LIVERPOOL CITY REGION CHESHIRE MANCHESTER
APRIL - MAY 2015
FREE EXCLUSIVE PULL OUT LIVERPOOL COMMERCIAL OFFICE MARKET REVIEW 2014
Issue 44
Growth Accelerators The sectors set to soar in 2015 Cannes Do 2015
Regional success at MIPIM
Regional Revival The regeneration projects taking shape
Graphene City The eyes of the world on Manchester
www.movecommercial.com
COMPETITIVE. EFFICIENT. QUALITY.
Timewise’s karen mattison on rethinking flexible working
p01-18_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 16:48 Page 2
p01-18_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 16:42 Page 3
MOVE COMMERCIAL
3
p01-18_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 14:19 Page 4
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT? If it’s a move, we’re ready with an SȝGI ERH HIEP XS WYMX ]SYV RIIHW *VSQ WQEPP XS I\XVE PEVKI *SV NYWX E JI[ QSRXLW SV E PSRKIV XIVQ /OFFICES
or call us on 0151 707 2666
p01-18_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 18:27 Page 5
Issue forty four Move Commercial
Contents
A region to be reckoned with
News 06 Successful MIPIM showcase for
40
What attracts an investor to a city? It’s a question that has been the subject of much discussion of late as delegations from both Liverpool and Manchester headed to the South of France for the annual property conference (and massive marketing opportunity), MIPIM. With the Northern Powerhouse concept gathering pace – forming one of the key points of Chancellor George Osborne’s final Budget before the election – it’s fair to say the region currently has the floor as far as investors are concerned. But now we have the attention of investors, are we doing enough to attract their money? As John Tatham of The Chrysalis Fund explains (p20) emotion plays a huge part in investment decisions and as such the way in which the brand of a city is developed and promoted is key. The Powerhouse rhetoric is a case in point. We shouldn’t just be talking about the opportunities for the future for investors and the plans for future growth, we should be shouting about what we are, not what investment can help us develop into. We need to attract investment because we already are a region to be reckoned with - not because we have the potential to be something special but because we already are.
North West cities 07 Capital & Centric launches Bunker Building 08 Historic Liverpool office building brought to the market 09 Refurbishment planned for Manchester’s Royal Exchange 10 Law firm unveils new website 11 Integrated communications agency re-brands 12 Landlords can help solve retailers’ ‘quarter day’ worries
Features 14 Bitesize Thinking Food for thought 19 My Month Cassell Moore’s head of real estate Peter Barlow 20 Mover & Shaker John Tatham, fund manager of The Chrysalis Fund on investing in Liverpool 24 Growth Accelerators A look at the sectors set to soar this year 30 Key Event Cannes Do 2015 35 Key Event Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors launches city centre office 36 Entrepreneur
20
30
36
Timewise founder Karen Mattison on her route to success 40 Graphene City Manchester’s multi-million pound National Graphene Institute 44 Regional revival
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 Design Mark Iddon. Email: mark@movepublishing.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: Liam Deveney – Mover and Shaker / Cannes Do / Regen 2015 / Paul Crowley & Co event. John Jacques – National Graphene Institute.
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.
Regeneration projects across the North West 46 Key Event Regen 2015 53 Business Diary What’s on around the region 55 Ask the Panel How should money from Greater Manchester’s agreement to keep 100% of additional business rates be used to best serve the area and its businesses?
p01-18_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 18:01 Page 6
News Latest
Successful MIPIM showcase for North West cities
Liverpool at MIPIM’s co-working stand
The Manchester at MIPIM stand
Liverpool and Manchester enjoyed a successful showcase at this year’s MIPIM event, as both cities were supported by larger delegations than ever before. The Manchester at MIPIM partnership was joined by 76 organisations for Europe’s largest property exhibition in Cannes, while Liverpool at MIPIM, which made a return in 2014 following a two-year absence, increased its number of businesses from 14 to 30. The North West destinations made the most of the four-day event, which was attended by more than 21,000 participants from 93 countries, as they attracted delegates to their stands with events and announcements based on some of the region’s key developments and opportunities.
Manchester at MIPIM, coordinated by Marketing representatives of other cities to sit and carry out Manchester, followed a core theme of Smart Cities, their work there, and also included announcements with the area’s science agenda being discussed, along from the likes of Liverpool Waters. with announcements from Salford’s £650m New Colin Sinclair of Bruntwood, a member of the Bailey project and NOMA. private sector led steering group which coordinates The international audience was also given insight Liverpool at MIPIM, says talks are already underway into Allied London’s St Johns QuarterLast vision and about the city’s 2016 plans, when the team will look year’s YouraMove Property Awards major new office scheme at the £800m Airport City, to “take the creative approach a stage further” and while footballer turned property developer Gary also focus on Liverpool’s iconic waterfront. Neville represented his firm Zerum and discussed He says: “It’d be nice to get more organisations on planned central Manchester projects including the the delegation, and we plan to grow from 30 to 40 Stock Exchange and Jacksons Row. businesses next year.” Meanwhile, Liverpool at MIPIM themed its stand According to Sinclair, the steering group is also in around the city’s successful creative sectors by talks with the council about “sharpening up the setting up a co-working space which attracted Liverpool pitch” ahead of next year’s exhibition.
