When anyone reaches the grand old age of 75 it’s only right and proper that a celebration is required.
And if you happen to be Scotland’s first industrial and business park then you can be sure there will be many friends keen to join you in recognition of your diamond anniversary.
We welcomed almost one hundred guests to a special 75th event held at the Innovation Centre on the 12th of September, all of who have been part of the Park in one way or another since 1938, when King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1938 performed the Park’s official opening ceremony.
Jamie Cumming, Hillington Park’s commercial director was the party’s host for the evening and was delighted to see so many friendly faces at the special event.
Jamie said: “Hillington Park has played a major role in the local and national economies of Scotland over the last 75 years so it was natural that we recognised this special anniversary with our friends, many who played a part in its success over the years. The Park continues to go from strength to strength and with our investment plan we have a very exciting future ahead of ourselves.”
Click here to see a short film with the highlights of the night which we hope you’ll enjoy.
Tuesday 7 January 2014
Friday 25 January 2013
Join the party as Hillington Park gets set to celebrate 75 years
MEPC are teaming up with Hillington Park’s social committee to organise a host of events to celebrate the Park’s 75th anniversary this year.
One event which is in the early stages of planning is a Family Spring Fete. This will be held at the Park on Sunday 28th April and the social committee is hoping YOU will get involved.
The committee is looking for people and businesses on the Park to take part and perhaps provide catering, stalls and family activities.
Your staff may have hidden baking or jewellery making talents and want to show them off. Or perhaps you are more interested in sport and want to organise a ‘Beat the Goalie’ competition. However you want to take part, the social committee would love to hear from you.
The Hillington Park Social Committee was set up by MEPC in late 2012 with a view to fostering the community spirit at Hillington Park.
Look out for opportunities to get involved: whether you are sporty or interested in crafts, nature or outings, we will be setting up a number of initiatives during 2013 including extended classes at the Hillington Park gym, a potential sporting challenge involving a range of activities, Yoga classes and beekeeping lessons.
And for the first time, we will be holding a Bike Week in May. Details on this to follow.
If you would like to get involved in any of the above, join the social committee at one of its meetings or merely express an interest in going along to the fete please contact Alison Clark on aclark@mepc.com or on 0141 883 5760.
One event which is in the early stages of planning is a Family Spring Fete. This will be held at the Park on Sunday 28th April and the social committee is hoping YOU will get involved.
The committee is looking for people and businesses on the Park to take part and perhaps provide catering, stalls and family activities.
Your staff may have hidden baking or jewellery making talents and want to show them off. Or perhaps you are more interested in sport and want to organise a ‘Beat the Goalie’ competition. However you want to take part, the social committee would love to hear from you.
The Hillington Park Social Committee was set up by MEPC in late 2012 with a view to fostering the community spirit at Hillington Park.
Look out for opportunities to get involved: whether you are sporty or interested in crafts, nature or outings, we will be setting up a number of initiatives during 2013 including extended classes at the Hillington Park gym, a potential sporting challenge involving a range of activities, Yoga classes and beekeeping lessons.
And for the first time, we will be holding a Bike Week in May. Details on this to follow.
If you would like to get involved in any of the above, join the social committee at one of its meetings or merely express an interest in going along to the fete please contact Alison Clark on aclark@mepc.com or on 0141 883 5760.
Leeds Commercial Property Market 2013 Insight with Rick de Blaby
The commercial property market in Leeds has been subdued in recent years, but as we enter 2013, the city is seeing what could be the green shoots of a possible recovery.
Here, MEPC Chief Executive Rick de Blaby shares his thoughts on why he thinks the city can finally look forward with confidence, after years of having little to celebrate.
“The property market has not been at its strongest since the recession hit the UK in 2008, with new builds having to be put on hold due to a lack of confidence and financial backing,” said Mr de Blaby.
“However, many of these projects are now back underway due to growing optimism within the sector.
“The new Trinity Leeds Shopping Centre is leading the way but this could potentially be the tip of the iceberg in terms of developments.
“The office space market is also picking up considerably and many major companies are beginning to realise the vast potential that the city can provide for their businesses. I’ve personally had some exciting conversations which have further enhanced my belief in the sector.
