MAY 2014
LIVERPOOL CITY REGION CHESHIRE MANCHESTER
FREE
move CommerCial The north-west’s guide to property and business
Issue 37
The Port of Liverpool Building welcomes new tenant Global firm MNR set for waterfront base
Room to grow Demand for incubator office space
Graduate Talent From studies to start-ups
THE PORT OF LIVERPOOL BUILDING PRESTIGIOUS SUITES WITH RIVER VIEWS
Issue thirty-seven Move Commercial
Contents News
22
Welcome to Move Commercial As well as bringing you the usual helping of insight and analysis from some of the industry’s biggest names, this issue shines a light on some of the fresh new talent and entrepreneurial individuals who are on the rise in the region. We take a look at some of the graduates who studied in or hailed from the area and are now making waves in the business world, and for this month’s debate we bring together a group of
Features
experts to chat about the incubator office spaces that are currently providing a base for North West start-ups. Plus rising star Fiona Hull talks to Move Commercial about setting up her firm, Construction Q; we catch up with champion high jumper turned businessman, Steve Smith about his International Festival for Business plans; and we also focus on the attraction of investing in science parks.
36
29 move publishing ltd Advertising Director Fiona Barnet. Tel: 0151 709 3871 Advertising Manager Catherine McCarthy. Tel: 0151 709 3871 Editor Christine Toner. Tel: 0151 709 3871 Editorial Team Natasha Young and Stephen Hurrell. Tel: 0151 709 3871 post@movepublishing.co.uk
06 The region’s news at a glance 07 Keppie Massie’s charity challenge 08 Move Commercial becomes latest Regen 2014 exhibitor 09 Pop-up shops to revitalise vacant units 10 Commercial lots to go under the hammer 12 Port of Liverpool welcomes new tenant 13 Work starts on Everton Free School 14 Library scoops property ‘Oscars’ 15 Bruntwood sells iconic City Tower 16 Jaguar Land Rover’s Richard Else speaks at Apprenticeship Graduation 21 Call for technology investment in the region
40 Design The Design Foundry. Email: mail@design-foundry.co.uk Published by Move Publishing Ltd Directors David O’Brien, Kim O’Brien, Fiona Barnet Printed by Precision Colour Printers Ltd Distribution Liaison Manager Barbara Troughton Tel: 0151 733 5492 Mobile: 077148 14662 Credits: Peter Kelly – The Social event, Apprenticeship Graduation Tom Murphy - Debate McCoy Wynne – Cover
M
Copyright Move Publishing Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced copied or transmitted in any form or by any means or stored in any information storage or retrieval system without the publishers written permission. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published, Move Publishing can accept no responsibility for the veracity of the claims made by advertisers.
18 Bitesize thinking Food for thought 20 Appointments Who’s moving where? 22 Scientifically Proven How the region’s science parks are attractive to investors 26 Entrepreneur Former Olympic high jumper Steve Smith prepares to showcase his company at the IFB 29 Key event Region hosts its inaugural graduation ceremony for apprentices 30 Debate Incubator office space in the North West 36 Rising Star Fiona Hull shares her story of setting up Construction Q 39 Key event Industry professionals network at The Social 40 Lunch date A lunchtime chat with Ralph Bullivant, partner at Hill Dickinson 41 Secrets to Success Angela Fielding, project director at Argent, reveals all 43 Business diary What’s on around the region 44 From studies to start-ups Talented graduates who are making an impact 47 Ask the Panel What effect will the International Festival for Business have on the region?
News in brief Around the region
M6
M65
BLACKPOOL
M65
This issue of Move Commercial brings you all of the latest commercial property and business news from across the North West. From the most important developments to the biggest deals in the sales and lettings market, keep up to date on the latest from the world of commercial property.
PRESTON BLACKBURN
M65
SOUTHPORT
M6 M61
ROCHDALE
BOLTON ORMSKIRK SKELMERSDALE WIGAN
OLDHAM
M58
Plus our retail, leisure and finance pages provide updates on how businesses are faring in the area, while our dedicated training page offers insight into the opportunities being provided to employers and apprentices.
M57
MANCHESTER
M6 KNOWSLEY
ST HELENS
M62 LIVERPOOL STOCKPORT BIRKENHEAD
WARRINGTON
ALTRINCHAM
M53
M6 ELLESMERE PORT
M56
MACCLESFIELD
6
> RUNCORN AND WIDNES
> CROSBY
> WARRINGTON
> MANCHESTER
Work begins on Mersey Gateway
Pop-up shops to drive regeneration
Warrington nuclear deals
Bruntwood sells City Tower
Local officials gathered for the launch of the £1.75bn project to connect the two towns.
Students will open pop-up shops in Crosby as part of a scheme by Hitchcock Wright & Partners.
Double deal at Birchwood Park boosts Warrington’s nuclear cluster as Nuclear UK event nears.
Developer reveals development plans for £132m raised in 615,000 sq ft office sale.
>> Read More on Page 13
>> Read More on Page 9
>> Read More on Page 10
>> Read More on Page 15
MOVE COMMERCIAL
Latest News
Flexible offices open Keppie partner on Old Hall street charity challenge No 1 Old Hall Street
D
Tony completes his first run, the Spring 10k
KePPie MAssie associate partner Tony Reed is set to complete a gruelling charity challenge to raise money for the Alzheimer’s society. After losing his father to Vascular Dementia in 2011 and then receiving the tragic news that his mother in law, Jean, a former receptionist at Keppie Massie, was suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease in 2013, Tony has decided to complete five running events to raise money for the charity. Tony began his fundraising mission with the spring 10k at sefton Park on 4 May and will complete four more events in just 14 days later this month, taking on two half marathons (Liverpool and Chester), a 10-mile run in Blackpool and the Walton Park five-mile run. He says: “it will be a challenging couple of weeks but the Alzheimer’s society is such a fantastic cause i’m determined to complete the remaining four runs and hopefully raise as much money as possible in the process. “The charity helped my family during some of our most difficult times and i’m delighted to be able to give something back in this way. if anyone in the industry would like to sponsor me you can do so by visiting uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ TonyReed1. All support is very much appreciated.”
DOWNiNg HAs completed work in a new flexible office space at No 1 Old Hall street in Liverpool after seeing rising demand from smaller firms in the business district. The developer has redesigned the third floor of the building to offer nine new offices ranging from 140 sq ft to 1,090 sq ft. The offices are aimed at start-ups and smaller businesses and come with a fixed, all-inclusive monthly cost covering rates, service charges, building insurance and electricity. Downing has labelled the space as ‘Flexi-Office’ and says tenants can move in within 24 hours of choosing an office and expand by taking adjacent office suites without the need for expensive
fit-outs. Robin ellis, senior agency surveyor at Downing, says: “This strong pipeline of lettings reflects a growing appetite from businesses for flexible, convenient space located in high-quality buildings in the city centre and we’re very pleased with how our Flexi-Office space has been received by the market.” Downing has already created two other Flexi-Office hubs at the Port of Liverpool Building and at graeme House. Public sector company eCare solutions and business consultancy The success Revolution have recently taken 120 sq ft and 412 sq ft at the Port of Liverpool Building respectively.
MOVE COMMERCIAL
7
News Latest
Owner reveals former AstraZeneca site plans
The Alderley Park site
THE NEW OWNER of the former AstraZeneca R&D site at Alderley Park has revealed its plans to turn it into a top quality bioscience centre, during a launch event this month. Manchester Science Parks (MSP), whose major shareholder is prominent developer Bruntwood, has revealed a new business plan for the state-of-the-art facilities at the Cheshire site after buying it from AstraZeneca. The plan includes creating a community of businesses specialising in different aspects of the drug discovery chain and the creation of a campus environment to improve collaboration. Chris Oglesby, Bruntwood CEO and MSP chairman, says: “Through our acquisition of Alderley Park, we have a unique opportunity to create a diverse innovative community of bioscience businesses which is internationally respected for the quality of its work and as a sustainable business model. With our partners and the community of exceptional scientists who choose to remain at the park, we will build a flagship for a vibrant life sciences industry in the north of England.” At the launch event, in which AstraZeneca handed the park over to the new owners, it announced it will still have over 700 employees at the 400 acre Cheshire site and has contributed £5m to a legacy fund to support new businesses starting up at Alderley Park.
8
MOVE COMMERCIAL
The Move Commercial team
Move Commercial joins exhibitors at key IFB event MOVE COMMERCIAL is the latest exhibitor to sign up to Liverpool’s forthcoming Regen 2014, which will form part of the International Festival for Business (IFB). The event, at The Rum Warehouse on 25-26 June, will focus on urban regeneration and the challenges towns and cities face as they develop and help to drive regional and national growth. As a media partner, we will join a host of industry representatives at the exhibition, as it provides a platform for new opportunities and professionals
from around the continent to network. An accompanying conference will also welcome leading names including Liverpool Vision’s chief executive, Max Steinberg; Baroness Susan Williams and Professor Walter Menzies who, along with a video message from Lord Heseltine, will speak about the Atlantic Gateway; Keith Burge, chairman of the Institute of Economic Development; and Andrew Carter, the deputy chief executive and director of policy and research at Centre for Cities. Christine Toner, editor of Move
Commercial, says: “As the IFB provides an exciting opportunity to showcase the North West to the world’s business leaders, we’re excited that Move Commercial will be part of this event. “Following developments in recent years, as well as exciting projects still in the pipeline, our region is already a shining example of how regeneration can be a driving force for growth, making it the perfect host for Regen 2014.” For more information about exhibiting or attending Regen 2014, visit www.regen2014.com.
‘ReTuRNiNg CONFiDeNCe’ PROMPTs BAM’s seARCH FOR NeW DeVeLOPMeNT OPPORTuNiTies BAM Properties’ Metro development
BAM PROPeRTies says it is on the lookout for new commercial development opportunities across the North West, following a successful year of projects. The firm, part of the Royal BAM group, has achieved
BReeAM excellent ratings with its most recent developments including the six-storey Metro office building in salford Quays, which now has just two floors remaining available, and st Peter’s square in stockport. Metro was the first accredited green building in salford Quays, with water saving features, reduced CO2 emissions and low energy consumption. A spokesperson for the company says: “Over the past 12 months BAM Properties has let or sold 170,000 sq ft of commercial property and with confidence returning to the market, BAM is looking for new office, retail and industrial development opportunities throughout the North West.” To discuss Metro or any potential development opportunities with BAM Properties, contact Paul smith on 0161 888 7952.
Retail News
School pop-up shops to ‘revitalise’ vacant Crosby units A POP-UP SHOP initiative for schools is being lined up to help “ignite interest” in vacant Merseyside retail units. Hitchcock Wright & Partners will grant students the opportunity to create and run four outlets in Crosby Village during the first weekend in July. Acting on behalf of supermarket giant Sainsbury’s, which owns some of the vacant units available to let on Moor Lane in Crosby, the Liverpool commercial agent has appealed to schools and colleges in the area to submit applications of interest, outlining their proposed plans for the unit. Successful applicants will be given a property for a full weekend, in which time they will be able manage the shop, selling their proposed products or services. Matt Kerrigan, a partner and retail specialist at Hitchcock Wright & Partners, says: “We’re thrilled to be working with Sainsbury’s and the local
One of the vacant Moor Lane shops
AgeNT APPOiNTeD FOR CiTy CeNTRe ReTAiL sPACe THe es gROuP has been appointed to find retail and restaurant operators for a new student accommodation development at the top of Brownlow Hill in Liverpool. The 1,259-room development, named Crown Place, is set to be complete in June 2014 and will include 6,000 sq ft of ground floor retail or restaurant space after the developer secured planning permission for A1–A5 use. The space can be used by a single operator or
community to revitalise Crosby Village’s Moor Lane in such a creative and original way. “We hope the venture will provide students with a unique opportunity to promote their talents, whilst helping them gain practical workplace skills, such as book keeping and customer service. “Furthermore, by showcasing the unit as a functioning shop, it is our hope that we will ignite interest in businesses or retailers who will be inspired to take on one of the units long term.” The potential units, which range from 350 sq ft to 3,500 sq ft, are said to have attracted strong interest since Hitchcock Wright & Partners commenced marketing in October 2013. It is hoped the pop-up scheme will encourage local primary and secondary schools, and colleges to showcase their entrepreneurial skills.