Liverpool Waters development to bring ‘unprecedented’ opportunities for next generations, says Peel Peel’s ambitious Liverpool Waters project brings “an unprecedented scale of opportunity which is in the hands of our next generations,” the developer has told schools and colleges across the region. The company urged senior representatives of education providers in the region to respond to the opportunities the major mixed use development scheme will bring to students leaving over the coming decades, during a special event at Princes Dock. Peel Land & Property joined forces with the Liverpool City Region’s six local authorities to welcome 34 headteachers, college principals and student representatives to the Liverpool Waters headquarters to hear about how the scheme could benefit local people. Director at Peel, Lindsey Ashworth, explained the key role schools and colleges will have in maximising success of Liverpool Waters for the region and told attendees: “Over the coming years, we expect there to be literally thousands of people either directly or indirectly employed due to the opportunities presented through Liverpool Waters. “This is an unprecedented scale of opportunity which is in the hands of our next generations to grasp. But, in order for them to do so, they need to have the knowledge and guidance to ensure they are in a position to make the decisions which will shape their entire careers. 6
MOVE COMMERCIAL
The Liverpool Waters HQ at Princes Dock
“It is therefore vitally important that we, as the developer, start work to engage with these audiences from the outset and this event builds on earlier interaction we have had with schools and colleges in the region. “There is a similar obligation for the leaders of the region’s schools and colleges to ensure they are providing appropriate courses and advice to their students. It is these themes we aim to explore at our event and where we want to develop a two-way dialogue.”
p01-18_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 18:01 Page 7
Latest News
Capital & Centric launches Bunker Building The Bunker Building at Liverpool’s former Littlewoods complex on Edge Lane has been launched to market following a £2.6m conversion. Developer Capital & Centric and contractor Artez have completed 22,000 sq ft of flexible office space and interest is said to be strong from firms based in the city’s out of town market, according to the developer. Tim Heatley, co-founder at Capital & Centric, says: “There’s been a huge amount of interest shown not just from office agents and occupiers but also the architectural and property development community keen to see how we’ve transformed a concrete box without windows into a light, airy, funky and energy
The World Free-running and Parkour Federation helped showcase the new space
efficient space. We’re thrilled by people’s reaction to our design approach.” The launch of the building was attended by Ryan Doyle, the founding athlete of the World Free-running and Parkour Federation, and featured a ‘Spot the Ball’ competition in honour of former tenant Littlewoods. Capital & Centric bought the building from the Homes and Communities Agency in 2012 and was supported by the European Development Fund to fund the conversion. It forms part of a proposed scheme to create 50,000 sq ft of offices on Edge Lane at the site of the iconic Littlewoods building. The letting agents for the Bunker Building are CBRE and Keppie Massie.
New occupier signs 10-year lease at No.5 St Paul’s Square Denholm Logistics has relocated its Liverpool base to No. 5 St Paul’s Square, having signed a 10-year lease. The firm, which was previously based within the city’s India Buildings, has taken 7,500 sq ft of accommodation having been looking for an “efficient space within a modern building,” according to commercial property agent CBRE. The office building within Liverpool’s commercial district is already home to occupiers including DWF Solicitors, Lloyds Bank, Lambert Smith Hampton and Quilter Cheviot. Following this latest deal, Mark Worthington, director of North West office agency at CBRE, says: “We are delighted that Denholm Logistics has moved its Liverpool operation to No. 5 St Paul’s Square. Even though the market is improving, we are continuing to offer the remaining space at heavily discounted levels in order to attract occupiers and, in addition to this letting, we have additional space under offer.” Vacant office space up to 40,000 sq ft currently remains available at the city centre site.