“If you look at 2014, 2015, 2016, there are quite a lot of requirements coming through with nobody adding to supply in the city. That produces some exciting market dynamics.
“I believe we will see the start of some exciting developments in 2013, with more and bigger deals being done than we have seen for a few years.”
What do you think? Let us know us know your thoughts by tweeting us @wp_leeds using the hashtag #LeedsProperty.
Here, MEPC Chief Executive Rick de Blaby shares his thoughts on why he thinks the city can finally look forward with confidence, after years of having little to celebrate.
“The property market has not been at its strongest since the recession hit the UK in 2008, with new builds having to be put on hold due to a lack of confidence and financial backing,” said Mr de Blaby.
“However, many of these projects are now back underway due to growing optimism within the sector.
“The new Trinity Leeds Shopping Centre is leading the way but this could potentially be the tip of the iceberg in terms of developments.
“The office space market is also picking up considerably and many major companies are beginning to realise the vast potential that the city can provide for their businesses. I’ve personally had some exciting conversations which have further enhanced my belief in the sector.
“If you look at 2014, 2015, 2016, there are quite a lot of requirements coming through with nobody adding to supply in the city. That produces some exciting market dynamics.
“I believe we will see the start of some exciting developments in 2013, with more and bigger deals being done than we have seen for a few years.”
What do you think? Let us know us know your thoughts by tweeting us @wp_leeds using the hashtag #LeedsProperty.
Tuesday 4 December 2012
Clyde Gateway East Business Park Open for Business
Developer SCOT Sheridan and its funding partner MEPC have announced the completion of the first phase of industrial and warehousing development at Clyde Gateway East Business Park in the East End of Glasgow.
Three units comprising a total of 57,750 sq ft of modern, flexible industrial space with an investment value of £4.0m have now been created at the Business Park, a joint development between SCOT Sheridan, UK business estate operator MEPC and urban regeneration agency Clyde Gateway. It is hoped that the Park will eventually support upwards of 1,000 new jobs.
The first occupier, oil and gas services company Glacier Energy Services, has now moved into a 22,230 sq ft unit following a bespoke fit-out and interest is strong in the remaining 19,270 sq ft and 16,250 sq ft buildings. Once a second letting is confirmed, work is expected to begin on a second phase of speculative development at the site. Quoting rents on the two remaining completed units, which also feature office accommodation, dedicated parking and secure yardage, are £6.50 per sq ft.
MEPC and CBRE have taken over estate management responsibilities for the whole Business Park with a new marketing and security suite housing a 24/7 security operation already in operation. Estate CCTV security will be installed during September.
Grant Edmondson, Managing Director of MEPC Clyde Gateway said: "The first phase development has been completed on schedule and is a high quality product. It’s extremely rewarding to see our first occupier, Glacier Energy Services, already moved in and operational which gives vitality to Glasgow’s newest business estate from the start. We are hopeful that a second unit will be taken up soon, at which point we intend to start work on the next speculative phase to maintain a development pipeline and meet occupier demand which in turn will bring more investment and jobs to the area.”
SCOT Sheridan director, David MacLachlan said: "The East End of Glasgow is undergoing significant change and regeneration at the moment and Clyde Gateway East Business Park is at the heart of this as a commercial location that we believe will help to attract much-needed jobs to the area. Its modern, adaptable buildings located just four miles from Glasgow city centre and adjacent to some of the country’s main arterial routes make this an exceptional proposition for prospective tenants and we look forward to making further announcements about the site very soon.”
Steve Pritchard, executive director of development at Clyde Gateway said: "I’d like to congratulate MEPC and SCOT Sheridan on the fantastic progress they have made at Clyde Gateway East and I’m looking forward to other firms moving in alongside Glacier to what is undoubtedly Scotland’s best connected Business Park.”
Business Parks
Three units comprising a total of 57,750 sq ft of modern, flexible industrial space with an investment value of £4.0m have now been created at the Business Park, a joint development between SCOT Sheridan, UK business estate operator MEPC and urban regeneration agency Clyde Gateway. It is hoped that the Park will eventually support upwards of 1,000 new jobs.
