided through the purchase process by Neil Hartley of Lorne Estates who commented: 

“Arden Winch had a specific brief and timescale in which to secure premises for their expansion and we were able to deliver against those objectives in securing their new property at Blenheim Park. With a limited number of suitable properties in the market place for Companies such as this looking to expand,  it is important to spot the opportunity and drive the deal to closure, the positive attitude of all concerned in this transaction allowed us to successfully achieve that.” 

For further information on the availability of units at Blenheim Park please contact Tim Gilbertson of FHP for any of the existing buildings or to discuss the possibility of a design a build solution being provided on either a purchase or rental basis.

Property consultants FHP who have just been awarded the EGI most active agents in Derby and Derbyshire are able to announce the letting of unit A1 Cranmer Road to Europcar, who are one of Europe’s largest car rental services companies.  The letting at West Meadows Industrial Estate is the first letting on the estate since property consultants FHP recommended to the landlord, London & Cambridge Properties to refurbish the vacant units in order to increase their likelihood of attracting tenants.

The refurbished units that are located on Cranmer Road off Pentagon Island have only just been completed and interest in the units has increase by a vast amount. Within a matter of weeks of the work being completed FHP have been able to announce this deal to Europcar as they recently moved from their current premises on Beckett Street.  FHP hope to be announcing the completion of other deal on both A2 and A3 Cranmer Road in the not too distant future as terms have been agreed.  This will leave only three units left on the increasingly popular trade estate.

 George Dunnicliff of FHP property consultants commented:

“This is the type of letting that makes our jobs worthwhile.  The Estate is well known and is sat in a prominent position off one of the main arterial routes to Derby so our clients could not understand why they had not been obtaining the levels of interest that the estate deserved.

Our advice all along had been to carry out a high calibre refurbishment to the space to make sure that it presented itself in the best light possible.  We were convinced that it was purely the presentation of the space that was putting people off committing to the space.  It took some time to convince them that this was the right move to make.

In a time where natural instincts tell you to be cautious and conserve money it was something of a leap of faith for our clients to carry out this work.  Thankfully they have listened and the decision seems to have been vindicated with this letting and we are experiencing an upturn in interest at the moment.  

Attracting a tenant of the calibre of Europcar should also help us secure further interest in the remaining units as they are bound to lift the whole estate.”

George continued to explain:

 “This is a trend we are seeing throughout the market in every sector across the East Midlands.  Properties that are brought to the market that present well are letting or being sold.  In a market place full of uncertainty and low levels of demand the companies that are moving are looking to get the best possible return for their rent.  Over and above this a building that presents badly gives potential tenants the impression that the building has not been looked after in the past and may lead to on-going repair issues and costs in the future for the a new tenant.  Low levels of demand mean the market in general is dominated by the tenant so it really is a case of not giving a potential occupier a reason to look at other stock.

In many cases such as at Cranmer Road it is often the case that when you look at the expenditure on the refurbishment upfront it is often a lot less than the holding costs of a building and we can help here as well whilst it is empty.  It is just a matter of having faith that the money is being spent in the right way and the right areas.

In some instances the work does not have to be extensive as the appeal of a unit can be transformed as easily as painting the floor and walls, ensuring the space is completely cleaned throughout and all the lighting and heating are working. 

In other sectors this is evident on offices such as Pentagon House owned by Loxden Developments where they carried out a first class refurbishment of the space and within a matter of months were able to attract a tenant of the quality of Balfour Beatty and when you think they had their pick of offices throughout much of the East Midlands they were drawn here by a mixture of its location and high presentation.

The way I like to explain it is to think about when you sell your house you would always want it looking its best for potential purchasers and a commercial property should be no different.

If your property has stuck on the market for some time whilst it could be a number of different factors that affect its performance but a lot of the time it will be down to its presentation which not only translates on viewings with potential tenants but also on the marketing material that an agent can use.  

If you would like any advice on how to increase the marketability of your property then I would be more than happy to come and meet with you.”

Approximately 2 months ago FHP Property Consultants were instructed to market and manage the Ropewalk Industrial Estate in Ilkeston, a multi occupied industrial estate comprising 43 industrial units in a range of sizes particularly suited to small and medium sized businesses in the local area. Since the time of instructions FHP have completed three lettings on the estate and have two further units under offer representing excellent levels of demand especially considering the economic conditions.

Mark Tomlinson of FHP Property Consultants commented:- 

“When we took over the management and agency of this estate it was clear that there were good quality units on offer here but there was a lack of awareness on the estate and too many hurdles for prospective tenants. In the current market it is of paramount importance to cater to local businesses’ needs and offer a service whereby tenants can achieve easy occupation on flexible lease terms in a matter of days rather than weeks or months.