Cannes Do chairman to step down The Cannes Do in Liverpool has become an institution, according to outgoing chairman of the property group of Professional Liverpool, Stuart Keppie. Keppie celebrated his final Cannes Do at the Rum Warehouse before he retires from the role, and he says the event has “a permanent place in the diary” for the city’s property professionals. The 2015 Cannes Do had a waiting list of nine tables, as around 500 attended the dinner and networking event. Following its success, Keppie says: “Very few events have the same kind of profile as the Cannes Do. Demand has grown year on year and it has now become an institution.” On stepping down from his role of organising the event, he adds: “I’ve enjoyed it. It has been nerve racking at times but the trick is to keep it fresh so that no two events are the same. The last time might have been the best yet so it will be a hard act to follow!” The Cannes Do traditionally follows MIPIM in Cannes and uses a different Liverpool venue each year, from new office developments to regeneration schemes such as the Stanley Dock hotel and conference centre that housed the 2015 event. Stuart Keppie
No.5 St Paul’s Square
MOVE COMMERCIAL
7
p01-18_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 16:03 Page 8
News Sales & Lettings
Historic Liverpool office building brought to the market
78 Rodney Street
An historic Grade II listed office building is being brought to the market in Liverpool city centre’s Georgian quarter. Commercial agent Hitchcock Wright & Partners has been appointed to sell the double-fronted mid-terraced period property 78 Rodney Street, which includes 4,710 sq ft of conventional office accommodation and a former coach house to the rear. For sale for offers in excess of £990,000, the address was the first inhabited house on Rodney Street – then known as No 1. Rodney Street - and was also the Treasurer of Liverpool’s home during the early 1800’s. Office space in the main building, which was built between 1797 and 1800, is set out over a basement, ground and two upper floors with attic. Meanwhile the former coach house on 89 Roscoe Street offers further
development potential for business or residential use with 1,044 sq ft over two floors, and parking in the courtyard for seven vehicles. Brian Ricketts, partner at Hitchcock Wright & Partners, says: “This is a fantastic opportunity to acquire an outstanding property with historical Liverpool links. This period property is in an excellent location in Liverpool city centre and offers buyers the prospect of 4,710 sq ft office accommodation, plus the added bonus of a former coach house which has the potential to be used for business or residential use. Furthermore, the primary building also has prospects for an alternative use such as residential - subject to the usual consents.” For more information contact Brian Ricketts at Hitchcock Wright & Partners on 0151 227 3400.
Mixed use investment opportunity to go under the hammer A three-storey mixed use property in Walton is among the commercial highlights of Sutton Kersh’s April auction. The end of terrace property on County Road is one of 128 lots on offer at the auction, which takes place at Liverpool’s Crowne Plaza on 16 April. It comprises a double fronted retail unit generating £775 per calendar month and four majority let, one-bedroom flats producing annual rent of £12,480. The guide price is £150,000 plus, and potential annual income when fully let is in excess of £26,000. Elsewhere, a mixed commercial and residential investment on Priory Road in Liverpool, close to 8
MOVE COMMERCIAL
Stanley Park, producing approximately £12,720 per annum has a guide price of £90,000 to £100,000. Meanwhile a former car showroom and garage in the city’s Tuebrook area extending to approximately 5,000 sq ft will go up for sale with a guide price of £90,000 plus during the auction, which will also see a number of former pubs go under the hammer. Cathy Holt, joint head of auctions at Sutton Kersh, says: “This is the biggest sale to take place on Merseyside for a long time and presents investors with a variety of buying options in all categories.” To view the full catalogue, visit www.suttonkersh.co.uk/auctions-property.
Double deal for 100,000 sq ft in Widnes Over 100,000 sq ft of space has been taken at Towngate Business Centre, as two businesses sign for units at the Widnes site. Warehouse specialist, Parker International Limited has secured a three-year lease at Unit 5, comprising 77,150 sq ft including a warehouse, eight-dock level loading doors and a yard serving the unit. Meanwhile cosmetic and cleaning products distributer, Xpel Marketing has signed a five-year lease on a 32,405 sq ft at Unit 7, including two ground level loading doors and a separate covered loading area. The deal brings the total space taken to nearly 100,000 sq ft; over a third of the park’s warehouse and industrial capacity. Towngate Business Centre, owned by Towngate PLC, covers 275,000 sq ft of industrial and warehouse space across the 18-acre site. Robert Smith, managing director of Towngate PLC, says: “We are delighted with the upturn in property enquiries and lettings at the Towngate Business Centre. It is a real sign of the times for the region over recent months, giving an altogether optimistic feel to the start of 2015.” Vacant units at the park range from 28,500 sq ft to 62,500 sq ft and include additional adjacent yard space. For more information visit www.towngate.plc.uk.