The first occupier, oil and gas services company Glacier Energy Services, has now moved into a 22,230 sq ft unit following a bespoke fit-out and interest is strong in the remaining 19,270 sq ft and 16,250 sq ft buildings. Once a second letting is confirmed, work is expected to begin on a second phase of speculative development at the site. Quoting rents on the two remaining completed units, which also feature office accommodation, dedicated parking and secure yardage, are £6.50 per sq ft.
MEPC and CBRE have taken over estate management responsibilities for the whole Business Park with a new marketing and security suite housing a 24/7 security operation already in operation. Estate CCTV security will be installed during September.
Grant Edmondson, Managing Director of MEPC Clyde Gateway said: "The first phase development has been completed on schedule and is a high quality product. It’s extremely rewarding to see our first occupier, Glacier Energy Services, already moved in and operational which gives vitality to Glasgow’s newest business estate from the start. We are hopeful that a second unit will be taken up soon, at which point we intend to start work on the next speculative phase to maintain a development pipeline and meet occupier demand which in turn will bring more investment and jobs to the area.”
SCOT Sheridan director, David MacLachlan said: "The East End of Glasgow is undergoing significant change and regeneration at the moment and Clyde Gateway East Business Park is at the heart of this as a commercial location that we believe will help to attract much-needed jobs to the area. Its modern, adaptable buildings located just four miles from Glasgow city centre and adjacent to some of the country’s main arterial routes make this an exceptional proposition for prospective tenants and we look forward to making further announcements about the site very soon.”
Steve Pritchard, executive director of development at Clyde Gateway said: "I’d like to congratulate MEPC and SCOT Sheridan on the fantastic progress they have made at Clyde Gateway East and I’m looking forward to other firms moving in alongside Glacier to what is undoubtedly Scotland’s best connected Business Park.”
Business Parks
First Pre-let "Zooms" into Milton Park Enterprise Zone
Construction work is nearing completion of a group of twelve speculatively built high tech units in the Milton Park Science Vale Enterprise Zone aimed at growing SMEs. MEPC has already leased two units totalling 3,090 sq ft to Formula One supplier; 3D NC.
Andrew Barlow, commercial director at MEPC, explains: “It is exciting to be able to announce 3D NC as the first letting in a new development in the Milton Park Enterprise Zone and, significantly for us, demonstrates why we must continue to invest in speculative schemes like this. We believe that this is the first letting in a speculative development within an Enterprise Zone anywhere in the UK. As soon as the EZ announcement was made we focussed on delivering these units to the market quickly to create opportunities for jobs growth and interest in this development is very high.”
3D NC is a precision engineering firm which supplies metallic components to the motor sport sector, primarily Formula One. Director Darren Philips adds: "We needed modern, hi spec premises to expand and develop our business. The new units at Milton Park give us a contemporary environment at a prestigious location."
The development consists of twelve new hi-tech business units ranging from 1,500 sq ft to 3,090 sq ft which can suit a variety of companies which have taken only six months to be built, all to a high standard. As these new buildings are within the Milton Park Enterprise Zone, business rates relief is a significant saving for occupiers.
Andrew Barlow said: “Enterprise Zone status allows development to be fast tracked, giving us a completely different planning environment. This enables a rapid response to the needs of growing companies, to create the jobs so vital to the economic performance of this region. This scheme gets the EZ off the starting grid, with up to 70 acres of the Park being designated for development. We can offer a range of options for small start up companies, to larger more established businesses, all within a fast growing and highly successful business community.”
Science Parks
Andrew Barlow, commercial director at MEPC, explains: “It is exciting to be able to announce 3D NC as the first letting in a new development in the Milton Park Enterprise Zone and, significantly for us, demonstrates why we must continue to invest in speculative schemes like this. We believe that this is the first letting in a speculative development within an Enterprise Zone anywhere in the UK. As soon as the EZ announcement was made we focussed on delivering these units to the market quickly to create opportunities for jobs growth and interest in this development is very high.”
3D NC is a precision engineering firm which supplies metallic components to the motor sport sector, primarily Formula One. Director Darren Philips adds: "We needed modern, hi spec premises to expand and develop our business. The new units at Milton Park give us a contemporary environment at a prestigious location."
