In the first five months of 2011, MEPC Birchwood Park let over 24,000 sq ft of office space with small suites accounting for all new lettings secured.
We have welcomed a number of new customers from a range of industries, including stationery distribution (Antallis Printall), recruitment and financial consultancy (FSR Group) and insurance services (Nationwide Claims Solutions).
All ten new companies have taken offices for 20 people or less. Birchwood Park continues to nurture this market, and has a strong track record of facilitating on-site growth by initially smaller occupiers.
Trade-ups by four existing customers are included in the deals. Optimise Internet Ltd expanded in Thomson House, while Nuclear Technologies PLC increased its presence at Chadwick House and Hydrosave UK Ltd and Skillray Transport Services UK also traded-up.
The average deal size across the period of 1,269 sq ft (approx.12 people office) reflects the trend highlighted in the latest Warrington Annual Property Review, which pointed to the importance of small suite deals in the town’s 2010 office market.
Said MEPC Birchwood Park’s head of leasing, Jonathan Black: “The park has for a long time encouraged occupation by new and small businesses, and our work with them to support on-site growth continues to be rewarded, as they expand into our larger premises.
“Yes, like all the other business parks we welcome and target large enquiries, and will continue to pursue these with determination and success to grow the park. But we have developed our offer to allow us to play the long game as well, drawing in entrepreneurial businesses and helping them to flourish.
“As many businesses remain cautious in the face of continuing national economic uncertainty, delaying relocations until they believe they have reason to feel more bullish, we are pleased that the smaller organisational sector, that we have for so long championed, continues to operate with optimism both in the park and across the Warrington area.”
