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.”

Acting on behalf of LCP Properties, FHP is delighted to announce the refurbishment works have now been completed at A1 Cranmer Road, West Meadows Industrial Estate. On completion on the works the unit was handed over to Europcar who are themselves commencing their own bespoke fit out in order to occupy.

Europcar a leading international automotive rental company have taken the end terrace unit fronting Pentagon Island which also benefits from a large storage yard. The unit which provides a floor area of 459.12m² (4,942ft²) has been taken a new 10 year straight lease.

Europcar who are currently located on Beckett Street, Derby have taken this new larger facility to cater for their expansion plans in Derby. The new home will provide them with a show room, customer services, storage and wash down facility. Their fit out works are due to be completed within the next couple of months.

George Dunnicliff at FHP Property Consultants acting on behalf of LCP Properties commented:

“I am delighted to see the refurbishment works have now been completed down at Cranmer Road allowing for Europcar to take occupation in and fit the building out to their require specification. LCP Properties have made an excellent job in refurbishing the former Peugeot showroom and I am sure once Europcar have fitted out this property will provide an excellent new home and allow them to continue to offer their automotive rental service within the Derby Market.”

Further information on this letting will follow once Europcar take occupation.

For further information on this letting, other units available at Cranmer Road, or the wider Derby market please contact George Dunnicliff at FHP on 01332 343 222 or george@fhp.co.uk.

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.

An ambitious electrical wholesaler, a car servicing franchise, an automotive paint repair franchise and a plastics firm have all taken units at Abbey Trade Park in Mansfield – bringing it to 100% occupancy.

Property agents FHP Property Consultants and Innes England have successfully secured the deals in what has been an active period of lettings, echoing the demand for smaller industrial units at this popular development.

Hi Q, the award-winning car servicing franchise, has over 170 units nationwide and has moved into Unit 1 at the development.

YESSS Electrical, a new electrical wholesaler, intends to expand quickly with ambitious plans to open up a further 80 sites over the coming year.

ChipsAway has established a new base to provide car body and paintwork repairs.

Tru Plastics has also chosen Abbey Trade Park as the location to grow its business. The supplier of PVC building products has been in the Mansfield area since the business started five years ago.

Acting on behalf of Abbeyfield Estates, FHP Property Consultants and Innes England brought the four businesses to the popular trading estate on Hermitage Lane, which is already home to tenant Screwfix.

Scott Osborne, associate director at Innes England, said: “The four lettings so close together suggests the demand for this type of industrial unit is holding steady.

“All companies are experiencing considerable growth and needed premises that can support their plans. The lets give the new tenants 4,000 sq ft of space each and accommodation comprises of warehouse space with roller shutter doors, clean span space and extensive parking.

“Abbey Trade Park is a good accessible location and I wish Tru Plastics, YESSS Electrical, ChipsAway and Hi Q all the best for the future.”

“Debra Robinson, Managing Director at Hi Q Mansfield said: “I’m thrilled with our new premises. Hi Q is expanding quickly and we needed a location that had great transport links in the Mansfield area and accommodation that suited our needs as a company.”

The trade park is situated just off the A617 close to Mansfield and is only five miles from the M1and 14 miles from Nottingham.

Laura West, surveyor at FHP Property Consultants, commented: “The success story at Abbey Trade Park over the last 12 months in my opinion makes this estate the best performing trade park within Nottinghamshire. All four tenants appear to be trading well and we wish them every success for the future in this first class location.”

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

END

Whilst Monday 11 February will be remembered around the world as the day a Pope resigned, at Clowes Developments Castlewood site it will be remembered as the day Unit 4A was handed over to new occupiers, Midland Aerospace.

With the deal agreed and documented some months ago, the end of 2012 and early 2013 saw the building completely remodelled so that bespoke two storey offices were fitted out throughout the entirety of the unit for the benefit of the new tenants, Midland Aerospace. 

Photographed in the finished building, enjoying the snowy outlook are James Richards, Development Manager of Clowes Developments and Tim Gilbertson of FHP who had agreed the deal on Clowes behalf.

Midland Aerospace become the latest occupier of Castlewood in addition to the Co-op and their unit of 475,000ft² and further local occupier, Meridian Lightweight Technology who occupy a new build unit of 60,000ft² on the same park.

With the adjoining 25,000ft² unit ‘under offer’, Castlewood is really showing its versatility, being an attractive destination to both national distributors and household names as it is to smaller, well established companies seeking prime accommodation which remains easily accessible for both local staff and the national transport network.

With ongoing discussions with three other parties at present for design and build solutions on the site, hopefully 2013 as a whole will be remembered as the year when Castlewood really took off!

Acting on behalf of Blueprint, FHP have followed the retail trend and achieved a January sale at a fair, not reduced price for a substantial high quality industrial unit in Alfreton.

Acting jointly with Innes England, Tim Gilbertson, Director of FHP has negotiated and overseen the sale of high calibre detached warehouse/production space on the Monk Road Industrial Estate in Alfreton, just off the A38 and within minutes access of Junction 28 of the M1 Motorway. 