The Liverpool development
split into four smaller units and it could also be used for leisure or office space, says es group, which is quoting a price of £30 per square foot. Robert Diggle, divisional director of es group in Liverpool, says: “With its enviable street location in the heart of the university campus fronting Brownlow Hill, we anticipate considerable interest in this development. The university campus is the stomping ground for some 21,000 students – a huge and captive
market that might entice bars, restaurants or retail stores.” The student development, comprising three blocks on the site of the former veterinary school, will be completed before the new intake of students in september 2014. For more information contact Robert Diggle at the es group on 0151 243 1108 or at robert.diggle@es-group.com.
MOVE COMMERCIAL
9
News Sales & Lettings
Office expansion for Warrington’s nuclear cluster BIRCHWOOD IN Warrington has welcomed two new major nuclear cluster businesses, as the town looks to become a UK hub for the lucrative sector. Nuclear renewables solutions provider AREVA RMC has taken office space at Birchwood Park business park and could soon be joined by a joint venture between Mace, Areva and Atkins, after the three firms were selected as the preferred bidder for a £1bn decommissioning contract for a nuclear waste encapsulation plant at Sellafield. The unnamed joint venture is reported to be seeking up to 50,000 sq ft of office space at Birchwood once the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority approves the contract. Steve Park, managing director of Warrington & Co, Warrington’s partnership for driving growth, says: ‘This is a further boost for the town of Warrington and particularly the continued growth of our nuclear cluster. All the major players are here: Sellafield, Ltd., Rolls Royce Nuclear, AMEC Nuclear, URS and Nuvia along with a host of smaller companies including Tenet, DBD and Boulting and it is great to welcome AREVA UK and the new JV of Mace, Areva and Atkins.” Warrington, which is often referred to as the birthplace of the nuclear industry, will host the Nuclear UK event at the International Festival for Business (IFB) in June.
‘Varied’ commercial lots to go under the hammer A FORMeR bingo hall, two public houses and an office complex will be among the commercial lots at the forthcoming sutton Kersh property auction. The auctioneer is preparing to offer a “large and varied catalogue” of properties across the area during the 4 June event, which will take place at the Marriott Hotel in Liverpool City Centre. The substantial former bingo hall and cinema on Park Road in Liverpool L8 is said to be suitable for a variety of alternative uses, subject to consent, and already benefits from planning permission to be used as a tool hire shop. The property has a guide price of £70,000 plus. Meanwhile, the former Knotty Ash pub in L14 and the Melrose Abbey pub on Westminster Road in L4 are guided at £275,000 plus
The former bingo hall on Park Road
and £60,000 plus respectively. Hamilton Chambers, a fourstorey grade ii listed building in Hamilton square, Birkenhead, which is arranged as office suites, is also lined up to attract investors with a guide price of £175,000 plus. Ahead of the event, auction manageress Cathy Holt says:
Caption
“We have another large and varied catalogue with all categories of stock well represented and with guide prices to suit all budgets. “We look forward to delivering another strong set of results on behalf of our customers.” To view the catalogue online, visit www.suttonkersh.co.uk/ auctions-property
St Paul’s Square welcomes Liverpool’s largest 2014 letting No 4 St Paul’s Square
Birchwood Park
10 MOVE COMMERCIAL
A gLOBAL consultancy has agreed a 10-year lease for an entire floor of No 4 st Paul’s square, in the largest Liverpool letting so far this year. Mercer has agreed to take 22,2395 sq ft of grade A office space at the development, which will see it move in to the whole of the fourth and part of the third floor at the building. The deal represents the largest letting in Liverpool in 2014 and means 42,000 sq ft of the 109,000 sq ft
building is now occupied. No 4 st Paul’s square is the final phase of the st Paul’s square development and was the first speculatively developed BReeM ‘excellent’ building in the city. The deal was completed on behalf of english Cities Fund (eCf), a joint venture between Muse Developments, Legal and general and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), by gVA and DTZ acted for Mercer.
Phil Mayall, development director at eCf, says: “We are delighted to welcome world leading consultancy Mercer to No 4 sT PAuL’s square. This is the second letting in the building this year following the recent arrival of gVA.” Other tenants at No 4 st Paul’s square include CBRe and santander Corporate. For more information visit www.no4stpaulssquare.com.
metrooffices.co.uk
Paul Smith BAM Properties 0161 877 9535
By making informed building design decisions at the very start, we’ve created a building that is energy efficient with low operational costs. Save energy costs for your business! Only 2 floors remaining. 17,716 to 35,501 sq ft available
Conrad O’Neill
Alex Russell
breeam excellent / metro / salford quays / manchester
News Sales & Lettings
New tenant for The Port of Liverpool Building
Robin Ellis (Downing) with Ania Corlett (MNR)
A MARiNe and offshore recruitment company has taken 1,179 sq ft of office space at The Port of Liverpool Building. MNR, a specialist recruitment and administration company, has signed a 10-year lease on the building after agreeing a deal with developer Downing. The office occupies a corner suite in the iconic waterfront building, including a turret room. Before the move was completed, the entire office was refurbished for the new tenant. Robin ellis from Downing, says: “The Port of Liverpool is one of the city’s most beautiful and majestic buildings and has a rich maritime heritage, so it’s
Shipping firm takes more space at Princes Dock ATLANTIC CONTAINER LINE (ACL) has taken a further 4,600 sq ft at Peel’s Princes Dock offices in the Liverpool Waters area of the waterfront. The container and roll-on/rolloff (Ro Ro) shipping specialist now occupies 17,600 sq ft at No. 8 Princes Dock after seeking extra space due to growing staff numbers. Ian Higby, managing director at ACL, says: “We needed to find some extra space pretty quickly
and being able to add to our existing space here at Princes Dock was the perfect solution. We are grateful to Peel for being able to react in double quick time to provide the additional space we required.” The office is located in the Liverpool Waters area, where Peel’s proposed £7bn mixed use office, residential and leisure development across 14.5 ha was granted planning permission by Liverpool City Council in 2013.
The Princes Dock offices
Liza Marco, asset manager on behalf of Peel, says: “We are delighted that ACL have chosen to expand their UK operation in Princes Dock. The quality of the environment at Princes Dock and its unrivalled waterfront setting means we are continuing to attract many prestigious national and international organisations. DTZ represented ACL, and CBRE and Keppie Massie represented Peel during the deal.
Refurbished Towers welcomes deal
Towers
12 MOVE COMMERCIAL
fitting that our most recent occupier has such a strong connection with the maritime industry. The suite MNR has taken on is, as you would expect from this building, a very impressive and inspiring space and we’re delighted to welcome the company to the building, where it joins a number of global organisations.” MNR, which also has an office in singapore, was previously headquartered in Birkenhead. David Corlett, director of MNR, says: “The new suite will provide us with a custom space which has been completely refurbished and transformed to meet the needs of our specialist team.”
A NeW TeNANT has agreed a 5,600 sq ft lease at Kingston House at Towers in Didsbury, following a £1.8m refurbishment of the 20-acre site. Roper industries, a Florida-based manufacturer of products for the technology, science and industrial sectors, has taken a 10-year lease and will relocate around 30 members of staff from its sales office. The owner of Towers, a joint venture between Moorfield Real estate Fund ii (MReF ii) and Property Alliance group, recently instructed Russell Construction to refurbish four of the eleven buildings at the site. Work included upgrades to reception, core and public areas in Kingston House, Honeywell House,
spectrum House and scotscroft. Dominic Pozzoni, director at Property Alliance group, says: “Kingston House provides flexible and modern grade A office space. We’re confident that Tower’s vibrant and engaging business environment will provide Roper industries with a great base that will be enjoyed by its staff and supports their future growth. Towers' quality of accommodation, location and vast amenities continue to attract businesses of all sizes, we have also recently re-geared a number of leases, which has been a great testament in itself." Towers has 350,000 sq ft of office space and boasts tenants such as John Lewis, British Airways and Cisco.
Development News
Work begins on Everton Free School
No 1 Spinningfields secures planning approval
Work on the Everton Free School is underway
A LIVERPOOL architect firm is celebrating after work began on a new £4.2m free school and community hub near to Everton Football Club’s Goodison Park stadium. Condy Lofthouse Architects (CLA) has designed the Everton Free School, which is part of the government’s Free School programme, and expects the doors to open for up to 200 pupils in September 2014 once the first stage is complete. Jason Maher, associate architect at
Work begins on £1.75bn Mersey gateway
CLA, says: “We are delighted to be celebrating the official start of the works at Everton Free School on Spellow Lane and look forward to delivering a first class facility that will benefit students, teachers and the local community.” The school secured funding from the Big Lottery Fund to redevelop and extend existing buildings at the site to create a teaching block, a sports hall, a covered street running through the
school and a ‘creative block’ near to the main building. Once complete it will replace four smaller sites across Merseyside that currently house up to 130 students. The Everton Free School was launched in 2012 by the club’s charity, Everton in the Community. It caters for people aged 14-19 and specialises in providing education for children who have become detached from traditional schooling.
A 19-STOREY office building providing 343,000 sq ft of office space at No 1 Spinningfields has been granted planning permission by Manchester City Council. Allied London plans to redevelop Quay House to deliver the office space and create units for restaurants, cafes and retail operators on the ground floor of the development. It will also include a skyline restaurant, according to the planning application. Designed by Ian Simpson Architects, the firm behind Manchester’s Hilton Hotel at Beetham Tower, No 1 Spinningfields will also include public access through the middle of the ground floor to connect Quay Street and Hardman Square. Michael Ingall, chief executive of Allied London, says: "With No 1 Spinningfields we intend to create the most desirable office building in the UK, outside of London. Inspired by buildings from around the world, it will be a powerful statement for us and for Manchester. We have already had strong interest from several potential occupiers, demonstrating the strength of the Spinningfields offer and the confidence that businesses have in our ability to deliver the product they need." Allied London is also developing the Cotton Building in Manchester, which it will turn into flexible offices and restaurant space after an application was approved earlier in 2014.
Cllr Rob Polhill and the Merseylink Consortium team No 1 Spinningfields
CONsTRuCTiON WORK has started on the £1.75bn Mersey gateway Project, which will see a new bridge built across the River Mersey to ease traffic concerns in the region. Members of the Merseylink Consortium team and Halton Borough Council leader, Councillor Rob Polhill took part in a groundbreaking ceremony to begin work on the bridge and connect the towns of Runcorn and Widnes. The
early stages of work include setting up accommodation compounds for workers on both sides of the river, some demolition work in the surrounding area and the use of floating barges and a temporary trestle bridge to complete the main build. Cllr Rob Polhill, says: “it’s great to get things underway. We have a major three and a half-year construction project here that will not only give us a new bridge but
will help create jobs and stimulate the regional economy.” Once open in autumn 2017, the bridge is estimated to cut journey times by up to 10 minutes and improve the reliability of the local road network. Car and small van drivers will be charged £2 to cross the bridge with discounts for Halton residents, while a similar charge will be introduced on the silver Jubilee Bridge.
MOVE COMMERCIAL 13
News Leisure
Top awards for Liverpool Central Library LiVeRPOOL CeNTRAL LiBRARy has been named Project of the year at the Royal institute of Chartered surveyors (RiCs) North West Awards 2014, dubbed the region’s property ‘Oscars’. A panel of 17 judges awarded the library the Project of the year title following its £50m redevelopment, which was completed last year. The building was also presented with the Community Benefit and Tourism and Leisure accolade during a glittering ceremony at the Palace Hotel in Manchester. Other winners on the night included Manchester Town Hall for Building Conservation, Number One Riverside in Rochdale for Design Through
The award-winning Liverpool Central Library
innovation, and Parcelforce Hub in Chorley for Commercial Property. Jane Lathwood, chair of the awards judging panel and associate at gVA, says: “Liverpool Central Library is a more than deserving winner of the RiCs Awards Project of the year 2014. it absolutely embodies the values that the judges look for in a development – it serves its users in a way that few other projects could and since opening, has proven itself at the heart of the community.” The library has won a host of awards since its opening including a regional award from the Royal institute of British Architects (RiBA) and a National Building excellence Award for technical innovation.