The development consists of twelve new hi-tech business units ranging from 1,500 sq ft to 3,090 sq ft which can suit a variety of companies which have taken only six months to be built, all to a high standard. As these new buildings are within the Milton Park Enterprise Zone, business rates relief is a significant saving for occupiers.
Andrew Barlow said: “Enterprise Zone status allows development to be fast tracked, giving us a completely different planning environment. This enables a rapid response to the needs of growing companies, to create the jobs so vital to the economic performance of this region. This scheme gets the EZ off the starting grid, with up to 70 acres of the Park being designated for development. We can offer a range of options for small start up companies, to larger more established businesses, all within a fast growing and highly successful business community.”
Science Parks
Wellington Place at Unfold
Wellington Place took prime position at this year’s Unfold Property Exhibition to outline its exciting plans for the future.
The exhibition, which took place on 18th October at Leeds Town Hall, brought the regions’ property elite together to showcase the future redevelopment plans for Leeds city centre.
Wellington Place Head of Business Development Roz Bird, Marketing Manager Dominique Simcox and Estates Manager Phil Clifford took to the stand, whilst Chief Executive Rick de Blaby sat on the debate panel to discuss the theme of investment into Leeds City Region.
The event was a huge success and highlighted the unrivalled commercial space that the Leeds City Region has to offer. In addition to this, key business, government and property professionals spoke in the day’s panel debates and confirmed that the Region really is a fantastic place to invest.
Click here to see more pictures from the day.
The exhibition, which took place on 18th October at Leeds Town Hall, brought the regions’ property elite together to showcase the future redevelopment plans for Leeds city centre.
Wellington Place Head of Business Development Roz Bird, Marketing Manager Dominique Simcox and Estates Manager Phil Clifford took to the stand, whilst Chief Executive Rick de Blaby sat on the debate panel to discuss the theme of investment into Leeds City Region.
The event was a huge success and highlighted the unrivalled commercial space that the Leeds City Region has to offer. In addition to this, key business, government and property professionals spoke in the day’s panel debates and confirmed that the Region really is a fantastic place to invest.
Click here to see more pictures from the day.
Expansion Announced at Popular Hillington Park Business Cantre
A popular business centre based at Hillington Park has completed an expansion by adding 18 new offices to its top floor.
Merlin Business Centre, located in the west of Scotland’s largest business park, is already home to 30 small businesses.
Two of the offices have already been snapped up by companies Etellect and Koopman International.
The recently refurbished third floor has been converted into individual suites with a shared kitchen and an informal networking space.
The offices are a welcome addition to Merlin Business Centre which is one of the most sought after locations within Hillington Park due to its prominent position and easy access to the M8 motorway.
The new suites range in size from 205 sq ft to accommodate two to three people, to a larger 786 sq ft which can be used for up to eight people.
“We felt this was the perfect opportunity to expand Merlin Business Centre to meet demand at this location,” says Alison Clark, MEPC Marketing and Customer Manager. “All eighteen offices in the fully managed business centre provide small companies with the platform to grow their businesses and, with the environment generated at Merlin with other businesses, there is a real feeling of belonging. These new suites will further enhance Merlin Business Centre and Hillington Park overall as a perfect location for ambitious businesses.”
Etellect has a long association with Hillington Park; the company has moved several times within Hillington Park as the company has expanded and developed. Now, going through another period of growth, the specialist eCommerce and eBusiness consultancy has taken up residence in one of Merlin’s new offices.
The company offers clients a comprehensive and tailored eBusiness consultancy service and suggests how their business can become more profitable by embracing technology.
Julia Lavelle, Director at Etellect said: “Etellect have enjoyed a long relationship with Hillington Park and our move to Merlin Business Centre allows us to enjoy all the benefits of a serviced office at a price that is affordable to our business. With clients all across central Scotland the access to the motorway and good public transport links are essential and allows us to be as accessible as possible to our clients. MEPC have been very accommodating with our requirements and have made this move as pain free as possible.”
Koopman International B.V is the largest importer and distributor of non-food goods in Europe. The Dutch, family run company has been established since 1937 and its Scottish base has relocated to the Merlin Business Centre as it provides them easy access to both the motorway and airport.