The Country Road lot
p01-18_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 16:03 Page 9
Development News Proposed refurbishment to bring The Royal Exchange ‘into the 21st Century’
The Royal Exchange in Manchester
Plans have been submitted to carry out a major refurbishment of Manchester city centre’s iconic Royal Exchange building. Trinistar Manchester, a joint venture between Starwood Capital and Trinity Investment Management (Trinity IM), has put forward proposals to upgrade the Grade II listed site on St Ann’s Square with a multi million pound investment. The building comprises a national theatre, 100,000 sq ft of retail accommodation, 120,000 sq ft of office space and is home to occupiers including Molton Brown, Starbucks and Hoare Lea. If given the go ahead, the office space and reception area at the site will be remodelled, along with the creation of a new roof garden. Future plans, over the coming months, could also see an upgrade of the retail units around the building, The Royal Exchange theatre and the 'Arcade' linking St Ann's Square to Cross Street, and further retailers being introduced to
the city. Starwood acquired the building in April 2014 from long-standing owner Prudential. A project team - including Canning O’Neill, Tushingham Moore, MMX Retail, architects Corstaphine & Wright, interior designers Space Invader and project manager 2110 Consult – has since been appointed to transform the scheme into a space which will attract new occupiers whilst complementing its historic surrounds. Richard O’Boyle, executive director at Trinity IM which asset manages the building, says: “As one of the city’s cornerstones it’s crucial that The Royal Exchange, a building of such stature and cultural importance, is well looked after. This investment will bring the scheme into the 21st Century and will ensure it retains its appeal from shoppers, theatregoers and businesses alike.” If approved, works are expected to start in July this year with completion scheduled for the following winter.
Bruntwood to launch Trading Rooms concept in Crosby Work is set to get underway on a new office complex for start-ups and smaller businesses in Crosby, developer Bruntwood has announced. The commercial property company will launch its Trading Rooms concept at Burlington House in Waterloo, following the success of the scheme in Liverpool city centre. Bruntwood initially created Trading Rooms at its Cotton Exchange site within the city’s commercial district and, after the second phase has sold out within three months of completion, is now preparing to introduce the scheme at a five-storey building on Crosby Road North. The first phase will include eight offices, complete with a communal kitchen area and breakout spaces. Matt Lee, head of sales at Bruntwood, says: “We have witnessed sell-out demand for both phases of our Trading Rooms development in Liverpool’s commercial district and a further phase is already in planning. The time is now right to also expand that model into Burlington House. "Trading Rooms is all about giving younger businesses a unique, contemporary work space that can help them to develop their skills and client base alongside peers from similar sectors. "Sefton and North Liverpool have a strong core of entrepreneurial talent and we are confident they will recognise Trading Rooms as a fertile ground for their ideas to flourish."
Bruntwood’s Trading Rooms has already proven successful in Liverpool
Edward House refurbishment underway
Montell House, Prospect's previous refurbishment project at Chester Business Park.
A Grade A office refurbishment is now well underway at Edward House in Chester. Liverpool-based developer, Prospect GB has begun a transformation of the two-storey Chester Business Park site, which will provide air conditioning, raised floors and high speed broadband. With around 11,500 sq ft of office space expected to be ready for occupation in the third quarter of 2015, Chris Walker, head of Prospect GB’s commercial division, says: “Edward House will be configured into four open-plan suites, available to let individually or together as one headquarters. This scheme is very similar in design and specification to Montell House, our previous
speculative refurbishment at Chester Business Park. Montell House was a very successful project and we are expecting similar levels of interest for Edward House, so prospective tenants are advised to make their enquiries as soon as possible.” Chester Business Park is already home to blue chip occupants including Bank of America, the Funding Corporation, M&S Money, Regus, Bristol Myers Squibb and Diners Club. Business moving into the refurbished Edward House building, within Kingsfield Court, will also benefit from 24-hour business park security and a barrier controlled car park. The property is being brought to the market by Prospect GB and Legat Owen. MOVE COMMERCIAL
9
p01-18_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 18:02 Page 10
News Commercial
Commercial law firm DTM Legal has launched new branding, marking an “important milestone for the business”. The North West based company, which has offices in Chester and Liverpool’s commercial district, has unveiled a new logo and website to reflect its focus on developing strong links with clients. Anna Duffy, head of property at DTM Legal, says: “We’re incredibly excited to be launching the new brand. This is an important milestone for the business. We felt it was important to develop a public identity that reflected our focus on developing and nurturing interconnected relationships with our clients. The brand logo is designed to show that we regard ourselves – and are regarded by our clients – as an extension to their own businesses. “We’re committed to really getting under the skin of the businesses we work with so that we’re able to deeply understand and identify with their business operations and their ethos. This allows us to seamlessly link in with their existing operations. “We aim to be a right arm to the companies we represent and our new website and branding aligns with the core values which run through the heart of all our activities.”
Photo: Jason Howard Photography
Law firm launches ‘milestone’ re-branding
Downing signs superfast broadband deal Downing has signed a deal with internet service provider, Metronet (UK) to supply superfast broadband to its flexible offices in Liverpool. Through the deal, the commercial landlord will deliver faster internet access to flexible offices within No. 1 Old Hall Street, the Port of Liverpool Building and Graeme House sites, as it provides the service to tenants of 50,000 sq ft of space across the city. Robin Ellis, senior agency surveyor at Downing, says: “Downing has always sought to consistently improve and upgrade our offer to clients, including the launch of our hugely popular Flexi-Office concept in 2012 and continuing with the exciting major upgrades that are planned and underway within the portfolio. “This partnership with Metronet (UK) means that our tenants can now access superfast broadband quickly and easily, helping them to focus on running their businesses as effectively as possible with no worries about the quality or cost of their internet connection.” Tenants at Downing’s offices, which are offered to small companies who want flexible leases, can upgrade their internet remotely if they choose to sign up for the service.