June launch for stanley Dock hotel and event space
The proposed Liverpool FC redevelopment Stanley Dock
COUNCIL SUPPORTS STADIUM DEVELOPMENTS LIVERPOOL CITY COUNCIL has revealed it will support the city’s two football teams to develop new grounds as part of wider regeneration schemes. Liverpool Football Club revealed plans for an extended, 60,000-capacity redevelopment at Anfield in April. As part of the plans the council’s Anfield Strategic Regeneration Framework, outlining the development of new housing, business and retail units in the Anfield area, was formerly agreed during a cabinet meeting. It is expected to pave the way for £260m worth of plans to be submitted for the development. The council also confirmed it is firmly behind Everton Football Club’s plans to relocate within the city boundaries after the club announced it was looking at potential 14 MOVE COMMERCIAL
sites. While the council says it cannot pay for a stadium, it has pledged support if a scheme encourages wider regeneration. According to the local authority: “As with all large scale regeneration projects with the potential to create jobs and investment in Liverpool, the city council will look at ways it can support the wider regeneration scheme but no firm options have been developed in terms of how or where this will take shape.” Meanwhile, the wider North West economy is set to be boosted by Liverpool and Manchester City’s football success, as both teams will participate in next season’s European Champions League. The University of Liverpool’s Management School estimates the teams’ places in the competition could benefit the economy to the tune of tens of millions of pounds.
THe FiRsT sTAge of a major development at Liverpool’s stanley Dock Village will open in June 2014 in time for the international Festival of Business (iFB), according to the team behind the project. Work is ongoing to convert the Rum Warehouse into an events and exhibition space in time for the festival, as it has been confirmed as a venue on the programme. The North Warehouse is being converted into a 153-bedroom four star Titanic Hotel and is expected to open at the same time as the event space. Pat Power, director of the stanley Dock Village development, says: “This is set to be a spectacular addition to the tourism and leisure landscape, not just for Liverpool but for the uK.” “We have created a hotel which will be generous in size and expressive in its personality, with a genuine devotion from quality and to customer service. it is a hotel much like the city of Liverpool, which we believe will be imbued with the warmth and hospitality of the Liverpool personality.” The overall stanley Dock Village development also includes the conversion of the former Tobacco and south Warehouses into apartments, offices, retail and leisure units, and educational space.
Commercial News
Networking event success at il Palazzo
Lauren Whittaker and Caroline Evans (both from Kirwans) with Charlotte Murphy (YSES)
THE COMMERCIAL success of Liverpool businesses was celebrated at the city’s Il Palazzo office building on Water Street. Guests from building, construction, banking and finance enjoyed champagne and canapés in the venue’s grand atrium for the ‘Spring into Business’ networking evening, hosted by law firm Kirwans which has an office at the site, as well as branches in Southport and Wirral. John-Paul Dennis, partner at Kirwans, says: “Liverpool’s commercial district is going from strength to strength at the moment, and we were keen to recognise the achievements that have been made in this area, as well as Kirwans’ own continued growth. Our ‘Spring into Business’ event celebrated and showcased the best in the commercial sector, allowing guests to network with a wide range of business people in one of Liverpool’s finest buildings.” The event was hailed a success by Kirwans, and Charlotte Murphy, national property consultant for YSES, which manages Il Palazzo. She says: “The optimism and passion for business shared by those who attended left me in no doubt that Liverpool’s commercial district is a force to be reckoned with – and a shining jewel in the city’s commercial crown.” For more information visit www.kirwanssolicitors.co.uk
Bruntwood to ‘recycle’ capital from £132m City Tower sale
City Tower, Manchester
THe PROPeRTy firm Bruntwood has sold its iconic Manchester city centre building, City Tower, in a £132m deal. The family owned company exchanged contracts for the mixeduse property with buyer schroders, having previously instructed CBRe in March to conduct a limited marketing campaign for them on the Picadilly gardens based building. The deal reflects a headline net yield approaching 7%, and Bruntwood now intends to “recycle” capital from the sale to deliver its development pipeline. Bruntwood’s CeO, Chris Oglesby, says: “At 615,000 sq ft net on a three-acre site, the building attracted a great deal of interest from parties from across the globe. We are delighted to have been able to identify a purchaser that paid a good price and could acquire this complex asset in a reasonably tight timescale. “As important, however, was to find an organisation that will be a responsible owner of this important asset for Manchester and be a great addition to the investor base of the city. We look forward to working with schroders, as we maintain the ongoing property management of the building and to continue to serve the customers at City Tower.”
Strong performance for North West demolition firm
Demolition work at Hyde Multi-storey car park
NORTH WEST demolition firm, Windmill Group enjoyed a successful start to 2014, having secured more than £1m of work across the region and beyond. Since January, projects have been getting underway for clients including Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, the NHS Foundation Trust at Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral, and the Hyde Multi-storey car park for Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council, as well as projects elsewhere in the country and in North Wales. In recent months, the firm also carried out emergency work at New Mill in Dukinfield, Greater Manchester, where wind damage had caused part of a gable wall to come away from the main structure. The strong performance has come at a time of developments and growth for the group, which has been in business for almost 20 years and has offices based in Manchester, Merseyside and the South East of England. Not only did the company relaunch its website in January, but it has also welcomed new appointments to the team including senior contracts manager Neil Garner and project and bid coordinator Jess McClurg. Meanwhile Windmill Group owner, Adrian Kelly has recently been appointed as vice chairman for the North West region of the National Federation of Demolition Contractors, and will help the organisation to keep ahead of the evolving industry, legislation and standards.
MOVE COMMERCIAL 15
News Training
Major expansion opens up apprenticeship opportunities at glass firm
Bootle Glass headquarters is set to expand
A MAJOR EXPANSION of Bootle Glass’ headquarters and manufacturing facilities will help pave the way for apprenticeship opportunities, the Merseyside firm has announced. The company, which provides domestic, commercial and industrial glazing services, revealed this month that it will triple the size of its current 3,600 sq ft base following significant investment and the purchase of two neighbouring buildings. It is now said to be finalising plans to create apprenticeships as well as new jobs, “cutting edge” manufacturing techniques and a state of the art trade counter. According to Martin Clarke, managing director of Bootle Glass, an increasing demand across the UK has prompted the growth of the business. He says: “Our broad base of customers in the domestic, government, industrial, healthcare and commerce sector and our plans to extend our reach into new markets is opening up many opportunities. We have had a need for larger premises for a while and the nearby buildings made perfect sense in terms of cost and logistics. “We are also excited about developments in the region and now is the time to make this long term commitment to North Liverpool and lead from the front with our headquarters in the area.”
16 MOVE COMMERCIAL
Apprentices honoured at inaugural graduation JAguAR LAND ROVeR’s operations director, Richard else, helped honour apprenticeship achievers from across Merseyside, when a special graduation ceremony took place in the region. Richard, who is also chair of the employment and skills Board, was a key speaker during the event at Liverpool Cathedral, which was the first of its kind in the North West and the largest in the uK. speaking to Move Commercial at the graduation, which provided a formal celebration for over 400 level three and four apprenticeship achievers, he said: “The apprenticeship programmes we have in the Liverpool City Region are incredible. it’s been neglected
Richard Else
in recent years and we’re making that investment now and creating some real talent through this process at every level and we’re getting a group of people that are ready for work in the careers they have chosen. “i’m really supportive of this process and i think what we’re doing tonight is demonstrating that people need to be recognised for all the hard work for many years that has got them to this point.” Other speakers at the event, organised by the Liverpool City Region Apprenticeship Hub, included Ashley Terron, the skills Olympics gold medallist and former bricklaying apprentice.
Drive to recruit 100 apprentices for hospital development
The new Royal Hospital
CARiLLiON CONsTRuCTiON services revealed a host of apprenticeship opportunities that are on offer at its £335m Royal Hospital development in Liverpool this month. As this issue of Move Commercial went to press, hopeful trainee construction workers were being asked to attend a registration event at the site’s education centre to find out
more about 100 apprenticeship positions that are available for the scheme. The firm was looking to attract interest for construction industry trades including joinery, general construction operative, mechanical, electrical, painting and decorating and hard and soft flooring roles. The recruitment drive by the
construction partner was part of an aim, supported by Liverpool in Work, to appoint apprentices and a local workforce for the major development project. With construction getting underway this year, the city’s new Royal Hospital is expected to be open in 2017 and features will include 18 theatres, 23 wards and 646 single en suite rooms.
Looking to take your business to the next level? Invest Wirral’s dedicated relationship managers give the one-to-one support you need to grow your business and as a delivery partner for the Merseyside Business Support Programme, can offer fully funded specialist advice in the areas that really matter, including: • Business planning and health checks • Sales and e-commerce • HR strategy and advice • Marketing and social media • Quality assurance and diagnostics
• Accountancy • Change management and mentoring • Tendering • IT strategy advice • IP advice
To find out how your business could benefit please contact Invest Wirral on 0151 650 6915 or email invest@wirral.gov.uk
investwirral.com 278MAY14PJ
MOVE COMMERCIAL 17
Bitesize thinking
Lisa Evans
commercial property solicitor, Kirwans
In my crystal ball... Call me an optimist, but I do believe that the near future is looking extremely bright for the North West thanks to the sheer volume of high profile property developments that are taking place across the region. Key development schemes in Liverpool and Manchester, coupled with the International Festival for Business, should result in an influx of foreign investors wanting to stake their claim in one of the North West’s towns and cities, and we should expect to see an unprecedented amount of interest from investors across the world over the next few months. The huge plans afoot for Merseyside’s docklands in the form of Peel’s Liverpool and Wirral Waters projects, alongside prominent schemes in Manchester such as Greengate Embankment and First Street, mean that there has never been a better time for foreign investors to put their money into the region.
If only I’d known… The recession was a big wake-up call to many property investors, and in hindsight if I’d have known prior to the recession just how bad things were going to get, I would have advised those with large property portfolios to offload as many of their assets as they could. Many investors were over-extending themselves due to the sheer volume of finance that was easily available, and I would have warned them to take a cautious approach rather than being dazzled by opportunities to buy properties they couldn’t really afford. Finally, I would have advised those who were coming to the end of their lending facilities to agree new arrangements with the banks rather than entering into short-term facilities which would be withdrawn as soon as the good times were over. Painful as it was, the recession taught us all a lesson in the dangers of over-stretching your budget, and it’s one I regularly remind clients of in order to future-proof their assets.
My favourite building with... Daniel Smith Architect and director, Smith + McHugh Architecture (formerly McHugh Stoppard Architecture)
John Soanes House and Museum, London Despite a well-known liking for modern architects such as Eric Owen Moss, Morphosis & Frank Gehry, the building that gives me constant joy and delight every time I visit is actually a late 18th Century terraced house at Lincoln's Inn Fields in London. It’s the former home of neo-classical British architect Sir John Soane, and is a museum paying homage to his life and work. The remodelled terraced house is an eccentric treasure-chest stuffed full of the results of a lifetime of travelling and collecting antiquities and art intended to become an 'Academy of Architecture' to inspire students for future generations to come. But for me, it's about more than the contents fascinating as they are – but in that Soane used his house to experiment and develop his architectural visions. It's the beauty of the unexpected hidden spaces and voids, the use of colour and most of all, the natural light. Soane was a master at bringing light into even the darkest corners and utilised every inch of space and possibility. In a sense he was a modern architect who delivered the current holy grail of design - the desire to maximise light and space. 18 MOVE COMMERCIAL
“Soane used his house to experiment and develop his architectural visions.”