Sean Campbell of Koopman said: “Our business model is to take prospective UK buyers across to our showroom in Amsterdam to show them the full ranges of our items, and so we have to fly over every other week. Being based in Merlin Business Centre is perfect for us as it’s not only close to the motorway for when we have to drive to England, but also it’s merely minutes away from the airport. Our office is fully managed also which is a huge benefit and the view is a nice bonus.”
As Scotland’s largest and most established business park, Hillington Park is a safe, well maintained environment with two train stations, two minutes from the motorway and two miles from Glasgow’s International Airport. The on-site Park service team has the flexibility to meet all workspace requirements and are committed to creating long-term relationships where a business can grow, succeed and belong.
In 2011 the Park won a ‘Biodiversity Benchmark’ from the Wildlife Trusts, becoming the first business park in Britain to be recognised for the quality of its environmental management.
MEPC manages some of the UK’s best known commercial property. With a £1bn portfolio, it is a leader in its field with eight Business Estates in prime locations throughout the UK. Together it provides over 10m sq. ft. of high quality space for more than 1,000 organisations, employing 20,000 people.
Merlin Business Centre, located in the west of Scotland’s largest business park, is already home to 30 small businesses.
Two of the offices have already been snapped up by companies Etellect and Koopman International.
The recently refurbished third floor has been converted into individual suites with a shared kitchen and an informal networking space.
The offices are a welcome addition to Merlin Business Centre which is one of the most sought after locations within Hillington Park due to its prominent position and easy access to the M8 motorway.
The new suites range in size from 205 sq ft to accommodate two to three people, to a larger 786 sq ft which can be used for up to eight people.
“We felt this was the perfect opportunity to expand Merlin Business Centre to meet demand at this location,” says Alison Clark, MEPC Marketing and Customer Manager. “All eighteen offices in the fully managed business centre provide small companies with the platform to grow their businesses and, with the environment generated at Merlin with other businesses, there is a real feeling of belonging. These new suites will further enhance Merlin Business Centre and Hillington Park overall as a perfect location for ambitious businesses.”
Etellect has a long association with Hillington Park; the company has moved several times within Hillington Park as the company has expanded and developed. Now, going through another period of growth, the specialist eCommerce and eBusiness consultancy has taken up residence in one of Merlin’s new offices.
The company offers clients a comprehensive and tailored eBusiness consultancy service and suggests how their business can become more profitable by embracing technology.
Julia Lavelle, Director at Etellect said: “Etellect have enjoyed a long relationship with Hillington Park and our move to Merlin Business Centre allows us to enjoy all the benefits of a serviced office at a price that is affordable to our business. With clients all across central Scotland the access to the motorway and good public transport links are essential and allows us to be as accessible as possible to our clients. MEPC have been very accommodating with our requirements and have made this move as pain free as possible.”
Koopman International B.V is the largest importer and distributor of non-food goods in Europe. The Dutch, family run company has been established since 1937 and its Scottish base has relocated to the Merlin Business Centre as it provides them easy access to both the motorway and airport.
Sean Campbell of Koopman said: “Our business model is to take prospective UK buyers across to our showroom in Amsterdam to show them the full ranges of our items, and so we have to fly over every other week. Being based in Merlin Business Centre is perfect for us as it’s not only close to the motorway for when we have to drive to England, but also it’s merely minutes away from the airport. Our office is fully managed also which is a huge benefit and the view is a nice bonus.”
As Scotland’s largest and most established business park, Hillington Park is a safe, well maintained environment with two train stations, two minutes from the motorway and two miles from Glasgow’s International Airport. The on-site Park service team has the flexibility to meet all workspace requirements and are committed to creating long-term relationships where a business can grow, succeed and belong.
In 2011 the Park won a ‘Biodiversity Benchmark’ from the Wildlife Trusts, becoming the first business park in Britain to be recognised for the quality of its environmental management.
MEPC manages some of the UK’s best known commercial property. With a £1bn portfolio, it is a leader in its field with eight Business Estates in prime locations throughout the UK. Together it provides over 10m sq. ft. of high quality space for more than 1,000 organisations, employing 20,000 people.
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