We drafted a standard lease for the estate and I believe that it is this flexibility which has enabled us to achieve these lettings in such a short period of time.”

David Powell of FHP Property Consultants who manages the estate commented:- 

“This estate is an established trading location and offers good accommodation at competitive prices to the local business community.

We are hoping to add to the appeal of the estate with our synergy between departments, and we have already identified and made savings on the occupational costs.”

The start of 2013 has certainly seen an increase in the demand in the market place from purchasers and tenants alike for warehouse and industrial stock around Nottingham and indeed Nottinghamshire.  Activity has increased, supply remains low and therefore when a sought after opportunity becomes available then given even the state of the overall economy demand can be generated and sales can be achieved quickly.

With our statistics again for the first quarter of 2013 showing increased demand and take up could we prove the statistics right by achieving a quick sale on this rare opportunity, a large site and premises on Daleside Road at Colwick?  Too right we could!

Tim Gilbertson of FHP was appointed by Jewson Limited to sell their surplus former timber trade depot at Daleside Road, Colwick which offered a variety of buildings totalling nearly 40,000ft² on a large site of 2.79 acres.

Whilst in need of general upgrade and improvement, this site was a rare visitor to the market offering substantial hardstanding, a large secure site, prominence to one of the main routes into Nottingham and at a price which reflected the nature of the buildings.

As such it was anticipated that by judicious marketing strong demand could be created and this proved to be the case as Tim Gilbertson commented:

“I was delighted to act on Jewson’s behalf in this disposal having disposed of various instructions on their behalf in the past but I was particularly pleased to put this opportunity to the market as I was confident from my first inspection that a sale could be achieved quickly and at a competitive price despite the wider economic doom and gloom.

Large sites around Nottingham with a low site density are very few and far between so from previous experience I was confident that with appropriate marketing for this unit demand could be swiftly generated and a sale quickly concluded.

Our marketing was always designed to achieve this goal and pleasingly as a result of my efforts we were flooded with interest from the off, interest that was created by targeting appropriate occupiers who would have need for a site with limited buildings and large hardstanding areas.  This ultimately saw us receive an acceptable offer from the eventual purchasers, Silverdale Coaches.   

By pricing the building realistically rather than as some agents may do and over inflate the price we were able to encourage interest and achieve a better price than could realistically have been achieved should we have started at a much higher asking price. 

As a result both purchaser and vendor are delighted with the sale and I am particularly pleased that our approach to marketing proved so fruitful.

The new owners, Silverdale Coaches, will use the site for their continued business success and expansion and we wish them very well for the future.

Managing Director of Silverdale Coaches, Shaun Doherty commented:

“When we saw that Tim and FHP were marketing this site it was immediately of interest to us for the continued success and expansion of our business.  Coincidently, Tim Gilbertson had sold us our current site roughly 10 years ago and we were delighted that we could purchase an opportunity from a client of his.

Whilst in the short term we will be looking to let out surplus accommodation on the site and we have appointed FHP to act on our behalf to do this, ultimately it forms part of our long term strategy for the continued success and expansion of our business. 

With our fleet of vehicles now numbering over 60 and the business growing as a result of our attention to detail and customer care we needed additional space and this site will allow us to expand in a controlled and sensible fashion whilst still providing a first rate service for our clients.

In a similar vein, Tim and his colleagues at FHP have been a pleasure to deal with throughout, quickly and courteously answering any questions and dealing with any queries we have had.  As a result we have appointed them in order to dispose of surplus space in the short term and no doubt they will be equally successful in this regard too. 

Tim Gilbertson added:

“In conclusion whilst the market does remain undoubtedly difficult in some sectors there is strong activity and limited supply.  As a result of the marketing of this opportunity I have a large list of other potential purchasers for similar stock in the Nottinghamshire area and if any parties are thinking of bringing sites and buildings to the market then I would be delighted to hear from them and take advantage of this database of interested parties we have created on the back of this sale.”

FHP Property Consultants are pleased to announce that the refurbishment works at West 28 are now completed!

West 28 is the latest in a series of developments by PMW Property Developments. The estate which is now known as West 28, is the latest site on the long established.  Clover Nook Industrial Estate and offers direct access to the Midlands main strategic road network through a location right next to the A38.

The site comprises four units totalling 74,000 square feet of space, the units ranging in size from 7,500 to 40,000 sq ft. They can be bought or rented on flexible terms, include office space and will be suitable for a range of uses looking for a modern, professional location which has fast access to the key east-west and north-south road networks.