Bitesize thinking
Rupert Lowe associate director, Dunlop Heywood
Curriculum vITAe Main duties: Acting on behalf of clients from private individuals through to PLC’s in the world of commercial agency buying, letting and selling properties in all sectors. Also working with colleagues in other sectors to spread the good name of Dunlop Heywood across the regions. Education: Eleven years at Liverpool College followed by an urban estate management degree at Liverpool John Moores University before joining Gerald Eve in my first true surveying role. First job: Painting Portakabin offices on the docks of Liverpool for a storage company – it wasn’t glamorous and there were 6am starts, but it was hard work and good fun. Shortest job: Probably a Christmas job stacking shelves for Asda. I was offered a trainee management position but ‘sensibly’ went back to university – after the last seven years in property, I have often wondered ‘what if?’! What’s the secret to your success? Hard work and a focus on client care are top of my agenda. Also, having as much fun as possible along the way too of course. What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received? Keep true to yourself and be honest at all times. It may not bring rewards immediately but in the long run the benefits should materialise. What advice would you give to somebody starting out in the industry? Listen to your peers, try and learn something every day (that never stops) and, above all, understand it is your client who pays your wages. What makes Dunlop Heywood different? Dunlop Heywood is a forward thinking firm with traditional values and ethics and we have some of the best property and rating experts in the business. Every client is made to feel important and we ensure that our positive ‘can do’ outlook ensures best client service and communications at all times. We’re always honest with our clients and, as a result, our client retention rate is one of the best in the industry. Tell us a little bit about Dunlop Heywood’s plans for the year ahead: Continued growth both in terms of client base and colleagues – we have just taken on another four new staff on the back of recent business wins. Our aim is to become a leading UK provider of distinct professional property services to public and private sector organisations and we recruit specialists in their own fields to offer this. Our goal is to be the partner of choice for clients and employer of choice for staff.
Tweet all about it The 5 best commercial tweets
1 2 3 4 5
@TheSoapworks The sun is shining all over Manchester, including our construction site @Wirral_Chamber Cammell Laird has submitted plans for a new warehouse & office that could see the creation of up to 50 jobs @AirportCityUK @manairport secures direct @cathaypacific Hong Kong flight connecting @AirportCityUK to #China @transportgovuk Parliament has voted in favour of #HS2. MPs voted 452 to 41 in support of the hybrid bill for phase one @CushWake Total UK shopping centre floorspace now stands at over 16.9 million sq m spread across 713 schemes
Commercial
STATS 65%
The remaining stake in Vantage Airports UK, the owners of Liverpool John Lennon Airport (JLA), which the Peel Group acquired to become the sole owner of the airport company. JLA is said to be a key part of Peel’s £50bn Ocean Gateway programme.
29,500 sq ft The size of a new £7m Tesco food store, which is currently being developed on a three-acre site in Little Lever, Bolton. Work got underway in April after Peveril Securities Ltd, in partnership with Real Estate Development Partnerships Ltd, acquired the site in a £3m deal last November.
625,000 The number of visitors expected to visit Chester’s theatre, library and cinema complex each year once the development is complete, according to Chester Renaissance. An economic impact survey, which has also predicted the attraction will generate £16m plus expenditure annually, was carried out by Amion Consulting.
100 The number of small businesses a proposed new £8.5m incubator space could house in the centre of Warrington. The new 50,000 sq ft facility, recently announced by Warrington Borough Council, would sit at the heart of the local authority’s ambitious £190m Stadium Quarter project.
£23m The total cash boost being given to seven projects in the North West, as part of Round 5 of the govermment’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF). The RGF was set up to create sustainable employment and rebalance the economy.
£150m The cost of Liverpool’s Cains Brewery Village regeneration project, which is being marketed by GVA and Colliers International. The residential and mixed-use leisure scheme was approved by the city’s planning committee last November.
Appointments Nine promotions at CBRE CBRE has appointed Steven Verity as senior director as part of a raft of promotions at its Manchester and Liverpool offices. Steven was Steven Verity previously head of northern land and development for CBRE but will take up his new role with immediate effect. CBRE has also announced eight other appointments across its North West offices. These include Alex Russell and Will Kennon, who have been appointed to the role of directors in the office agency and capital markets teams respectively. Meanwhile Ben Golby, David Vernon and Darren Hill have been promoted to associate directors and Jamie Bottomley, Nick Huddleston and Michelle Rothwell are now senior surveyors.
New associate director at Edwards & Co North West property consultant, Edwards & Co, has promoted Richard Dinsdale to associate director after eight years with the company. Richard Dinsdale Richard joined Edwards & Co as a graduate surveyor in June 2006 and has attracted praise for his role at the company during the recent years of recession. Andrew Timms, director of Edwards & Co says: “Richard is an asset to our team and his mature and diligent attitude has paid off in the recent difficult market conditions. During his time at the firm he has driven a number of key deals and has built up a strong client base.” 20 MOVE COMMERCIAL
Promotion at Bibby Financial Services Liverpool-based funder Bibby Financial Services (BFS) has appointed Mike Calvert as head of sales in the North West, responsible for teams in the Merseyside, North Wales, Staffordshire, Lancashire and Cumbria regions. Mike, who joined the company in 2011, is tasked with increasing its funding support to businesses in the region and has 10 years’
Mike Calvert
experience in corporate and commercial banking. He says: “I’m delighted with the new role. Bibby Financial Services is the UK’s largest independent invoice finance provider and not only do we have an appetite to lend to businesses; we also have knowledge and expertise to help them to succeed.”
New partner at Chester law firm Clare Gray has been appointed partner at the Chester team of Knight’s law firm for the corporate and commercial sectors. Clare brings 13 years’ of legal experience, having trained in London before moving to Manchester and then Chester. She says: “My aim here is to grow the commercial and corporate practice primarily targeting firms in Cheshire and North Wales but also nationally. We have a very capable team here in Chester and I am very pleased to be a part of it. ” Knights is celebrating six months in Chester after an acquisition in 2013. It plans to double its Chester staff within six months. Clare Gray
Financial News
SMEs offered £200m funding pot HSBC HAS created a fund for smaller North West businesses to support growth and allow them to buy rented premises, it has announced. A total of 52 local SME funds are available and finance of up to £200m will be available to each, including the North West region, after a new report revealed 2014 marks a ‘turning point’ for British business growth. The report, named ‘Business of Growth’, says the UK economy is outperforming many European economies and growth forecasts have been consistently revised as confidence grows. Businesses are increasing capital investments at the fastest rate since early 2008 and HSBC has revised its
David Beaty
growth forecasts upwards to 2.9% for 2014, according to the report, which analysed 39 forecasts of GDP and investment, as well as findings from four business barometers. David Beaty, HSBC regional commercial director in the north, says: “Over the last few years, many businesses have been focused on preserving cash and paying down debt, taking an understandably cautious view about the economic backdrop. Many business leaders are now viewing the future with real optimism with their thoughts turning to opportunities and investment.” The fund is available to small businesses with a turnover of up to £30m in the North West.
New office for Enterprise Ventures
Jonathan Diggines
A CoMpANy offering public and private funds to help high-growth businesses has opened a new Liverpool office at peel’s princes Dock development. Enterprise Ventures, which manages funds such as The North West Fund for Venture Capital and The North West Fund for Mezzanine, has taken 2,150 sq ft at the Liverpool Waters development and is targeting Merseyside’s ‘management break-out’ firms,
where experienced managers have set up their own business. Jonathan Diggines, chief executive of Enterprise Ventures, says: “Enterprise Ventures has been successfully operating in Merseyside for many years but with the launch of our new office, we are looking forward to stepping up our involvement with local businesses and the adviser community.” The firm is also targeting highgrowth businesses in the area,
having invested over £10m across 25 companies in Merseyside in the past few years. Jonathan says: “We are keen to provide more local businesses with the funding they need to generate growth, prosperity and jobs.” The fund is available to businesses with a turnover of up to £50m including early stage technology companies, start-ups and established companies with a need for growth.
North West profit warnings halve in 2014 THE NUMBER of companies issuing profit warnings in the North West has halved in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013, signalling rising confidence in the region’s economy. According to EY’s Profit Warning Report, there were just five profit warnings across North West businesses compared to 10 in the same period last year. The report also shows the North West had the second-lowest amount of profit warnings across the UK, behind Scotland and Northern Ireland with three. There were just four profit warnings from North West companies in the final quarter of 2013 but a string of successful IPOs have increased confidence in the region’s market, according to experts at EY. Successful IPOs include online fashion retailer Boohoo.com, Stockport-based retailer Pets at Home and Bolton white goods retailer AO. Alan Hudson, EY’s head of restructuring for UK & Ireland, says, “This is a further indication of increasing sector resilience and the improving consumer backdrop, with rising market confidence underlined by a string of successful retail IPOs “Although, it’s certainly not going to be a completely smooth ride for retailers and it may be tough to live up to some heightened expectations in what still is a highly competitive and changeable consumer environment.”
MOVE COMMERCIAL 21
Christine Toner christine@movepublishing.co.uk
©Pip Rustage
Scieπtific∂lly prov∑n
Investment in science parks Focus
With investment in science parks proving successful for many developers across the country we take a look at how such parks are faring in the region and why they could be the key to economic growth for the North West. Science parks have always provided an exciting opportunity for commercial developers. A break from traditional office building, science parks give property professionals the chance to invest not just in prime sites within a buoyant market but in innovation and research and development - a chance, in short, to invest in the future. These parks provide the space for pioneering projects to develop and technological advancements to be made – offering not just employment opportunities in the present but the chance for economic growth going forward. And businesses within the science and technology sector – one which is flourishing – seek state of the art, flexible spaces in which to base themselves. “Knowledge-intensive businesses now want more than just office space - they want to join a community,” says Chris Musson, chief executive of Liverpool Science Park. “Unlike the mainstream property market, science parks offer space that goes beyond the square footage and also offers businesses a part of a specialist community of support. “We see so many companies on different stages of their journey at the park - from the graduates who have a bright idea and need a hot desk to the University of Liverpool’s world class R&D Department of Global Health and Infection. Each business is looking for something slightly different but ultimately it’s about flexibility, location and being part of a thriving community.” Anne Dornan, head of innovation and partnerships at Manchester Science Parks, agrees. “Science and technology businesses are fast growing and form key growth sectors in the modern economy,” she says. “They require a very particular environment and support infrastructure which maximises their chances of success by
providing access to finance, specialist skills, technical expertise and facilities, R&D resources, and international markets.” Over the last few months the property press has been littered with news of funding boosts, acquisitions and new builds within the sector. In March Manchester Science Parks (MSP) announced it had acquired AstraZeneca's 400-acre Alderley Park campus in east Cheshire. MSP is a partnership between property developer Bruntwood, Manchester City Council, Salford City Council, the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. The MSP central site currently consists of 250,000 sq ft of commercial office, lab and workshop space and an additional 93,000 sq ft is due to complete in June this year with further development plans underway to grow the central site to over 1.1m sq ft over the next 10 years. In Liverpool, work has been completed on a four-storey £7m extension at Liverpool Science Park. The innovation centre, designed by Ryder Architecture and completed by Morgan Sindall, comprises 3,750 square metres of office space and a commercial laboratory. And plans for an £18m Science Park have been submitted to Fylde Borough Council by Preston-based consultancy PWA Planning on behalf of Mill Farm Ventures. Meanwhile Sci-Tech Daresbury in Cheshire has entered the next phase of its development plans for a 48,000 sq ft office and lab
“ ”
building. Halton Council and development Langtree are seeking a contractor to deliver the £10.3m project. SO WHY THE POPULARITY WITH DEVELOPERS? “The attraction to investors is that you have the potential to attract high growth tenants who have the capability and appetite to collaborate with each other as well as with universities and other centres," says John Leake, business development manager at Sci-Tech Daresbury. “This creates a self-supporting ecosystem that helps drive more rapid growth of the businesses and improve tenant retention by very strongly embedding them into the community of the science park. Consequently this develops a very strong pipeline of resilient, growing customers for future expansion properties and therefore accelerates the growth of the science park.” Anne Dornan, who says MSP has succeeded in attracting significant private sector investment, cites a number of factors that make such parks so attractive to investors. “There are high performing businesses, development potential within growing sectors and long term investments on offer,” she says. Of course, it’s not just the developers that build and invest in science parks that benefit from such facilities. The development of science parks unequivocally leads to the development of knowledge and skills, which provide a huge economic boost to a region.