Downing’s Port of Liverpool suite will benefit from the deal
10 MOVE COMMERCIAL
The DTM Legal team
Headquarters expansion prompts further growth for glazing firm Bootle Glass’ recently completed manufacturing and storage space
Merseyside-based commercial and industrial glazing firm, Bootle Glass is continuing to grow, following the completion of its headquarters expansion. The company, which recently tripled the size of its Bankhall Street base to almost 10,000 sq ft to accommodate the manufacturing team, storage and other versatile work spaces, has now re-launched its website in line with its expansion. Following the three-month renovation of the industrial unit next to Bootle Glass’ existing offices, a spokesperson for the sales team says:
“We are continuing to grow as glazing contractors while expanding the manufacturing side of the business.” The firm, which has been established for more than 25 years, now manufactures its own aluminium windows, doors and shop fronts as it aims to complete jobs quickly for clients, and also says aluminium repairs are now “featuring a lot in day to day business activity” with additional the space at its base allowing Bootle Glass to hold a large stock of aluminium parts for the service. For further details, log on to the website at www.bootleglass.co.uk
p01-18_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 18:02 Page 11
Commercial News
Comms agency re-brands following growth
The Foundry Agency, a Liverpool-based integrated creative design, PR and events agency with a large commercial client base, has unveiled a new look. Having launched more than 10 years ago as The Design Foundry, with a focus on providing design services, the agency’s re-brand includes a new name, a new logo and a new vision. The change comes as the agency has further expanded its PR and event offering, creating a fully integrated agency under the tagline ‘joined up thinking’. Adrian Lloyd, head of design for The Foundry Agency, says: “In recent years, The Design Foundry has undergone big changes to incorporate an expansion of
the PR team so it made sense to look at the direction it was heading in and how to change the agency to reflect that. “The new mantra, ‘joined up thinking’, is a unique approach that The Foundry brings to all its clients and it’s what makes the company stand out. By combining PR, events and design, it can bring an all-rounded vision and adapt it to the clients’ needs, whether they need a new website and social media strategy, to organising large scale events and creating great press opportunities. “The Foundry has taken on some great new clients recently and new team members, so with the re-brand,
and the new team, it really is an exciting time to be part of The Foundry Agency.” The Foundry Agency specialises in innovative communication and design solutions across a range of platforms, allowing it to work with big name clients from Neptune Investments and Glendale Liverpool to city law firm Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors and commercial property agents Hitchcock Wright and Partners. The Foundry Agency’s work ranges from print brochures and website design to copywriting, social media and public relations. To get in touch with The Foundry Agency, call Adrian Lloyd on 0151 709 1633.
Morecrofts celebrates launch of new headquarters Alison Lobb (centre) with Andrew Moss and Jean Ellis of DSG chartered accountants during the event
Liverpool-based law firm, Morecrofts Solicitors welcomed more than 150 guests as it celebrated the launch of its new headquarters within the city’s commercial district. The long-established company hosted a special event to mark its relocation into a fully refurbished space at Cotton Yard, part of the area’s Cotton Quarter development. The historic Old Hall Street site, which was previously home to Liverpool’s registry office and
was once the nerve centre of the city’s booming cotton industry, will allow Morecrofts Solicitors to continue its growth plans. Alison Lobb, managing partner of Morecrofts, says: "The Cotton Exchange gives us a strategic platform to develop the business at every level. "Its location in the heart of the commercial district is ideal for our clients and staff alike and puts us as the very centre of the city's professional services community.” MOVE COMMERCIAL 11
p01-18_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 17:10 Page 12
News Retail
New retailers boost Liverpool ONE sales Sales at Liverpool ONE have increased by 15% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2015, owner Grosvenor has announced. Footfall at the city centre retail and leisure development was also up 4% compared to the same period in 2014, with the success being attributed to a number of new stores and expansions in the past 12 months. Zara’s new flagship 27,000 sq ft store was a major deal at Liverpool ONE in October 2014, along with a first Liverpool store for Michael Kors, which took a unit on Peter’s Lane around the same time. Other lettings include Radley and Cath Kidston, both of which relocated within Liverpool ONE. Miles Dunnett, director of portfolio management at Grosvenor, says: “Liverpool ONE’s performance in the first quarter of the year continues the momentum set in 2014. The most recent additions to our offer are clearly delivering what the North West wants. “More and more brands make it their first choice when expanding out of London and the South East. 90% of the brands we have added in the last two years are new to the region, and results such as these are their reward.”