It is a rare opportunity to rent or buy high-quality space in a market where the lack of new build Industrial space has meant well-located premises are few and far between, says Mike Wrigley. “This is a market where you really do have to move fast, all the way from developers securing opportunities with good potential to occupiers finding the right site.

“The area around Junction 28 is, if anything, even more competitive because there are so many small to medium-sized businesses who have been holding back during the downturn but are desperate to expand. We have developed sites on both sides of Junction 28 and they have done remarkably well, despite the downturn. That is testimony to the underlying strength of the local economy.”

West 28 is being jointly marketed by Laura West, of the Nottingham property consultancy FHP and Sean Bremner, Lambert Smith Hampton’s Nottingham office. Laura West, who has acted for Mike Wrigley on a number of other developments, says she is expecting strong interest in the new development.

“This is one of the largest sites to have come on to the market for some time, and all the signs are that the space is going to be snapped up pretty quickly. It ticks all the boxes in terms of location, size and quality and the fact that it is being developed under the PMW banner gives it considerable added credibility.

“We are regularly being contacted by businesses who need to expand but just can’t find the space because so little new build is coming on the market. I think they’re going to sit up and take notice when they see that it’s PMW developing West 28 because they know it will be a sensible, high quality refurbishment which brings space to the market which is pretty much plug and go. We have hardly started marketing yet the inquiries have already started.”

Sean Bremner added: “What few people realise is that the East Midlands economy has remained remarkably strong during the downturn, with global manufacturers and their associated supply chains keeping regional business ticking over at a healthy level.

“That has filtered down to SME territory, where there is a tradition in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire of well-run privately-owned firms who always operate within their means. The result is a surprisingly high demand for good quality industrial space, especially in locations which link up to the A38 and M1.  West 28 is an excellent site and we think the flexible terms are going to prove very attractive to a wide range of potentials occupiers.”

END

‘Knowledge is power’ goes the saying and in this case that certainly proved to be a pertinent phrase after Tim Gilbertson of FHP brokered a deal on behalf of long standing private investor clients for the sale of their premises on Dabell Avenue at Blenheim Industrial Estate just off Junction 26 of the M1 Motorway.

Having purchased the building sometime ago for investor clients, Tim Gilbertson was then about to embark upon a marketing campaign but knowing a number of parties in the market for space such as this, off market approaches were made and as a result a deal was concluded without any marketing being required.  Knowledge of the market provided an opportunity which suited the vendor in terms of the speed of which a sale was agreed along with the lack of void period and marketing costs, and the purchaser for being able to secure an opportunity before it hit the market. 

Tim Gilbertson commented:

“Even in these difficult times there are always parties in the market looking for space and it is essential that as agents we keep in touch with these parties so that we know as and when an opportunity becomes available that we can hopefully have a purchaser or tenant lined up.

This has always been the FHP approach and I am delighted that once again it has yielded dividends for both vendor and purchaser alike. 

By knowing our market, knowing the occupiers and being able to identify a purchaser prior to marketing, we have saved the vendor time and costs and provided the purchaser with an opportunity ideal for their needs.  A great result all round. 

The building sits in a prime location on Blenheim Industrial Estate and after I purchased this for our clients in 2012, the ability to quickly turn around the building and sell it on is again testament to the market knowledge we have. 

All agents can offer marketing campaigns but I believe we are firmly at the head of the queue in terms of the effort put into knowing our market and knowing the purchasers and tenants within it in the hope of brining a vendor and purchaser together at the earliest possible time. 

As stock levels now decline and with the market showing signs of activity I am keen to bring other opportunities to the market and would be delighted to go and see any building owners and landlords to try and help utilise our market knowledge to find tenants and purchasers alike.”

Vendor Gillian Merritt commented:

“Tim at FHP has acted on my behalf now for well over 10 years and during that time he has effectively become my Property Director from afar!

He has bought and sold investments for me, re-housed my various businesses and bought both on and off market opportunities to me, all of which have been a terrific success.

His market knowledge and experience in this sector are invaluable and I cannot recommend his services highly enough.

I look forward to working with Tim and FHP once again in the very near future.”

The building has been purchased by Micro Mesh Filtration, and their Managing Director, James Underwood, commented on how the building will enable them to continue their expansion and growth in Nottingham:

“These are exciting times for Micro Mesh Filtration as we continue to expand our client base including substantial orders we have in the emerging markets of the world including the burgeoning economy of Brazil.