Science and technology businesses are fast growing and form key growth sectors in the modern economy.
Liverpool Science Park is a not for profit company, meaning whilst it is wholly commercial it reinvests all of its profits back into the park. “I believe that the best inward investment strategy is for a city region to grow its own world class knowledge-based companies,” says Chris Musson. “Science parks can take early risks which mainstream providers are unable or unwilling to do. This has a multiplier effect; attracting other high growth businesses to the area and providing opportunities to create high value jobs. There is a clear economic impact for the region and it also means that the area is put on the map for knowledge excellence – further attracting other businesses to come and be a part of it. John Leake says in order to support the growth of the North West economy to enable it to both more effectively compete internationally but also provide some counterbalance to the prominence of London and the South East, there is a need to invest in the scientific and technology facilities and expertise in key universities and science parks across the North West. “In addition it is critical that hubs are established and developed which enable technology companies to cluster around,” she adds. “The interconnection within and between the hubs, as well as into the knowledge base of the universities and research campuses, will then critically accelerate the transfer of knowledge and expertise to create new partnerships, business opportunities and ultimately competitive advantage.” And of course, for the region’s graduates the benefits are substantial. “By encouraging and supporting the start-up and incubation of innovation-led, high growth businesses, science parks offer the ideal environment and support services to graduates wanting to set up their own business within the relevant sectors,” says Anne Dornan.
MOVE COMMERCIAL 23
Clearground Support Services
Commercial Window Cleaning
Drainage & CCTV Surveys Commercial Window Cleaning Commercial & Industrial Cleaning High Level Access & Maintenance Waste Control and Management Pest Control Commercial Kitchen Fan & Extraction System Cleaning Washroom Services
Kitchen Fan and Extractor Cleaning
Waste Control & Management
Industrial Cleaning
0151 652 8010 or email: info@clearground.co.uk Telephone:
67 Corporation Road | Birkenhead | Wirral | CH41 3NG
24 MOVE COMMERCIAL
EXPERT LEGAL SOLUTIONS FOR THE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SECTOR OUR SERVICES • Service Charge Arrears Recoveries • Ground Rent Arrears Recoveries • Complex and Defended Claims • Forfeiture • First-Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) • Appeals to the Upper Tribunal • Right to Manage • Lease Extensions and Variations • Lease Services and Advice • Breach of Covenant
W : JBLEITCH.CO.UK T : 0151 708 2250
Stephen Hurrell stephen@movepublishing.co.uk
From an Olympic bronze medal and British high jump record to retirement at the age of 26 because of a ruptured Achilles tendon, Steve Smith has experienced the ups and downs of the sporting arena. Now his attention has turned to the world of business where his company, Raise the Bar, will be taking centre stage at the International Festival of Business (IFB) in Liverpool.
“I RETIRED in 1997 when I was 26 after I ruptured my Achilles tendon and I realised I have to get on with my life,” says Steve, who during his career secured an olympic bronze medal, a Commonwealth silver, a European Championship silver, a World Championship bronze and British indoor and outdoor records that still stand to this day. Life after athletics began with a restaurant venture in North Liverpool, a far cry from sporting circles. He says: “you throw yourself into it. My only ever employment comes from a Saturday job in a sports store in Liverpool for a few weeks. I’ve never had to report to anybody or fall in within a structure.” However, he soon had the desire for a more commercial role, adding: “After about three years, in around 2004, I just wanted something that was more in line with my passion, and my passion was performance.” He then co-founded Raise the Bar, a performance development firm aimed at helping companies and individuals achieve their potential. “It was always about getting out there and making it happen,” says Steve. “I think when you’ve lived your life like that you’re more of a risk taker. I thought I might not have all the answers, but I’ll have a bloody good go at finding them out. I think that’s 26 MOVE COMMERCIAL
pretty much how we started the business.” Ten years on, Raise the Bar has an impressive roster of over 350 ‘subject matter experts’, from business leaders such as Karen Brady to sports legends such as Sir Clive Woodward, who speak at conferences and within organisations. The company is also a learning business, running skills workshops and leadership programmes to improve business performance. According to Steve: “Where our skills come in is being able to speak the organisation’s language and take them on a journey. The sports side may work for one organisation but others may want a businessperson like Karen Brady. It’s identifying what’s right for the organisation.” Karen will be one of the headline speakers at the IFB in Liverpool in June and July, while Steve will be using his experience gained at Raise the Bar to give his own motivational talk for business people during the event. “I think the IFB is huge. Liverpool to showcase itself at the IFB is going to be one of the best things we’ve been able to do since the Capital of Culture. We’ve shown we can do large events and get bums on seats. Now it’s about ensuring people want to relocate and invest in the city. “From Raise the Bar’s perspective
it’s important but personally it’s important as well. I live in the city but I find myself in London on average once a week. I probably don’t spend as much time from a commercial perspective as I probably should in the city. Having a presence at that event is really important.” Speaking at international business events and working with some of the world’s most influential people after just 10 years is an incredible achievement, but there have been tough times for the fledgling company. “It has been difficult but ultimately when you’re an SME of our size it enables you to be really agile. We went into the recession in 2008 and our biggest client at the time was RBS. With RBS being so inextricably linked with the overall economic downturn it was a challenging time for our clients and for us. What it enabled us to do is it sharpen up. We had to make sure our products offer a real return on investment and when we come out of recession we’re in a place where we can start to grow, and I think that’s where we sit now.” However, the success of the company has been achieved without focusing on Steve Smith as a brand, after he made a conscious decision to let the business stand on its own. “When you’re an athlete you are a self-employed business and with the restaurant it was about my name.
Steve Smith, co-founder, Raise the Bar Entrepreneur
“
Liverpool to showcase itself at the IFB is going to be one of the best things we’ve been able to do since the Capital of Culture
“
We were determined for Raise the Bar not to be that. There are a lot of clients who engage with Raise the Bar who don’t know who Steve Smith is and that’s the biggest element of satisfaction that I can have with our brand. If people don’t know who I am then they judge us on our results and that’s what we aim for.” As the economic outlook brightens, the business is focused on expansion. Staff numbers have doubled in three years and Steve expects them to double again in the next three. The company has also invested in commercial property, securing new premises at Kings Business park because of its location between Manchester and Liverpool, and with its strong transport links to London. “It’s a big move for us in terms of making that jump to buy and take on a bigger property but we just feel the market is right from our own perspective.” The company also has a London office but for Steve, his North West roots are an important part of the brand’s philosophy. “It’s a big area we work in and we want to be seen as the first port of call as a gateway to some of the most influential and dynamic people on the planet. That’s our philosophy and I don’t see why, as a North West company, we can’t do that.”
MOVE COMMERCIAL 27
Bootle Glass is set for a huge expansion that will triple the size of our current headquarters and manufacturing facility. After significant investment and the purchase of two neighbouring buildings, plans are now being finalised to create new jobs, apprenticeships, cutting edge manufacturing techniques and a state-of-the-art trade counter.
We make things happen...
26968
Tel: 0151 922 2026 or 0151 933 5224 • Fax: 0151 286 1298 Email: info@bootleglass.co.uk • www.bootleglass.com • 49-51 Bankhall Street L20 8JD
28 MOVE COMMERCIAL
Photos by Peter Kelly
Apprenticeship Graduation Ceremony Key events
Apprentices recognised at graduation event Merseyside apprenticeship achievers from across a range of industries celebrated their success recently, as a formal graduation ceremony took place at Liverpool Cathedral. Richard Else, operations director at Jaguar Land Rover and chair of the Employment and Skills Board, was a key speaker at the event, which was the first of its kind to take place in the North West and the biggest in the UK. Organised by The Liverpool City Region Apprenticeship Hub, the event recognised level three and four apprentices from Merseyside’s six boroughs in a similar graduation event to those of university students. The ceremony was watched by VIPs from across the region as well as family members of the graduates. Gold medal winning bricklayer and former apprentice, Ashley Terron also spoke at the event. 1
2
3
4
6
9
7
10
5
8
11
1. Apprentices celebrated their achievements 2. Liverpool Cathedral was prepared for the occasion 3. Eddie Sloan (Sefton Council) and Richard Seddon (Connexions) 4. Jo Ellis-Sheldon (St. Helens Local Authority), Councillor Erica Kemp (Deputy Lord Mayor of Liverpool), Samih Kalakeche (director of adult services, Liverpool City Council) 5. Richard Else (Jaguar Land Rover) 6. Ashley Terron (Bricklayer of the year), Siobhan Saunders (chair LCR Apprenticeship Hub) and Richard Else (Jaguar Land Rover) 7. patrick McCarten and James Flannery (Fusion 21) 8. Apprentices were congratulated on stage 9. James Flannery (Fusion 21), Ian Ryan (National Apprenticeship Service), Ron odunaiya (Executive Director, Liverpool City Council), Gareth Jones (Wirral Council) and Ian Green (City of Liverpool College) 10. VIps watched the ceremony 11. Joe Moore (SFA), Ian Ryan (National Apprenticeship Service), Gareth Jones (Wirral Council) and Kamal Choudhary (Merseyside Colleges Association) MOVE COMMERCIAL 29
Natasha Young natasha@movepublishing.co.uk
Room to grow
Across the region, co-working office spaces known as ‘incubators’ are on the rise, making way for start-up businesses and entrepreneurial individuals to have an affordable and flexible professional base. We brought together four experts to discuss the benefits of incubator space and how the demand is affecting the commercial office market.
Incubator offices Debate
Liane Grimshaw founder and managing director of SupaReal, and tenant of co-working office ‘Together’
What’s the demand like for incubator office space in the region at the moment? EP: We get a lot of demand for the technology and digital media sectors, and its growing demand there. That’s the only real sector that we find it. What is prompting the demand? DR: The growth in entrepreneurs; people wanting to start their own business but not needing that capital expenditure. We started in an incubator space and were there for 18 months so for us it was great until we had about six people, then it wasn’t cost effective. AB: The whole thing about incubator space is driven by the fact the market collapsed with the property sector a while ago, and that was the only sector that was growing so everybody was jumping onto the bandwagon trying to get activity or lettings in their spaces. People are realising incubator space is where businesses grow from. Also it’s important that an incubator environment already exists in cafes and places where businesses can work mobile, they haven’t got to be at a fixed desk. It’s when businesses reach a certain size and you need to talk more amongst colleagues that you have to move to your own physical space.
Daniel Reilly director of Epic New Media, and former incubator space tenant
DR: I’d love to set up my own incubator with creatives in digital because in that environment you help each other so much, not in a structured way but by being around each other and talking about problems. It’s very fashionable at the moment, and coffee shop culture is where it starts and is very trendy so I suppose that’s making demand increase. LG: Because we provide services rather than build technology, it’s important to have flexibility with price, terms and being able to grow gradually, but also being able to have a great address because you need to meet with clients and look as professional as you can. You can do so much from home but when you get to a point where you’re an established business even though you’re small, that certainly helps when presenting yourself. What’s the main benefit for small businesses to have office space as opposed to working from home? LG: For me it’s having space to collaborate with others easily. There are two of us working full-time, soon to be three, and we work with freelancers, some of whom are strategy consultants, designers and writers and it’s not always easy to have them round the kitchen table. We need somewhere professional to
Atul Bansal co-founder and partner at The Sheila Bird Group
work together for a day. AB: Also, the attitude changes when you’re working from home to when you walk into an office. You’re more focused about what you need to do and meeting people is important.
“
This place [Together] is looking to bring in complementary companies, and we’ve already been helping each other.