Manchester deal named as key supermarket transaction Asda’s 73,000 sq ft supermarket in Harpurhey, Manchester was the key North West supermarket leasing transaction in 2013, as rents continue to grow despite the end of the supermarket ‘space race’. In the Annual UK Supermarket Investment Report by IPD and Colliers International, the Harpurhey deal in October 2013 was the most notable outside the South East, with a rent of £17.80 per sq ft agreed by the retail giant. The deal came as average supermarket rents increased throughout the UK despite the end of the ‘space race’ between supermarkets and Tesco’s slowdown of new store openings. However, the report reveals Sainsbury’s and Waitrose continued to expand in the North West although largerscale stores have been largely replaced by smaller, neighbourhood convenience stores. The report estimates there was 5m sq ft of new supermarket development in 2014, while investors continue to be active in the supermarket sector. Phil Tily, executive director at IPD, says: “In recent years, the performance of supermarkets across the UK has been consistent, deviating from the broader market trend of the South East outperforming the rest of the UK. “Investors perceive them as being very safe investments and this is borne out by the sector’s impressive risk score for 2013 of 92, which was significantly higher than standard retail, which scored 72.”
Liverpool ONE’s Peter’s Lane
Landlords can help solve retailer’s rent worries High street retailers could face the “perfect storm” of financial difficulties when ‘quarter day’ arrives on 24 June, warns commercial property solicitor Kirwans. The obligation to pay three months’ rent up front, along with payroll costs and VAT bills could force retailers into administration unless landlords can work with them to mitigate any cash flow problems. Lisa Evans, a solicitor and commercial property specialist at Kirwans, says: “Cash is king and some retailers can find themselves in a perfect storm, unable to pay advance rent, meet payroll at the end of the month and maybe even face a VAT bill too.” Quarter day was linked to the demise of chains 12 MOVE COMMERCIAL
such as La Senza, Blockbuster and Phones4U but Kirwans says landlords are sometimes overlooked when retailers enter administration. Evans says: “Property is an expensive asset and landlords have their own obligations to meet. Finding yourself with a tenant who can’t pay is a significant issue.” Evans recommends working with tenants to negotiate a temporary lease with a guarantor if the retailer has cash flow problems. She adds: “Have a straightforward conversation with your tenant about what they can afford and how you can work through the situation.”
Lisa Evans
p01-18_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 14:19 Page 13
IT’S AS RARE AS HEN’S TEETH!
NEWLY REFURBISHED INDUSTRIAL UNITS IN WIDNES AND UP TO 62,452 sq ft AVAILABLE!
TO LET - UNITS 3 & 6
INDUSTRIAL/WAREHOUSE/ FACTORY UNITS
28,540 - 62,452 sq ft (2,651 - 5,801 sq m) Towngate Business Centre, Everite Road, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 8PT
01484 715 635 www.towngate.plc.uk
p01-18_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 15:09 Page 14
Bitesize thinking
Rebecca Fan head of commercial property, Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors
In my crystal ball... Commercial real estate performance will see a stable pattern of growth. With opportunities for both risk-averse and risk-embracing investors, their appetite will grow due to the reduced volatility in investment volumes and yields. Recovery is likely to be driven by more volume deals as opposed to high value single transactions and property demand for the fast growing creative and digital sector will also flourish. Various factors helping to sustain growth will include: increasing occupier demand; low inflation; better rental values; low interest rates and improved access to commercial finance. More adventurous speculative investment strategies will spread in the strong regional markets outside the capital. However, the imbalance of property supply and demand will continue to dominate the landscape. Overall, there are optimistic signs for growth but uncertainties over the outcome of the UK general election on 7 May and the shifting predictions on interest rate rises may initially soften demand.
If only I’d known… Stamp duty land tax (SDLT) mitigation schemes were popular in the property industry as they engaged allegedly legitimate means to reduce or eliminate the amount of SDLT payable. Some SDLT schemes danced a fine line between tax avoidance and tax evasion but had great appeal due to the attractive SDLT savings and were accessible to medium-end through to high-end investors. However, warning signs emerged in 2012 when the HMRC confirmed its more “confrontational” approach to counter-act SDLT mitigation schemes due to the extensive loss of revenue resulting from them. If HMRC is successful in challenging an SDLT scheme, investors could be liable to pay the whole SDLT, interest and penalties. Whilst none of my clients used these schemes, there will be some “at risk” SDLT mitigation scheme users and facilitators who, with hindsight, may wish they never engaged with the practice; especially due to the clampdown by HMRC.