A sale has been agreed to David Nieper Limited, represented by Sean Bremner, Director of Lambert Smith Hampton’s Nottingham office. 

David Nieper is a British fashion house based in Alfreton, Derbyshire designing and manufacturing women’s fashion, knitwear and nightwear.  The family company sells directly to private clients both in the UK and overseas.  This freehold purchase gives further space for David Nieper to expand and cope with record demand for its British made fashion.

Tim Gilbertson who acted for the vendors commented:

“It is always great to start the New Year with a sale which the retailers always suggest is the way forward and this deal was concluded within a matter of weeks from agreement of terms immediately prior to Christmas.

This high quality building is set in a superb location, just off the A38 in Alfreton with terrific transport links and also the benefit of good quality fitted accommodation with large yard. 

It came as no surprise that once the eventual party showed interest through their agent Sean Bremner at Lambert Smith Hampton that we quickly agreed terms.  Equally pleasing though was the speed with which the transaction was agreed and documented.  Literally from first viewing until handing the keys over took no more than 4 weeks, including the Christmas break.  If only all transactions could be so quick!

The deal showed again the lack of good quality space in the industrial and warehouse sector in the East Midlands on either a freehold or leasehold basis and I am actively looking for additional instructions to fill the gap for parties known to be in the market and seriously looking to purchase or rent in 2013.”

Sean Bremner of Lambert Smith Hampton, who acted on behalf of the purchaser, commented:

“We are delighted to have secured the premises on behalf of David Nieper Limited.  The quality of this unit, its location in proximity to their Head Office and potential to satisfy both current and future expansion provided an excellent solution.  2012 was a fantastic year for David Nieper with record sales at the family owned fashion house partly as a result of customers buying British.  The acquisition is a reflection of its continued manufacturing expansion which has seen them employ 28 additional staff in the past year and earn them a feature on BBC Breakfast news.”

Tim Gilbertson concluded by adding:

“We have a further unit available on the estate which is now also ‘under offer’ and which we hope to report shortly as being sold, this will provide our clients with an ideal start to 2013.

For further information on the deal or to see how FHP can help you with a disposal on either a sale or letting basis of your building then please contact the team on 0115 9507577. 

MIDLANDS property consultancy FHP has secured another major distribution deal along the M1 corridor, building on a track record which takes in transactions with some of the biggest names in business and the biggest sites in the region.

The latest deal has seen it agree terms for Menlo Worldwide Logistics to take 167,000 sq ft of space at The Core, the commercial and industrial development just off Junction 29 of the M1 at Temple Normanton in Derbyshire.

Menlo, a third-party logistics specialist which is part of the $5 billion US freight distribution giant Con-way Inc., is the latest in a series of major names to sign up for space at strategic locations close to the M1 in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. The past 18 months has seen Marks & Spencer take one millions sq ft at the East Midlands Distribution Centre at Castle Donington, Co-operative Group sign up to a purpose-built 477,000 sq ft distribution warehouse at Castlewood off Junction 28, and Asda take 100,000 sq ft just off Junction 26.

All of the deals have been handled by the commercial and industrial team at FHP, the consultancy acting for Royal London Mutual Insurance in the Menlo letting. John Proctor, director of the team, says that while the scale of the deals is a testament to FHP’s market expertise, it also demonstrates the increasing importance of the distribution industry to the East Midlands economy.

He commented: “From our own perspective, we’re naturally pleased to have secured another major distribution warehouse deal involving prestige clients. Over the past few months we’ve transacted more than 2.5 million square feet of space, which is a real tribute to the team.

“But the bigger picture is the increasing contribution which the logistics industry is making to the regional economy, which is only now being properly appreciated. For far too long the perception has been that this is an industry full of nothing but fully-automated, lights-off facilities providing little in the way of jobs. That’s a misplaced notion.

“The reality is different. The M&S facility at Castle Donington and the Co-op warehouse at Castlewood will employ in excess of 2,000 people between them. And that’s just two sites.

“While fully-automated facilities do exist they are the exception rather than the rule. That’s because the demands of customers are now such that logistics companies have to be able to provide a highly flexible service capable of delivering anything from a small individual item within 24 hours to a large shipment. The result is that the majority of distribution sites actually offer a high level of employment for a good range of skill sets from pickers, forklift drivers, the administrative and clerical management teams to the HGV drivers themselves.

“So the logistics industry is an asset to the East Midlands economy which should be appreciated more. It’s a competitive industry with some major players and we need to be doing everything we can to make sure they know we’re a well-placed location which understands and appreciates what they do,”

John Proctor negotiated the deal at The Core with Savills’ Birmingham office, which acted for Menlo. Full details of the transaction have not been disclosed, but it’s thought Menlo has signed up to a 10-year lease on the property, which sits on a stretch of the M1 which has easy access to the M18, A1 and A38.

John Proctor concluded: “This is an important deal for the region and it continues a national trend which has seen a marked increase in the take up of good quality distribution units throughout the UK. This was one of the last units which was constructed speculatively in the region and it has been frustrating to see a unit of such good quality in such a strong location waiting for an occupier.