”
DR: You’d find it hard to grow the scale of a company in isolation now, not just because of networks but connecting ideas and what you get from being around other people. LG: This place [Together] is looking
Emma Powell surveyor, OBI Property
to bring in complementary companies, and we’ve already been helping each other, sharing experiences and giving advice. EP: That’s attractive to landlords too because, say your company’s here, you start talking to other companies about the benefits and that attracts them as well. To the landlord it’s great because the space gets filled. Two years ago public money was funding incubator spaces but now landlords are realising the benefits. There will be clusters, they will let more space and in the future hopefully one of those companies will expand within their portfolios so that’s why we’re seeing more private landlords offering the space too. Are office providers targeting likeminded businesses or are the spaces naturally attracting certain types of business? AB: It’s not a random selection anymore based on square footage costs etc, it’s about going to a place they want to be in. Landlords are being more successful by saying ‘we think this little business needs to be in this building’ and targeting those sectors. It’s clustering in a certain way but that’s what’s happening with the marketplace a lot. Some work we’re doing is in line with that sort of stuff where you’ve got
MOVE COMMERCIAL 31
“ ”
We started in an incubator space and were there for 18 months so for us it was great.
developers saying ‘can you help us do something with this building?’, so we’ll say ‘what sector are you targeting? What businesses do you think you need to talk to in this building?’. What services and facilities make a good incubator space? AB: Transparancy, cost, the best broadband connection. LG: Fixed cost, all in, was a big plus for me so I could think ‘I’ll budget for that and plan it around head count as it grows and then we’ll get to a size where we’re able to get our own space’. DR: For us, infrastructure was good around broadband and cost was good. What we missed is the support. Making it sector-specific is good, and even if there’s competition within the room that really helps. AB: Allowing people occupying the space to pick the people that come in is an important part of an incubator space. It’s down to landlords who they put into buildings - some will say ‘I don’t want this tenant because it’s the wrong mix’. They’re making those
decisions already and incubators are no different, it’s like creating a big family and that’s important. LG: It is. Already we’re working out between us how things are going to work, like with booking the meeting room which we don’t really have a formal process for yet. We’ll work it out together. DR: I watched a programme about London and the power of it, and how a couple of big name pharmaceutical companies had moved out of London years ago to re-isolate. The thought process was ‘get all your experts to some sort of countryside location, don’t let them have any other influences’ and it led to a lot less innovation so they moved back around. AB: You need collisions, you need arguments to make things happen. How are office suppliers supplying the demand? EP: The creative sector doesn’t just want typical offices with suspended ceilings and raised floors. They want it to be a bit quirky and have breakout areas, but they also want areas where you can have meetings. When you’re a small business
“
starting up you don’t want to be focusing on comms, furniture and fit-out, you want to be getting your head down in your work and making your business grow. Landlords are listening; they’re providing all the facilities. AB: The problem we have is certain landlords get it, certain landlords don’t and sometimes we get asked to do things which are just trendy, but they don’t work because you’re imposing a style on individuals who are creative in their own right. You need to do a lot less sometimes and let the people in it do what they want. That’s what makes spaces work really well and landlords are much more aware of it or struggling to get their head around it. Is there an average amount of time that a business spends in an incubator space before it moves on? LG: Daniel said 18 months and I imagine we will be 12-18 months. DR: I would have been happy to stay at the time but it was just cost really. It was about £100 per month per desk, so we could get
The creative sector doesn’t just want typical offices with suspended ceilings and raised floors. They want it to be a bit quirky and have breakout areas.
32 MOVE COMMERCIAL
”
our own space in the commercial district which is where we decided we’d like to be and the amenities were a bit better, but if you could have negotiated based on scale, the space wasn’t full and there was plenty of space to grow into. It’s down to the people who organise it and whether they’re business minded or commercially minded. AB: It’d be really great if landlords took on board the next stage and could say ‘you’re growing out of our incubator, why don’t we help you with an accelerator space’. Landlords should take the responsibility to help those needing, say, a 12 or nine-person space. That should be happening in the future to keep that talent in the area you’re in. That’s how we’ll see real growth in that sector. Are incubators now creating a gap in the market for the next stage? LG: The next stage yes, but to not lose that kind of community you get in them. EM: That’s the feel they’re going for at Granada. They’ve got a group with links to Manchester University, they’ve just got investment from a big investment company in technology and they’ve got an incubator space for around 20 people. The plan is for them to grow within Granada so they’ll then take
Incubator offices Debate
“ ”
If you’re a small organisation and a bright thinker, whether you’re creative or in banking or whatever, you can make things happen because you’re different.
conventional space but still have links with that original incubator space and the breakout spaces that are meant for the incubator space. They have their conventional lease but they’ve still got their original networking and collaborative areas. How easy is it for start-up businesses to make the transition to larger office spaces? DR: It’s difficult because you’re in your comfort space when you’ve been in an incubator and that’s where an accelerator is a natural progression because you’ve got to sort out your own amenities straight away. We went to serviced space and then from that to our own space last year. It’s a problem in itself that you haven’t got someone else to sort it out. LG: That’s the other benefit. I’m flat out working, delivering and trying to grow the business; I haven’t got time to mess around with that stuff as well. Cost-wise, is it a pressure on businesses to then organise services themselves? DR: It’s getting to that level where you feel you’re ready for that. The cost of office space in city centres is quite prohibitive though isn’t it? AB: It is and I actually think buildings will become irrelevant and it’ll be the businesses in them giving
them value. So landlords, if they’ve got their heads screwed on, will take an interest in those businesses. It’s happening in Shoreditch, where property developers have taken tiny equities in smaller businesses in exchange for space and they’re benefitting a huge amount and seeing their buildings are worth more because of who’s in them. I don’t know how people would feel about giving away a slice of their business to a property developer. DR: I think you’d be happy to do it if, for example, it’s Bruntwood so straight away you work with their chief executive and have them interested so it creates something very selective. AB: Businesses like Bruntwood and Allied London have the strength financially to support that. It’s no different to an incubator and they can actually make things happen. What’s the long term outlook for incubator office spaces and will they move into other industries? LG: I think they will because, certainly in digital and creative industries, it’s so buoyant at the moment and not only are you getting people long in the tooth doing their own thing but there’s a lot of young people starting from scratch because the world of work is changing and they don’t want to be
tied to a salary in the same way, they’re creative. AB: That’s encouraged because the younger generation isn’t afraid of technology. The thing stopping you before was investment in technology but you don’t need that anymore, you can buy it as you need it. It’s going to grow but I think every sector will move that way because it’s leaner. If you’re a small
organisation and a bright thinker, whether you’re creative or in banking or whatever, you can make things happen because you’re different. LG: The barriers are lower, that’s the key. Someone once said to me it takes a quarter of a million pounds to set an agency up, which might have been the case 15 years ago but not anymore.
TOGETHER 127 Portland Street, Manchester M1 Located in the heart of central Manchester, ‘Together’ is Bruntwood’s new co-working space. Offering facilities including ultra-fast internet connectivity, meeting rooms and bright and flexible office space, the site is already a hit with the growing creative and digital industry following its launch in recent months. With 50% of the space now occupied by freelance and start-up firms launching new ventures, it’s said by Bruntwood to provide businesses with a base without the worry of “costly overheads”. For further details, visit www.bruntwood.co.uk
MOVE COMMERCIAL 33
By Christine Toner christine@movepublishing.co.uk
Construction Q’s Fiona Hull tells Move Commercial how a little bit of fate and a lot of determination led to the creation of Manchester’s rising star of the property world.
Quality surveyor Late Last year Fiona Hull, managing director of Construction Q, was named Property Professional of the Year at the Manchester Young talent awards. It topped off an impressive few years for the quantity surveyor who set up the company four years ago, after a successful career at Costain and Manchester and Cheshire Construction. However, it could all have been very different for Fiona had one a Level examiner been a little more vigilant. “I wanted to go to Loughborough University to study accountancy but I didn’t get the grades I needed,” explains Fiona. “through Clearing, Loughborough rang me up and offered me a place on a quantity surveying course instead. I had no idea what it was but as it would get me into Loughborough I said yes! “I’d been at Loughborough for 36 MOVE COMMERCIAL
two weeks when my school contacted me to say my exam had been remarked as one of my teachers had questioned why I didn’t get the grades. It turned out I had got the grade I needed to study accountancy but by this point I had started a course that I really enjoyed and, as it was a sponsored degree, I’d got a sponsor, so I didn’t want to stop.” Fiona’s sponsor was Costain, who – as part of a push to recruit people into the construction industry – was one of a number of construction companies who would provide students with a book allowance, a placement and, upon graduating, more often than not a job offer. Ironically, for someone who admits she had never heard of quantity surveying before starting the course, promoting the profile of careers in construction actually became one
of Fiona’s responsibilities once she graduated and started working for Costain. “I became the ambassador for the Building awareness programme and would visit schools around the North West to talk to children about how to get into construction and what the advantages were,” she says. Promoting construction careers to girls in particular is something that is particularly important to Fiona. although she says there are advantages to being a woman in the traditionally male-dominated environment of construction, she did experience prejudice in her first role. “One person I worked with when I left university made life very difficult for me and I did consider leaving,” says Fiona. “this was a man in his 50s who thought there was no place for women on a building site. He was
giving me impossible tasks to do but because it was my first job I didn’t realise they were impossible tasks. I almost left for a career in teaching. thankfully Costain was brilliant. the management supported me and he got disciplined. I was moved onto a bigger project and I’ve never looked back”. Nowadays, Fiona says, the market has changed. “It has become a lot more acceptable for women to be on a building site,” she says. “When I first started I’d walk on site and everybody would stop working! Now it’s commonplace, especially in surveying.” Fiona spent 10 successful years at Costain, during which time she acted as lead surveyor on the £28m Manchester transport Interchange, something she says she is still very proud of today.
Fiona Hull, managing director, Construction Q Rising Star
“
When I first started I’d walk on site and everybody would stop working! Now it’s common-place, especially in surveying.
“
the project, completed in 2006, received a RIBa Regional award and a RICs Innovation award in 2007. “I started off on that project as a graduate quantity surveyor and by the time it finished I was running the project which was fantastic for me,” she says. “to be 25 years old and to be running a project like that for someone like Costain was brilliant and it’s still great to go into town now and see it. We always park there and I often say to the kids, ‘you see that glass, I bought that glass from China!’” During Fiona’s maternity leave following the birth of her first son the North West office of Costain closed down. Fearing the long commute to the Bradford office where her position would now be based would prove difficult, Fiona
opted to leave Costain and found part-time work with sub-contractor West Oak Construction. three years – and a second son – later she decided to take voluntary redundancy from the company, which was struggling at the time, and set up Construction Q. It was a bold move at a time when the market was particularly uncertain. as such when, just a week after setting up the company, Fiona was offered a role with Manchester and Cheshire Construction she decided to accept. “For a while I did both,” she says. “that meant lots of long hours but I only had one Construction Q project on the go at the time. after 18 months I left Manchester and Cheshire Construction, although I still freelance for them, and concentrated fully
on Construction Q.” Originally set up for the domestic market Fiona soon realised that the profit margins weren’t working and decided the firm should focus on commercial work. “I probably get three enquiries a day from domestic projects and we still do a few of those but we are primarily focused on the commercial market now,” she explains. and it’s a decision that has paid off. Fiona and her team have worked on a diverse range of notable projects in the region including the restoration of the Orangery, a Grade II listed building at tatton Park on behalf of Cheshire east Borough Council and the refurbishment of the ancient Worlds galleries at the Manchester Museum on Oxford Road.