As a result of our continued growth and planned expansion it was essential for us to find a new base.  What sounded a simple task on paper proved tricky as we needed to stay within close proximity to our former home to ensure that our valued staff were retained and well looked after whilst also providing us with a home not only for the here and now but also one that we could extend in years to come. 

Tim Gilbertson at FHP has acted on our behalf in various property matters for any number of years and when he offered us the chance to purchase the perfect opportunity off market from another client this really did seem to be the ideal solution for one and all. 

Now that we own the building that remains very much the case and our new base of 15,000ft² is our ideal property solution.  Tim knew of our requirements and this building satisfies them all as we will be investing heavily in the premises, updating and expanding it still further to provide us with a home for both the short and long term future. 

The building and room for growth enables us now to focus firmly on our business expansion plans with all property requirements met now for many years to come.”

For full information on this deal please speak to Tim Gilbertson at FHP on 0115 9507577. 

Modern production space, limited offices, a good quality building on a large site, these were the requirements of Bespoke Building & Joinery Projects Limited as they look to expand from their previous base in Mansfield.  Armed with this information, Tim Gilbertson of FHP quickly provided them with their perfect property solution, refusing to be outfoxed by their specific requirements, eventually housing Bespoke at Fox Covert Way on Crown Farm Industrial Estate in Mansfield. 

The deal agreed sees this good quality building let to Bespoke for a 5 year term to enable them to continue with their planned expansion and growth of the business whilst securing for the landlord long term income from a good covenant.

The deal was put together by Tim Gilbertson of FHP who commented:

“It is very rewarding when expanding local companies take space as was the case with this particular letting.  Bespoke provided specific requirements and we were delighted to be able to come up with the perfect solution for them with the letting of this modern unit on Fox Covert Way in Mansfield.

Well positioned just off Southwell Road, a deal was quickly agreed and whilst the legals took a little longer than would have been perfect, through no fault of the landlord or tenant, the deal was agreed and Bespoke will be moving into their new burrow on Fox Covert Way very soon!”

This further letting shows again the activity that there has been in the first quarter of 2013 and with stock levels diminishing and demand showing further signs of improving now is the time to consider a marketing campaign for any potential landlords or sellers in the market place.

Tim Gilbertson further commented:

“Certainly we are seeing stock levels drop as there has been little or no speculatively constructed space come to the market over the last few years which is understandable given the ongoing economic difficulties.  However with the economy showing signs of life and demand certainly picking up there may come a situation soon where demand will outstrip supply and we will see potential deals frustrated by the lack of quality stock not the lack of quality tenants and purchasers.

We continue to add stock on a weekly basis to our listings but as ever more is required as the last position we want to be in as a Practice is seeing potential tenants or purchasers failing to secure property due to a lack of availability. 

I would be delighted to provide, without commitment or cost initially, marketing advice to any potential clients, new or old.     

A business which makes sure luxury car owners are sitting comfortably is in the driving seat for expansion after a move into bigger premises on a popular industrial estate.

Seat Design Company, known as SDC, designs the seats which sit inside cars like the Bentley Continental GT Cabrio and the Aston Martin Rapide, is moving in a larger home at the Amber Business centre in Riddings.

The move will see it more than double the amount of space it occupies. Where it previously leased a 10,500 sq ft unit, it is now taking on more than 25,000 sq ft of space in a deal secured by the Nottingham property consultancy FHP, with NG Chartered Surveyors acting as joint agents.

SDC said it was keen to stay in the area so that it could maintain the skill and expertise of its existing team – which has increased from 20 to 31 over the last 12 months thanks to a series of new business wins that have driven its growth.

Tim Walker, the finance director of SDC and one of the founders of the business, said:-

“I’d known for a while that we needed bigger space.  We are really happy with the Amber Business Centre, and luckily there was a bigger unit available. The company was set up 10 years ago and we’ve been at the centre since the beginning.”

“This move is a really big moment for us. We’ve worked hard over the last 10 years to establish a strong reputation as a specialist seat designer with low volume manufacture capability, and it’s really paying off. We’ve just won new contracts in the automotive, rail and medical sectors, hence why we need more space.”

SDC designs seats, builds prototypes and can also manufacture in low volumes. Some of the prestige projects it has worked on include designing and producing prototype rear seats for the Bentley Continental GT Cabrio in the space of two weeks, and designing and developing the rear seats for the Rapide, Aston Martin’s return to four-door motoring.

The high-tech company also carries out work for aerospace giants such as BAE Systems and major manufacturers like Lear Corporation.