“The market is now changing, though. There is now only a limited supply of good quality new distribution space on the market and occupiers are having to plan their future needs much further ahead – which means new facilities will inevitably have to be built to order. Fortunately, we still have a good range of well located distribution sites on the M1 corridor within this region”.

Acting on behalf of Hydro Systems UK Limited, Tim Gilbertson of FHP has successfully located and negotiated terms on their new base at Trent Lane, Castle Donington.

Given the brief by Hydro to try and find appropriate warehouse and office accommodation within a corridor stretching between the M1 at Junction 23 and Derby, an extensive and exhaustive search was undertaken in order to review and profile potential opportunities.

Eventually, refurbished good quality space in Castle Donington was sourced and a deal quickly agreed.

Now well ensconced in their new base, the new premises will serve Hydro well in their expansion as they continue their work in the East Midlands. 

Tim Gilbertson commented:

“Whilst the lack of demand in the commercial property sector has been well documented over the last few years, what has surprised a number of potential owners or tenants is the lack of good quality space on the market.  There has been little or no new development in recent times, stifling the supply of space to the market and when tasked with an acquisition role such as that recently undertaken for Hydro, opportunities have always been hard to find.

However, after offering both on and off market opportunities to our clients they eventually settled upon the right building for them in Castle Donington which met their key criteria of having a good office content together with well presented warehouse space and most pertinently with a large secure yard. 

The deal agreed should serve Hydro well for the future and enable them to continue their local success story and expansion in the future. 

We wish them well in their new base.”

For further information on the deal or to see how FHP can help you with the sale, letting or indeed acquisition of any commercial property then please give the team a call on 0115 9507577.

The East Midlands industrial development market has kicked off 2013 in style with the sale of a large-scale strategic development site in Nottinghamshire for employment use.

Tim Gilbertson, a director in the industrial team at the Nottingham property consultancy FHP, has secured a deal on behalf of Clowes Developments for the sale of the prime 13-acre site just off the A38 at Sutton-in-Ashfield.

The deal is one of the biggest industrial land transactions in the East Midlands in the last 12 months. It is thought the site will be used to help an established local employer bring a range of different facilities on to one site, but precise details of the development have yet to be revealed.

The land forms part of the wider Gateway 28 development on Oddicroft Lane. It forms part of the industrial corridor on the A38 which connects the M1 motorway at Junction 28 with the MARR – Mansfield-Ashfield Regeneration Route – road. It was surplus to requirements for Clowes, which is currently focused on the successful development of the much larger Castlewood site

Tim Gilbertson marketed the site on Clowes’ behalf, and says such prime industrial land might normally have been broken up into smaller plots for a series of separate sales. But he already knew of a long-established local business which had been looking to consolidate its separate locations for some time.

He commented: “The economic climate of the last few years has made the disposal of large sites quite a challenge, and it hasn’t been unusual to see them parcelled up into bite-sized chunks which it’s easier for a cautious market to buy into.

“In the end, though, we effectively concluded the sale of the entire site off market because we had known for a while that there was a business in the area which was looking to being a number of different operations into a single, well-connected location. There’s no question that Gateway 28 met their criteria, and it is only a five-minute drive from the M1. They were as enthusiastic about the site as we were.”

Gilbertson says that the transaction was also bought to a swift and smooth conclusion by the hard work of all the professionals involved. “A deal was agreed within a matter of days and the legal work concluded in a very short period, which is a testament inarticulate to the dedication of everyone involved – Simon Griffiths of Flint Bishop Solicitors, who acted for the landlords alongside FHP, and Peter Sutherland of Andersons, who acted for the buyer.”

Gilbertson added: “Deals of this magnitude have been pretty thin on the ground over the past few years and it is incredibly encouraging to see not just a major land sale but such a prominent site go for employment use. This is a great way to start 2013, and I’m hopeful that this is going to encourage yet more activity in an area which has seen some very significant deals over the past 12 months.”

James Richards, of Clowes Developments, acknowledged that the site’s disposal could have been a lengthy process. He said: “Tim Gilbertson has done us proud here, securing a sale in a remarkable quick time and doing so at a price which suits us and the purchaser. It’s meant that we have been able to focus our efforts on the Castlewood scheme, where we have achieved some major successes with FHP over the past year.

“I also want to place on record my thanks to all the solicitors and agents involved because they ensured that what could have been a complex transaction was both swift and simple – allowing us all to kick off 2013 with a major success.”

John Proctor at FHP has confirmed the letting of a high quality distribution unit of 167,000ft² at The Core, Temple Normanton, Junction 29, M1.

The unit which is owned by Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited has been let to Menlo Worldwide Logistics on a 10 year lease with a Tenant break clause at the end of the fifth year on fully repairing and insuring terms.  The letting continues to demonstrate the strength of the northern East Midlands region as a distribution location within the UK following on from the landmark deals achieved at Clowes Developments’ 200 acre EMDC scheme at Junction 24, M1 where M & S took some one million square feet and the letting of 480,000ft² to the Co-op at Castlewood, Junction 28.