My favourite building with... James Dickinson director, Canning O’Neill
Siemens building, Manchester When I was asked to choose my favourite building, the Siemens building, or more officially Sir William Siemens House in West Didsbury, immediately sprang to mind. Built in a design inspired by the Bauhaus movement of the 1920s and 30s, the scheme stands next to the busy A5103 Princess Parkway in South Manchester and is seen by thousands of commuters every day. I can remember when the scheme was being developed back in 1989; it was seen as almost a vision of the future and even now, 26 years on, it hasn't lost any of its appeal. Every part of the 87,000 sq ft building, from the curved design and the use of windows to the white external façade, gives the scheme its strong identity. Spire Healthcare has recently been awarded planning permission to develop a £63m hospital on the site but thankfully the refurbishment will only be internal and will not touch the exterior of the building, which has become a well established landmark in the region. 14 MOVE COMMERCIAL
“Developed back in 1989, it was seen as almost a vision of the future and even now, 26 years on, it hasn’t lost any of its appeal.”
p01-18_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 15:09 Page 15
MOVE COMMERCIAL
Bitesize thinking
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Andreas Anastasiou residential and commercial agent, Tano Properties
Curriculum VITAE Main duties: My average day revolves around my property agency, Tano Properties, dealing with commercial and residential sales and lettings. I also manage residential and commercial properties owned by Iliad Group, dealing with acquisitions through to detailed refurbishments. Education: Liverpool College through secondary school and sixth form, and then a degree in Business Management at Manchester Metropolitan University. First job: A few friends and I started an events company which put us through the three years we were at university. Later, we started an independent lifestyle magazine titled ‘La Vida’ – in circulation across Liverpool, Manchester and now London. What’s the secret to your success? I’ve had a very exciting year with plenty of great additions to Tano Properties’ roster, however I believe there is a lot more to be done before I can reflect on my achievements and call myself a success. What advice would you give to somebody starting out in the industry?
In commercial property there’s no such thing as a ‘quick’ deal. You have to be patient, persevere and have a level of understanding with each individual tenant and their needs and desires, as well as local trends. Most importantly, you have to be honest with every person you deal with. Building a strong relationship with somebody is as crucial as the deal itself. What makes Tano Properties different? We believe in a long-term vision in everything we do. Our ethos is very much to find a business owner a property in which they will thrive, understanding key trends in the local community and their specific business model to best locate them. Tell us about Tano Properties’ plans for the next 12 months: Our plan is to let the remaining 20% of vacant properties we started with in 2013, most of which we’ve already received offers for. I’ve dealt with numerous external clients in recent months and have a growing list of companies searching for properties within Liverpool’s Ropewalks quarter too. I’m also leading on a project on Bold Street, Liverpool which Tano Properties is converting into flats. This is definitely my biggest project to date and I’m excited to tackle it head-on.
Airport City Aiport City is the first of its kind in the UK; an £800m Enterprize Zone surrounding Manchester Airport, boasting logistics facilities, offices, leisure developments and public realm works. It is one of the largest and most ambitious developments in the country.
JAN
Chancellor George Osborne unveils plans for the UK’s first Airport City, with phased development of 5m sq ft across 15 years set to transform the area around Manchester Airport.
JUL
Agent CBRE appointed by Manchester Airports Group (MAG) to secure international funding and development partners for the project.
NOV
An application for a £100m World Logistics Hub covering 1.4m sq ft is approved. It will create 1,800 jobs over the next 10 years.
DEC
Plans for the £650m development of offices, hotels, manufacturing centres, retail outlets and leisure facilities, creating 11,400 jobs are submitted as part of the Airport City masterplan. They are approved in January 2013.
JUN
Chancellor George Osborne launches the official start on site of Airport City.
NOV
Leading global logistics company, DHL, signs up to occupy a major new facility at Manchester’s Airport City. It is the first business to confirm it will move to the development.
JUN
Trams start to run along part of the route as part of testing and are a year ahead of schedule. In September, PZ Cussons agrees a five-year deal to take 6,000 sq ft of office space at the 4M office building as a result of the announcement.
FEB
Planning permission is secured for a 130,000 sq ft logistics facility, following a successful application for a 260,000 sq ft facility in 2014. Plans for a 65,000 sq ft office building are submitted.
2012
2012
2012
2012
Tweet all about it The 5 best commercial tweets
1 2 3 4 5
@gmchamber: Agreement for GM to keep 100% of local business rates – Business rate reform key ask of @gmchamber #NWBudget #Budget2015 @sbeech64: Au revoir Cannes – Team Liverpool will be back even stronger in 2016, now to follow up on the opportunities we’ve created @LiverpoolMIPIM @MattBiagetti: Great day in London promoting Liverpool to @UKTI global life science posts @UKTI_LSO @itsliverpool @LiverpoolLondon
2013
2013
2014
@mcrMIPIM: Cities “must create engines of innovation” – Sir Howard #MIPIM2015 @SuperportComms: 90% of deep sea container traffic goes through southern ports but 50% of the market is closer to Liverpool than south
2015
p01-18_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 14:21 Page 16
Appointments
Edwards & Co launches investment service Property consultant, Edwards & Co has appointed Martin Hamer as investment Martin Hamer & Andrew Timms director, as it launches a new investment service. Hamer has held roles as divisional director at Capita and as head of Colliers’ investment in Manchester, where he completed a £53m portfolio acquisition on behalf of Frogmore among other deals. He will oversee the new investment service as part of the transactional team. Andrew Timms, director and head of the transactional team at Edwards & Co, says: “As a North West property specialist it was important for us to find the right person for this role to work with the team and capitalise on the opportunity across all sectors.”
