We’re Hiring! Senior Commercial Property Manager

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Surveyor to join our commercial property and asset management team based in Leamington Spa. The role will entail taking responsibility for all aspects of the day-to-day management of a diverse portfolio of mainly commercial properties based in Warwickshire and the West Midlands. The right person will be proactive and have the desire to build relations with clients and other key personnel while delivering first rate service for the business. The role will suit an ambitious individual seeking long term career prospects and an opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of the firm’s profile in the region.

18.03.24

NEW CYGNUS TECHNOLOGY AND TRAINING CENTRE OPENS IN MERIDEN

Meriden is now home to a new technology and training centre specialising in wireless fire detection and alarm systems in a let agreed through ehB Reeves.

The new Cygnus TTC: Technology and Training Centre at Villiers Court will serve as a space for innovation, underscoring Cygnus’ commitment to providing pioneering fire safety solutions.

Sandy Damm, CEO at Cygnus, which is an independently owned developer and manufacturer of life-saving fire protection equipment made in Britain, specialising in wireless fire alarm technology, said: “The opening of the new Cygnus TTC in Birmingham marks a pivotal moment for Cygnus.

“We are excited to embark on this journey, as it propels us into the next phase of Cygnus’ growth.”

Dedicated facilities

The Cygnus TTC houses state-of-the-art facilities dedicated to testing, refining, and advancing fire and safety solutions.

Charles Markham, director and shareholder at Cygnus, said: “The Meriden location was chosen strategically due to its proximity to technological and academic resources, making it an ideal base for Cygnus’ research and development initiatives.

“The additional space to expand our training facilities also opens up new opportunities for installers to be supported by expert, in-depth training and ongoing first-class technical support.”

Oliver Shelley, graduate surveyor at ehB Reeves, said: “We’re delighted that Cygnus has chosen 8 Villiers Court for its news technology and training centre.

“The facility on Meriden Business Park has excellent road, rail and air connections while the site itself provides open plan office accommodation, meeting rooms and training rooms, making it ideal for Cygnus.”

PACKINGTON ESTATE WELCOMES NINE DIVERSE NEW RESIDENTS

Leamington chartered surveyors and commercial property firm ehB Reeves has secured nine separate lettings for the historic Packington Estate in Meriden and Hampton.

The range of high quality barn conversions and farm house offices offer a wide variety of space and are spread over four separate sites within the Packington Estate. These are Hampton Hill Farm, Old Hall Farm Barns and Farmhouse, Stonebridge Golf Club and Patrick Farm Barns.

The nine lettings total over 10,000 sq.ft and among the diverse businesses now calling Packington Estate properties home is a firm of building maintenance contractors and a podiatry clinic.

Sam Hain, a surveyor at ehB Reeves who has been working closely with Packington Estate to secure the lettings, said: “It’s fantastic that such a diverse range of businesses have chosen Packington Estate as their venue of choice as they look to flourish in the future.

“It’s also testament to the strong appeal that Packington Estate offers in terms of its central location, strong transport links and broad range of business units.”

Packington Estate, situated between Birmingham and Coventry, has a wide variety of period properties that it leases out on both short and long-term agreements. It is also well-known as a location for events and filming, along with fishing, farming, forestry and golf.

Ben Gray, (Chief Executive Officer) at Packington Estate Enterprises Limited, said: “These buildings were formerly farm properties that have been converted into stylish and functional office/business units.

“It’s very pleasing to see that our product remains attractive to a wide range of small to medium sized businesses, highlighting that the West Midlands region, and Packington Estate specifically, is the place to do business.”

ebB Reeves are soon to be offering Heath Farmhouse for the estate, over 2,000 sq.ft of character  offices in a superb setting with lots of onsite car parking. Other business suites are also soon to come to the market.

MAJOR KITCHEN SUPPLIER CHOOSES KENILWORTH FOR ITS LATEST DEPOT

Kenilworth has welcomed the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier, which following a major fitout and refurb, has opened a new site in the town in a let agreed through Leamington-based ehB Reeves.