Tim added:-

“I think the reason we’ve been so successful is because we invest heavily in staff training and equipment. This year we’re investing over £100,000 in new equipment which will further increase our manufacturing capability and we have plans to invest another £100,000 later this year.”

Laura West, of FHP, commented:-

“SDC is just one of many success stories at the Amber Business Centre. “We’ve got a real mix of fantastic local and national companies on this estate, including ETS, Parker Knoll and Bow Distribution and Warehousing. The estate has a mix of small and large units, so it offers a flexible option for growing companies”

“I’m really pleased for SDC – its success is well deserved, and it’s great that the business has been able to grow with the Amber Business Centre. Before the move into the current unit, the company occupied a number of smaller units, which it had gradually acquired over the last few years. This step-by-step approach can help take away a company’s growing pains.”

Henry Henson, from NG Chartered Surveyors, added:-

“The Amber Business Centre is a popular destination for local businesses. Importantly it is close to the A38 and A610 as well as junctions 26, 27 and 28 of the M1, which is key to the success of the companies at the estate.”

Since the current landlord took on the estate three years ago the occupancy rate has risen from 60 per cent to just over 90 per cent.

The Amber Business centre is managed by Commercial Estates Group (CEG), which has focused on offering support and flexible lease terms to tenants.

Antonia Martin-Wright, asset manager with CEG, said:-

“We pride ourselves on offering small and medium sized businesses good value and support to help them develop.

“Our lease terms are flexible, and we can arrange for rents to be paid at times that suit our tenants. It’s the simple things like this that can really help companies like SDC – a great example of one of the businesses that has grown with us.”

55 out of 58 units on the estate are now fully let and both Laura and Henry say they are aiming for 100 per cent occupancy of the estate by the summer.

END

One of the biggest names in ground engineering is building the foundations for growth in a new site at Kirkby-in-Ashfield. Van Elle, an award-winning business known in the industry for its advanced piling and foundation techniques, is expanding into a major new location based on an old industrial site close which is only four miles from the M1 motorway.

The move is being made after a deal secured on Van Elle’s behalf by Tim Gilbertson, a director in the commercial and industrial team at the Nottingham property consultancy FHP.

Currently based in Pinxton, Van Elle will mark its 30^th anniversary in business next year, having been founded in 1984 by company chairman Michael Ellis. It has become an award-winning business hailed as one of the best in the ground engineering industry and renowned for its expertise in sustainable geotechnical engineering.

It was named Specialist Ground Engineering Constructor of the year in 2011, and worked its way into the Sunday Telegraph Top 100 Businesses rankings.  It has managed to not only retain its clients but expand during the downturn, and asked FHP to help it find a new site which would give it room for further expansion.

Through FHP, it has now acquired an old industrial site at Summit Close, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, which was once the home of Charcon Tunnels. The 4.5 acres site comprises two parcels of vacant land just of Southwell Road. Over time, Van Elle plans to modify the site to suits its own purposes.

Tim Gilbertson said: “Van Elle is a market leader and without a doubt one of the real business success stories of the region. It is known across construction industry for its expertise in ground assessment, piling and foundation techniques. Increasing numbers of customers have bought into tis quality-led approach and that means the business needed a new site to expand. They are a specialist business and they gave us a pretty exacting brief when it came to finding an appropriate site. The deal that has eventually been agreed was a complex one which took time to put together, but the site at Summit Close is a substantial one and offers the capacity for them to fulfil their growth ambitions for the next decade and beyond.

“Summit Close is very well connected being less than a mile from the A38, which links straight into the M1 motorway at Junction 28. This area has been one of the most active in the industrial market for a while now and the Van Elle deal is another illustration of the whole area’s popularity.”

Jon Fenton, Chief Executive of Van Elle, explained the background to the deal. He said: “We set FHP an exacting task because the nature of our work means we required a site which would meet some specific requirements. I’m pleased to say that their knowledge of the area and experience in doing deals thee was a major factor in us securing this site. On that basis, we would have no hesitation in working with FHP again.”

Tim Gilbertson concluded: “Despite the fact that it continues to be a difficult climate, we are being asked more and more to acquire space on behalf of businesses which require industrial and warehouse space, whether it is leasehold or freehold. We have been particularly active in the wider area around the M1 corridor for some time now, building up a depth of market knowledge which is not available elsewhere.

“This knowledge is proving invaluable for our clients, who are looking at a market where opportunities appear to be few and far between. We know where the real opportunities are, which means we can identify solutions for our clients. This is taking a problem off the hands of managing directors and finance directors who have already got enough on their plates without having to source, negotiate and acquire the property they need to grow.”