Fiona’s most recent project was a scheme in Bramhall, where the firm’s offices are based, which involved working with HIMOR and CBRe to redevelop the village square. Construction Q has also completed work on styal Primary school in Cheshire and has been invited to tender for Wilmslow Methodist Church. “a lot of schools and churches like using us,” she says. “that’s an area that’s really picking up. We’re also hoping to start work with a wellknown restaurant chain very soon”. and with the commercial market continuing its recovery Fiona is optimistic about the future. “From the way our phone hasn’t stopped ringing the construction industry on the whole is definitely on the up again” she says. MOVE COMMERCIAL 37
To Let /FX (SPVOE 'MPPS 3FUBJM 6OJUT
Crown Place, Brownlow Hill t *O UIF IFBSU PG UIF 6OJWFSTJUZ PG -JWFSQPPM $BNQVT t 4VJUBCMF GPS CBS GPPE SFUBJM MFJTVSF PGmDFT t 'SPN UP TR GU All Enquiries: Robert Diggle robert.diggle@es-group.com
38 MOVE COMMERCIAL
The Social Key events
Photos by Peter Kelly
Firms network at Liverpool’s inaugural ‘Social’ event Professionals from across the North West’s property and construction sectors gathered in Liverpool city centre recently, for an informal evening of networking. Known as ‘The Social’, the event took place for the first time in the city in the commercial district’s Restaurant Bar and Grill on Brunswick Street, and provided an opportunity for industry insiders to make strong contracts and enjoy drinks. The well attended, successful event was sponsored by Innov8 Development Solutions, Barnes Construction, Coresafe Consulting and Patrick Parsons. The Social is also held on a bi-monthly basis in Manchester city centre, and connects with the industry on Twitter @TheSocialNwk. 1
3
2
5
8
6
4
7
9
10
1. Chris Gooch-Butler and Mike armes (both of Patrick Parsons Consulting engineers) with Lisa Greig (sutcliffe Civil & structural engineers) 2. alison Kelly (Liverpool Waterfront Business Partnership), Karen O’Reilly (JDa architects) and Barry Wilson (sutcliffe Civil & structural engineers) 3. attendees enjoyed the chance to network 4. William Chambers (enviro solution Ltd), Lindsey Fallon (Innov8 solutions), Frank Mallon (Low Carbon Design Consultants) and Les Bellman (eldonian Group Ltd) 5. Paul Moulding (Innov8 solutions) 6. Ian adams (salus) and Carl Glover (Innov8 solutions) 7. Peter Richardson (tolent Construction), scott Barnes (Barnes Construction) and andrew titterton (two Cubed architects) 8. Louise Potter (Workspace), Chithra Marsh (Hurd Rolland architects) and Lindsey Fallon (Innov8 solutions) 9. Guests talked to industry colleagues 10. Dawn Coward (eOs Planning), Brian Mcanoy (Povall Worthington), Georgina Coward (eOs Planning) and scott Barnes (Barnes Construction) MOVE COMMERCIAL 39
Lunch Date
By Stephen Hurrell stephen@movepublishing.co.uk
Trattoria 51 25-31 Old Hall Street, L3
Located in Liverpool’s business district, Trattoria 51 is an upmarket Italian restaurant offering authentic pizzas, salads and pasta, as well as gluten-free options, in the grand surroundings of one of Old Hall Street’s more historic locations. Open for lunch right through to the evening, the large, open-plan restaurant has large windows with raised tables nearby giving a great view of the hustle and bustle of Old Hall Street. A sweeping, impressive staircase leads to a second mezzanine floor. The attentive staff have extensive knowledge of the food and wine options, possibly from expertise learnt in the similarlynamed Southport Trattoria 51, which has been a popular dining spot for a number of years.
LUNCH WITH
partner, Hill Dickinson From April, a new law has been introduced to make it harder for landlords to recover rent arrears from commercial properties. in recent months, ralph Bullivant, a property litigation partner at Hill Dickinson, has been giving talks to landlords about the changes that could have a big impact on the rental market. We met Ralph at Liverpool’s trattoria 51, an Italian restaurant on Old Hall street based on the successful southport venue of the same name. the open, airy restaurant is located in an historic Victorian building with a modern and attractive interior, located in the heart of the city’s business district. It is here where the new changes will have the biggest impact. “I’ve been giving those talks about how much more difficult it is going to be for landlords and
40 MOVE COMMERCIAL
you see people putting their heads in their hands,” says Ralph, who says he probably knows more about the changes, named Commercial Rent arrears Recovery (CRaR) than almost everybody else in the country. “traditionally the landlord can recover unpaid rent to instruct bailiffs. the bailiffs would go to the commercial property and they can remove the tenant’s goods and sell those goods and use the proceeds to cover the unpaid rent. that’s been around for about 1,000 years. Up until april the tenant knew that if they didn’t pay the rent immediately, a landlord can send a bailiff into the property and can start removing goods.” However, from 6 april, landlords will have to give notice to tenants before sending bailiffs in, something that will benefit tenants a lot more than landlords. “It was perceived there was a
“
I’ve spoken to a couple of thousand people in all about the changes because it is going to have a big impact.
“
Ralph Bullivant
rogue element with bailiffs and that needed to be controlled. In changing that element of the law they’ve also changed the Law of Distress. that whole section has been changed and modernised – but it makes it more difficult for landlords to recover rent.” Ralph has been touring the country in recent months giving talks about the impact of the
change to CRaR. agents in Birmingham, Nottingham and Bristol have all been visited, as well as some closer to home. “I’ve also done two or three talks at offices in st Paul’s square in Liverpool. I’ve spoken to a couple of thousand people in all about the changes because it is going to have a big impact.” the change in laws make it likely solicitors will need to be employed, particularly when it comes to collecting arrears in service charges and when properties are mixed-use residential and commercial, such as shops and pubs with flats above, because the changes will now make it more difficult for landlords to collect these arrears. this, says Ralph, will keep him busy as the changes come into affect. “Landlords need to know about it and so do the people who advise landlords. a lot of what we do is talking to clients, making sure they’re aware about what we do. I haven’t seen it in action yet but I have a close relationship with bailiffs and I’m waiting to hear about their first instruction on it.”
MOVE COMMERCIAL
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Angela Fielding project director, Argent
NOMA
SUCCESS Argent is involved in a number of Manchester’s largest and most important construction projects. From the vast mixed-use development at Airport City to Manchester’s newest Grade A office complex at One St Peter’s Square, the company is being tasked with regenerating vast swathes of the region. Founded in 1981 and specialising in major commercial, residential, education, cultural and community developments across the UK, Argent is changing the landscape of the North West commercial market. Angela Fielding, project manager, shares the secrets to the firm’s success.
How have you successfully regenerated large areas of the North West? “Working in partnership has been the key to success for Argent’s major developments in Manchester. In Piccadilly, by forming and leading the Piccadilly Partnership, we were able to drive the promotion and marketing of the area, whilst working with our public and private sector partners on improving the physical appearance and ground floor experience. We continued this strategy into St Peter’s Square and are now currently working with key strategic stakeholders at Airport City Manchester. Through collaboration with our partners and investors, we are able to unlock opportunities, which, otherwise in isolation, may prove extremely difficult.”
Are there any particular North West areas or projects that have been a success in recent years? “All of Argent’s projects in Manchester have been a success! In particular, One St Peter’s Square. This project has been truly exciting to work on. From winning the initial competition and being selected as development partner to the Greater Manchester Property Venture Fund (GMPVF), to then securing KPMG as our anchor tenant, One St Peter’s Square is now ready and set to meet the occupier demand coming to the market. As well as this, following on from our very recent announcement of our letting to FUMO on the ground floor, for a high quality restaurant, we’re setting the bar for the type of ground floor amenity expected in this high quality business district of Manchester city centre.”
How are you ensuring Airport City will become a regional hub for business and inward investment? “The international marketing strategy was announced at MIPIM and, essentially, begins in June with a week-long road show in mainland China. Following the recent commitment to Manchester from BCEG (Beijing Construction and Engineering Group), we are building on that momentum and taking the proposition to like-minded Chinese businesses, looking to internationalise into the UK market, and we’re keen to ensure that Airport City is the location of choice for their business. Following the roadshow, we will be looking to take Airport City to other target territories, such as the US and UAE. “With DHL now on site and other occupiers very close to signing deals, Airport City is already achieving its status as a regional hub for business and inward investment.”
The £800m NOMA project in Manchester is the largest development scheme in the North West, transforming 20 acres of land into 4m sq ft of space
DEC
2008
JUL
2010
MAR
2011
FEB
2013
NOV
2013
JAN
2014
MAR
2014
APR
2014
DEC
2014
The Co-operative Group announces it will move to new headquarters on land opposite its Miller Street base.
Work begins on the £105m One Angel Square headquarters, based on designs by architect 3DReid.
The Co-operative Group reveals the NOMA (53 degrees North and Manchester) brand for the area surrounding One Angel Square. It will be a 20-acre development of office, residential, hotel and leisure.
One Angel Square is completed. The final structure is 72.5m tall and provides 30,000 sq m of office space across 14 floors.
One Angel Square is officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II. Named ‘most sustainable building in the world’, it receives an ‘Outstanding’ BREEM rating.
Work begins on construction of new public realm in the NOMA area. Redfern Annexe is demolished to make way for a new square.
Three Angel Square is announced. The development will offer 200,000 sq ft of Grade A space aimed at small and medium companies and will be open by 2018.
An £800m JV deal between Co-op and Hermes Real Estate is formed. Land adjacent to Victoria Station will be turned into Grade A space and retail offerings as part of the venture.
A new Hotel Indigo, costing £26m, will be built at NOMA. Work begins at the end of 2014. Future projects in the area also include redevelopment of the Grade II-listed Hanover Building to provide offices and retail space.
1 person office
2 person office
Serviced offices to let
Anfield Business Centre (ABC) 58 Breckfield Road South L6 5DR For more details call
0151 489 0999 www.plaproperties.co.uk 42 MOVE COMMERCIAL
4 person office
5+ person office
Also conference rooms available and 3 person and call centres can also be accommodated. Virtual offices and hot hubs for those who just need a couple of hours here and there. Units are perfect for start-up businesses and are available both short and long term, inclusive of everything: Internet, Furniture, Parking, Telephone, Rates, Light & Heat, Rubbish Collection, Reception Services (Mail Handling). The building benefits from being fully air conditioned, with kitchen, toilet and conference facilities available on each floor. Rent for a day, a week, a month, a year, or for life if you want.
Move Commercial Events May Jun
EVENT PLANNER our pick of the best local events
15 MAY
15 MAY
20 MAY
3 JUN
Curry Club Construction, Finance & Property Networking Mayur, 130 Duke Street, Liverpool 12pm A networking event with guest speaker Kevin Duckworth, who spent over 25 years working in The City. £25 per head and includes a beer, wine or soft drink. www.networkinginthecity.co.uk
Property Managers Association Annual Conference 2014 The Compass Room, The Lowry, Salford Quays, Manchester A day of networking, guest speakers and Q&A sessions, followed by a cocktail party at the Town Hall, Albert Square. Free to attend. www.propertymanagersassociati on.com
Association of Women in Property early evening supper Heathcotes Brasserie, Preston 6pm First ever event in the city of Preston, open to all members of the property and construction industry. www.womeninproperty.org.uk
A J Bell Stadium, Salford Stockport Parrs Wood 10.30am – 3.30pm Around 40-50 companies will exhibit, showcasing their products and services in this business to business exhibition. www.businessfairsuk.com
15 MAY
15 MAY
21 MAY
9 JUN
British Council for Offices (BCO) Awards Dinner 2014 Hilton Manchester 7pm – 10.30pm This year the dinner will be moving to Hilton Manchester Deansgate hotel. Guests will enjoy a three-course meal and entertainment from guest speaker Paul Kerensa. www.bco.org.uk
Progressive Property Networking The Grosvenor Casino, Salford 6pm onwards A networking event for property investors to connect, do business and form joint ventures. www.progressivepropertynetwo rk.co.uk
Networking lunch with Bob Prattey, CEO of ACC Liverpool Venue TBC 12.30pm – 2pm Professional Liverpool will hold a networking lunch with Bob Prattey, CEO of ACC Liverpool, who will give insight into the development of the Arena and new Exhibition Centre. www.professionalliverpool.com
PICK OF THE MONTH
9 JUN
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner 2014 Old Trafford, Manchester 6.30pm – 11.30pm An exciting line-up of speakers at the biggest event in the Chamber of Commerce’s calendar. www.gmchamber.co.uk
British Business Embassy 2014 St George’s Hall, Liverpool Invitation only The launch event for the International Festival of Business (IFB) 2014 showcasing the ‘Best of British’. www.ifb2014.com
Nominations closed for Liverpool City Region Apprenticeship Awards 2014
Last year’s inaugural Apprenticeship Awards
This year’s Liverpool City Region Apprenticeship Awards are shaping up for success, after the nominations process attracted a strong response from apprentices and employers.