The 5,045 sq.ft premises on Farmer Ward Road, which is located to the east of the town centre, is home to Howdens and includes a reception area, offices and on-site parking.

A spokesperson for Howdens said: “We have been looking for the right property in Kenilworth for some time and are very pleased to be opening our new depot at Farmer Ward Road as part of our ongoing expansion programme.”

Howdens’ latest branch, which opened its doors recently, joins more than 750 depots it has across the UK, supplying fitted kitchens to trade customers.

Property consultancy Montagu Evans acted on behalf of Howdens, which also supplies fitted bedrooms and a vast array of joinery and hardware.

Simon Hain, director at chartered surveyors and commercial property firm ehB Reeves, said: “Howdens is something of a household name so it’s great that they have chosen Kenilworth to be the base for their newest depot.

“It clearly demonstrates the appeal of Kenilworth, and Warwickshire more generally, to businesses looking for a central location with fantastic transport links with major motorways, railways and airports within touching distance.”

Volta Trucks Accelerates Growth With New Base Of Operations In Warwickshire

Electric Truck Company, Volta Trucks, has recently taken on half of the office space at The American Barns development located on the Banbury Road, Warwick, in a deal brokered by Simon Hain of ehB Reeves.

The office will house up to 46 members of staff,  focusing on the engineering and production of the Volta Zero, a 16-tonne commercial vehicle designed for last-mile urban logistics.

Ben Anstey, director of electrical systems and digital experience at Volta Trucks, said: “Warwick’s central location is ideal for our engineering and business needs and is part of our UK expansion.

“The all-electric Volta Zero has been designed from the ground up to reduce the environmental impact of commercial deliveries in city centres with safety and people at the heart of everything we do.

“The vital work taking place in Warwick will play a huge part in this, as we accelerate the industry to transition towards electric commercial fleets and pave the way for a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future for us all.”

Simon Hain, director at ehB Reeves, added: “It’s a huge coup for Warwickshire and the West Midlands region as a whole to have such a forward-thinking automotive firm on our patch.

“We’ve seen the introduction of an ultra-low emission zone in Birmingham, so we know the issue of reducing emissions is one the region is already taking steps to tackle.

“We hope having a company like Volta Trucks on our doorstep will help us to become a flag-bearer for cleaner and greener logistics.”

Two new residents move in at Cygnet Court in Stratford-upon-Avon

Warwickshire’s school nursing service and a business which is opening clinics across the country are the two newest residents at Cygnet Court business park in Stratford.

Compass and Veincentre have both recently moved into units off Timothy’s Bridge Road, in lets agreed through our director Simon Hain.

Compass’ Connect for Health service is Warwickshire’s school nursing service and supports school-aged children and their families across the county. The charity moved to Cygnet Court from its previous base in Stratford at the end of September.

Bright and airy

Claire Harper from Compass said: “We chose the new location in Cygnet Court because it is where we wanted to be and the office space is bright and airy. We moved in at the end of September and have been getting to know our neighbours.”

Compass gives support and advice to children, young people, parents and carers on topics ranging from emotional wellbeing to healthy eating and sleep.

The charity delivers the Government’s National Child Measurement Programme in schools by weighing and measuring children when they are in reception class and Year 6. It also assesses health needs for children at reception age, Year 6 and Year 9 to identify any areas they need support in.

Exciting opportunity

One of Compass’s new neighbours at Cygnet Court is Veincentre, which specialises in varicose vein treatment and opened the doors to its new clinic on the estate in early November.

Helen Tucker, openings manager at Veincentre, said: “We are new to Stratford and our new clinic takes us to a total of 26 clinics nationwide.

“We have other clinics across the Midlands and we chose Stratford as our newest addition because we know there is demand for our services in the area, with one in three people suffering with varicose veins in their lifetime. We are very excited to be offering our minimally-invasive treatments to the people of Stratford and the surrounding areas.”

Simon added: “Cygnet Court is in a great location, close to Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway station and the A46, and it’s great to see two organisations finding the space they need there to help fulfil their business needs.

“We wish both Compass and Veincentre every success in their new offices.”

Landmark 500-year-old, Grade II-listed Manor House in Warwickshire offered for sale

A landmark 16^th century, Grade II-listed building reputedly patronised by royalty is being offered for sale in Warwickshire.

The Manor House, in Market Hill, Southam, is the town’s showpiece building and is estimated to have been built in the mid to late 1500s.

One of its most famous guests is said to be Charles I, who reputedly stayed there before the Battle of Edgehill in the first English Civil War in 1642.

More recently, the site has undergone extensive external restoration following the departure of its last occupant, a branch of the Dudley Taylor pharmacy chain.

It is on the market for offers in the region of £395,000.

Unique opportunity

Simon Hain, director at ehB Reeves, said: “This is a genuinely unique opportunity to own a landmark building where you can feel the history seeping out of the walls.

“It’s a building of exceptionally complex design, with decorative timber framing with fine carvings, constructed out of stone and oak, with beautiful stone mullion and period timber and leaded windows.

“The timberwork and stonework has all been exposed and restored and the results are genuinely spectacular.

“The site has great potential for a restaurant but could also be a private dwelling for someone with plenty of time and imagination.”

Development potential

The property boats a 1,257 sq. ft retail area; 159 sq. ft ground floor storage; 165 sq. ft first floor offices and a two-bedroom duplex residential apartment with period features, room to expand and a roof garden.

“The area has undergone considerable redevelopment in recent years, including the construction of a new library very close by,” added Simon.

“This fascinating building is at the heart of the town and will be a fantastic asset to its next owner.”

You can read the full particulars of the property here.

Australian e-commerce hit Tinyme opens first UK production hub in Leamington Spa

Multi-award-winning Australian e-commerce company Tinyme, which makes personalised gifts for children, is setting up its first UK production hub in Leamington Spa.

The Melbourne-based firm is a huge success story in Australia, selling a range of premium quality personalised products for kids including name labels, jigsaw puzzles, drink bottles, rucksacks and books.

Entrepreneur Mike Wilson set up the business in his spare bedroom 16 years ago and it grew quickly, with business partners Nick McLennan and Ben Hare joining six months and three years later respectively.

The company’s ongoing success has seen it win the online retailer of the year at the Australian Online Retail Industry Awards (ORIAS) in 2019 and 2020, before being inducted into its hall of fame in 2021.

We advised Tinyme on available buildings and the merits of Leamington Spa as a business location for its UK production centre. That advice quickly bore fruit, as we secured a seven-year lease on a 6,076 sq. ft premises in Hermes Close, on the Tachbrook Business Park.

Growing at home and the UK

Ben said: “Our business has grown to 65 employees in Australia and launched in the UK in 2011 with a dedicated website and an office in Birmingham in 2012.

“We’ve grown our UK business to the extent that we’re ready to open a manufacturing facility here. As we offer made-to-order products, it means we are closer to market and can ship faster and more cheaply to our customers, giving a much more responsive offering and a better customer experience.

“That’s what’s brought us to Leamington Spa. It’s very central for distribution and has really good workforce access, which is a big plus. The premises themselves are also ideal for what we need.

“We’re a relatively small business compared with some of the retailers we compete against in Australia, so we’re really proud of our achievements and being recognised for doing some pretty innovative stuff.”

Tinyme products will be produced alongside the company’s new brand, Opiqo, which offers personalised homewares which are also made to order.

Excellent location

Simon Hain, director of ehB Reeves, said: “Tinyme’s directors flew to the UK from Melbourne to look for a production base and after visiting Northampton, Coventry and Birmingham, they settled on Leamington.

“We were delighted to be able to secure a really good site for them here and it has been fantastic working with Ben, Nick and the team to get everything over the line.

“Tinyme is a proven success story both Down Under and in the UK and we wish them every success as they grow their operation here in Warwickshire.”

For more information on Tinyme, visit www.Tinyme.co.uk.

Simon Hain calls for social housing-style provision for small warehouse sector

ehB Reeves director Simon Hain says the “terribly neglected” small warehouse and industrial sector needs an equivalent of social housing provision to deal with a huge national increase in demand.