With entries now closed, preparations are now well underway for the Liverpool City Region apprenticeship awards, which will take place within an exquisite marquee in the grounds of Lord Derby’s estate in the borough of Knowsley and will coincide with the International Festival for Business (IFB). around 650 guests including local business leaders, national support organisations and apprentices themselves are expected to attend the glittering event on 20 June, which will recognise hardworking apprentices and employers from across all six Merseyside boroughs. During the ceremony, accolades will be presented for a list of categories including apprentice of the Year, Over 25 apprentice of the Year, the Peter Mcevoy award for those who have overcome adversity, New apprentice employer of the Year, and Liverpool City Region apprentice employer of the Year prizes for macro, sMe and large businesses. ahead of the ceremony, which is taking place for the second year running, Lesley Martin-Wright, chief executive of Knowsley Chamber of Commerce, says: “Last year’s Liverpool City Region apprenticeship awards was a fantastic success and it looks like this is going to be the case
with this year’s ceremony. “I think it is great that Merseyside’s brilliant apprentices and employers are recognised for their hard work at the apprenticeship awards and that they are given the chance to celebrate their achievements. “With the awards coinciding with the International Festival for Business in June, it is the perfect opportunity to put our region’s dedicated workforce in the spotlight.” Greater Merseyside Learning Providers Federation (GMLPF) will be the main sponsor for the second year and will continue to help establish the apprenticeship awards (Greater Merseyside). Debbie tagoe, chair of GMLPF, says: “the awards ceremony is a very important event for our region as it brings the local community together and allows us to celebrate the hardworking, high achieving individuals in our area. “the awards, which are driven by local providers and employers, also recognise the dedicated employers who train our region’s talented apprentices.” For more information on the Liverpool City Region Apprenticeship Awards 2014, sponsored by GMLPF and Vivark, visit www.apprenticeshipswork.org.uk
MOVE COMMERCIAL 43
Natasha Young natasha@movepublishing.co.uk
With the help of universities in and outside of the North West, the region is providing both a strong starting point and an ideal base for fresh entrepreneurial talent. We take a look at three graduate ventures which are now making a big impact.
From studies to start-ups
Entrepreneur:
Adam Soliman, 26 Business:
Charbrew
When Adam Soliman graduated from Newcastle University with a degree in accounting and finance, he faced entering the working world during a difficult economic climate. “I wanted to work down in the big city being a trader as I was really interested in commodities. It was part of my degree and I’d tailored it that way but I graduated in 2009 so it was probably the wrong time and wrong place,” he says. Whilst alternative accountancy and
44 MOVE COMMERCIAL
insurance jobs and post-graduate studying opportunities were offered to him, Adam was determined not to find himself “stuck in a job”. Instead, he set out to create his own tea business – Charbrew. After research into marketplaces Adam discovered a gap in the supermarket aisles to cater for the “more discerning” tea drinker. Having embarked on research trips to Vietnam, equipped just with ‘tea and coffee trader’ business cards, Adam returned to his parents’ home in Cheshire and began to get his tea business up and running.
i just started importing stuff, packing it myself and then trialling it at local farmers’ markets, seeing if people would buy the products, what price they were willing to pay and whether they would come back and re-buy them.
Starting with just £5,000 and beginning to carve out a niche of creating “unique and quirky” flavoured brews such as chocolate orange, he says: “I just started importing stuff, packing it myself and then trialling it at local farmers’ markets, seeing if people would buy the products, what price they were willing to pay and whether they would come back and re-buy them.” With ambitions bigger than packing tea from home though, Adam turned his attention to targeting retailers, and initially persuaded Lakeland Kitchenware to stock his product. Now with the likes of Booths supermarkets on board, links to America and Europe and a recent deal with Tesco, Adam has been able to progress the business to a three-strong team with an office in Warrington. He adds: “We outsource social media and manufacturing. We’re all pretty stretched but we’ve been able to do it at a lower cost with fewer resources than other brands that are out there.” Charbrew has attracted investment from sources including Enterprise Ventures, and with the hope of further investment ahead, along with a new iced tea product to launch, the firm’s progress shows no sign of stopping. Adam says: “I want to grow it as big as I can and I don’t envisage selling at any time soon because I just enjoy it.”
Graduate entrepreneurs Spotlight
The card is a memento to those who were already living that lifestyle and an instilled sense of pride for those who weren’t and have chosen the local path.
Entrepreneurs:
David Williams and Oliver Press, both 23 Business:
Independent Liverpool David Williams and oliver press, graduates of business and law at the University of liverpool, are taking the city’s retail sector by storm with a venture that’s also catching the attention of other UK destinations. The independent liverpool card was borne out of the friends’ interest in writing about the businesses they liked around the city. David says: “We just wanted a bit of a hobby so we started doing blogs about hidden gems and were trying to give people a unique guide to their own city. The idea of the card wasn’t even there, but once we’d had a bit of success with it we were getting a following. “It seemed logical that we’d bring out a card to reward people for going to those places.” As they pitched their idea to Liverpool’s leading independent retailers, bars and restaurants, Oliver and David seemed to succeed where the likes of some widespread voucher websites had failed and won support for the card. Having continued an online and social media presence to accompany the card, which is sold to shoppers in return for access to exclusive
offers and discounts, David suggests the blogging gets people “emotionally connected” to the local businesses and having “a cool looking card that people would want to get out” sets their idea apart from others. Having received £250 of City Central BID funding to produce the first batch of 1,000 cards, along with help from a web designer to produce a site for the card at cost price, the duo have seen their idea quickly succeed. Having now sold close to 5,000 cards, with around 70 businesses signed up so far, the Independent Liverpool card has become a fulltime job for Oliver and David, who have now moved into an office space and are looking to take on a full-time member of technical support staff. Describing the card as “a memento to those who were already living that lifestyle and an instilled sense of pride for those who weren’t and have chosen the local path,” David says it is not only pleasing the users but signed up businesses are now networking with each other in an independents community. The idea is also gradually being adopted in Chester, Birmingham, Sheffield and Cardiff too with the help of Oliver and David. Along with plans for a widespread ‘Independents Day’ campaign, they are now focussed on continuing to spread their initiative through Liverpool and beyond.
it’s good to have that kind of mentoring, that push in the right direction, and also your business gets seen by five million people so that’s good.
Entrepreneurs:
Rob Tominey, 25 and Aden Levin, 26 Business:
Mainstage Travel
rob Tominey and Aden levin were studying economics and business management respectively at manchester Business School when they were looking for an opportunity to set up their own venture, and it was only a matter of time before entrepreneurial success came their way. Initially looking to open up clubbing holidays in Ibiza to students, which they had so far found to be an unavailable market for that age group, the duo realised they could “flip the package holiday model on its head” for younger people. Having used their own contacts to source package deals which could make the idea viable, Rob and Aden then progressed to providing travel package options for a younger market less willing to organise such trips for themselves. “We could give them an option of an all round holiday and festival in their chosen destination,” says Rob. “The younger ones got even more popular and then we moved that on to doing a ski festival and other holidays from there. It was just about seeing an initial opportunity and trying to translate that to the market.” Going by the name of Mainstage Travel, the business began with £6,000 of Rob and Aden’s own money and saw the duo set up a base in a Manchester incubator space. “We were able to scrape by because we got a really cheap office and only spent about £1,000 on marketing in
the first year as we were able to use different techniques like affiliate marketing, and using networks, contacts and social media,” adds Rob. The business has since relocated to London, where it has transformed from being “founder led” with Tom and Aden being involved in every task, to having a team of employees handling customer service and various necessary roles. The expansion has allowed the two entrepreneurs to focus on different opportunities, new festivals and their latest innovation – a technology platform allowing people to add flights onto their hotel or festival bookings for anywhere in the world, enabling them to simply book their own package trip. As well as being confident in their own brand, Rob and Aden have also received £100,000 of investment this year from technology entrepreneur and fellow Manchester Business School alumni Piers Linney (also pictured), following a successful appearance on Dragon’s Den. Rob says: “Financially we didn’t really need the investment but it was more for Piers’ expertise on the technology side. “It’s good to have that kind of mentoring, that push in the right direction, and also your business gets seen by five million people so that’s good.” With a bright future ahead, technology is now set to be a continuing focus for Mainstage Travel, along with growth of its ski festival, Snowboxx and an expansion of the range of travel destinations on offer.
MOVE COMMERCIAL 45
Expert views Ask the panel
What impact will the International Festival for Business (IFB) 2014 have on the North West? The inaugural International Festival for Business 2014 will focus the world’s attention on Liverpool when it takes place across 50 days in June and July. We ask four experts about what impact it will have on the region and what legacy it can leave for North West businesses.
The IFB is a huge bonus for Liverpool. It’s the best opportunity that Liverpool has had to showcase itself since the Capital of Culture year in 2008. I do feel that this time the improvements to the dockland areas and Liverpool ONE in particular are superb opportunities to showcase the city. I think that’s more of a general presentation issue rather than anything else for the people who are visiting. The hope is that it will open the eyes of the market as to exactly what opportunities there are in Liverpool. The IFB is not necessarily about property, but what you hope would spawn from that is the identification of opportunities such as at Liverpool Waters. There has been an improvement in the market for investments and development opportunities in the South East and Manchester. I don’t believe at this stage it’s necessarily taken root in Liverpool but the IFB will present an opportunity to open the eyes of the market to what Liverpool is about. Stuart Keppie, partner, Keppie Massie
The IFB will focus attention on the challenges and opportunities that face UK business, which include targeting international markets. The key to recovery is growth and so far most of the UK’s growth has come from domestic consumption. That can only take us so far - export growth is now essential yet with so much output directed to EU markets, it will be a struggle. We need companies to develop products for markets in Asia, North and South America, the Middle East and Africa. Access to funding will be essential for this. Enterprise Ventures is actively investing in businesses that can exploit the opportunities that will arise from 2015-2020. A prime example is our investment in Chargepoint in Speke, a technology-led growth business which already exports 80% of output and which is now developing new products
I expect the tone of the festival will be forward looking, inclusive and innovative with an emphasis on collaboration, knowledge sharing and best practice. The main theme of interest from an architectural perspective will be cities, enterprise and urban business, which
runs for a week from 16th June. The Liverpool International Waterfront Forum will bring together expert speakers from Copenhagen, Liverpool, Shanghai and New York who will show how best practice from around the world could be applied to Liverpool and other UK waterfront cities. These events will take place against a backdrop of internationally significant projects in the North West region that are already underway including Airport City, Mersey Waters, Liverpool 2, the Mersey Gateway, the Royal Liverpool Hospital and Liverpool BioCampus. I predict IFB 2014 will have a significant and lasting positive impact on the regional economy and may well prove to be quite transformational in the long run.
Liverpool is enjoying unparalleled cultural and financial investment and growth and the IFB provides great opportunities for inward investment in the city. It’s also a time for the city’s business community to look outward. The world’s business elite will shortly be arriving on our doorstep in their thousands – giving businesses here the chance to connect with an unparalleled international audience. The successful physical regeneration in the city has caused people to reassess Liverpool. This is a critical time for the property market as it emerges from the recession and will give businesses in the property sector the opportunity to foster links and develop valuable relationships with a truly international business audience. Liverpool’s heritage as a gateway to the world and a hub of trade, where international connections and relationships were forged, is globally recognised and this is a great opportunity for businesses in the city to bolster Liverpool’s standing as a forward looking international city capable of competing on a global scale.
Michael Cosser, partner, Brock Carmichael Architects
Robin Ellis, senior agency surveyor, Downing
to meet the needs of emerging markets. We believe there are many other SMEs ready to meet the challenge. Hopefully the IFB will encourage them to come forward. Jonathan Diggines, chief executive, Enterprise Ventures