Simon said while the large warehouse sector is very strong across the country, there is a huge shortage of smaller units which is harming small business development.

He said an effective solution would be to mandate the creation of small warehouse or workshop units every time a large warehouse is built, similar to the rules which mean housebuilders have to give over a percentage of every new development to affordable homes.

This would help support the burgeoning small business sector of entrepreneurs who set up companies at home, both during lockdown and prior to Covid-19, but have nowhere to go if they want to scale up.

Huge shortage

Simon said: “While retail rents have been chopped, warehousing/industrial units has remained strong and is growing steadily year-on-year, to the point there is a huge shortage of small units.

“Nobody is building small units because they are proportionately more expensive to construct.  Building a single large warehouse generally requires the connection of one set of services but if you have a large site broken down into many starter units, each one of those will need to be fitted out with electricity, heating and so on.

“The sector has been neglected terribly. At a time when lots of people have been setting up businesses at home during lockdown, there is absolutely nowhere for them to go if they want to scale up.

“This shortage pushes rents up and stymies the development of small businesses. In my opinion, local authorities and county councils aren’t doing enough to help.

“What we need is a social housing equivalent in the industrial and warehouse space sector. Whenever a large warehouse development or even large-scale residential developments are built, there needs to be a percentage given over to smaller business units.

“We must also consider the cost of construction has risen over and above inflation, increasing the development rate per square metre.”

Supporting agile businesses

Simon said the idea of a social housing equivalent of the right design for warehouses and industrial space would work for smaller businesses because they are often more agile in how and where they operate.

“The recent, significant changes to the planning user class order, which has broadened the use of many commercial properties, has lead to a further increase in demand for smaller business units,” he added.

“In the time of technology we live in, people are developing new ways of working and buildings can be very adaptable.

“We mustn’t let ambitious smaller business owners hit a glass ceiling in their development purely because there aren’t suitable premises available for them.”

Booming Leamington sees 15 new businesses open since end of lockdown

We’re delighted to report that business is booming in Leamington as we’ve leased 15 new properties for a combined total of 89 years since lockdown eased last summer.

We’ve agreed leases with a mixture of start-up businesses and established firms in the town centre since July 2021, all of which are signed up on terms of between five and 10 years.

Director Simon Hain said the spike in independent businesses opening was a welcome antidote to larger High Street brands turning their backs on town centres.

• In Park Street, we secured a six-year lease for The Barber Shed, a new business opened by Nick Fairclough and Chris Tidmarsh in July 2021, along with five-year leases for MOU, opened by Carrie Hunt in September 2021, and a new hair salon, Sophie Mander Hair
• Completing a run of new firms opening in Park Street is Henderson Hound, a shop dedicated to dogs set up by sisters Claire Watkins and Victoria Henderson, which opened on a five-year lease in September
• In Tavistock Street, Kashif Saleemi opened Regent Chiropractic on a five-year lease in October 2021, with established business Artisan Floor Ltd moving to the same location in December 2021 on a 10-year lease
• In Warwick Street, dessert parlour Waf Waf Waffle has opened its doors along with growing Korean food franchise Grounded Kitchen and kitchen showroom 1909
• Hair and beauty business Nanny June’s by Lisa Little has opened at 80 Regent Street, with ladies’ outfitters Domino Style at 87 and the Leopard Spots Deli at 113
• A new Scandinavian deli is set to follow at 46 Regent Street, while completing the set is another new business in Clarendon Avenue, The Canine Pantry Ltd, which has opened on a five-year lease

Thriving independents

Simon said: “The pandemic and the huge growth of online shopping has had a significant impact across the UK, with a marked reduction in High Street brands in many town and city centres.

“However, the independent sector has held up very well and these new companies are proof positive that ‘shop local’ is still the way to go for many towns and cities.

“It’s extremely heartening to see Leamington town centre flourishing with so many new businesses and we wish them all every success.”

Picture: Sam Hain, graduate surveyor from ehB Reeves with Domino Style Ltd’s Abigail Edmunds, one of the 15 business owners to agree leases with ehB since the end of lockdown restrictions last summer.