GVA hires retail director Stephen Cowperthwaite has joined GVA as a senior director within the retail, hotels and leisure Stephen Cowperthwaite team. Cowperthwaite will be based in Liverpool but will lead the northern retail, leisure and hotel offering. He has 25 years’ experience in the retail property industry and has previously worked for GL Hearn and Mason Owen, representing food retailers including Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Waitrose. He says: “I’m looking forward to working with the team on some of the region’s most high profile retail projects.” New senior agency surveyor at Nolan Redshaw
JB Leitch expands real estate team Robert Denman is the new head of real estate at Liverpool property law Robert Denman firm JB Leitch, as it continues to expand its team. An enfranchisement and right to manage specialist, Denman previously led the landlord empowerment team at Goldsmith Williams, where he held the post for nine years. He says: “I’m delighted to join the talented team at JB Leitch and I’m looking forward to continuing the growth of the real estate transaction arm of the firm.” Principal solicitor Jonathan Leitch adds: “Robert is an expert in his field and brings a wealth of enfranchisement, lease extension and right to manage experience to the firm.” 16 MOVE COMMERCIAL
Jonathan Pickles
Jonathan Pickles has joined chartered surveyors, Nolan Redshaw as a senior
agency surveyor. Pickles will work on current and new instructions alongside Paul Nolan and associate director, Neil Higson. He joins the firm from Manchester company, Petty’s Chartered Surveyors, where he worked within the commercial agency department. He says: “Having dealt with a wide spectrum of property ranging from industrial sites, development land, offices and prime retail throughout east Lancashire over the last decade, I now have the opportunity to expand my skills at Nolan Redshaw. The team is making huge inroads within the market and hopefully I can play a part in their ongoing success.”
p01-18_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 14:21 Page 17
Recruitment
To advertise your job vacancies please call Tom on 0151 709 3871
Are you a Property Lawyer looking for career progression? We are here to help make it happen Examples of opportunities we are currently working on: Property Litigation Solicitor up to £45,000 basic (dependant on experience) + competitive bonus Our Client is a successful North West based law firm who are currently looking to source a Property Litigation Solicitor to join their expanding team. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of one year post qualification experience and a strong academic profile. They will currently be practising in a recognised property disputes team or in a litigation team that deals with a significant amount of property litigation.
Assistant Team Manager / Qualified Property Lawyer Salary negotiable (dependant on experience) We are assisting in sourcing an experienced Property Solicitor to act as a mentor to junior members of the team and assist the Head of Department in the expansion and support of their rapidly expanding Property Team. Due to increased demand and work sources our client is looking for a qualified Property Lawyer to provide ongoing technical support whilst assisting in running a varied caseload of both residential and commercial property transactions. The successful candidate will need a strong background in both Residential and Commercial Property law and be able to demonstrate both technical knowledge and leadership skills.
If you are an ambitious Solicitor looking to develop your career with a highly regarded firm, please do not delay in contacting us on (0151) 515 3055 or e-mail info@elitelegalrecruitment.co.uk
Looking for a career change? GCB are delighted to announce property roles available in Dubai within one of the world’s best real estate organisations Sales Negotiator £ 6 0 , 0 0 0 – £ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0 OT E Lettings Negotiator £ 3 0 , 0 0 0 – £ 5 0 , 0 0 0 OT E Commission only basis - 50% commission on all fees - earnings all tax-free An amazing opportunity to join a top Dubai estate agency, earning top money and enjoying a fantastic modern lifestyle.
The Client An international agency and winner of International Property Awards over the last 3 years; including Best Real Estate Agency and Best Lettings Agency in Dubai and the whole of Arabia.
Plus... - Full residential visa and help with serviced accommodation during initial move - Dedicated Personal Assistant for all teams with coffee served at your desk all day - A move-in team and in-house conveyancing team to deal with all “after sales” - 22 company vehicles used to conduct viewings, and rented at a subsidised cost at weekends
The Role Sales/Lettings Negotiator – To canvass for new business. Book and conduct viewing and valuations. Negotiate on offers and fees. Looking for candidates willing to work hard. Target Prizes last year included a holiday to Thailand, Louis Vuitton handbags, Christian Louboutin shoes, cash prizes, flights to the UK and a staff boat party.
We are holding a recruitment event in Manchester in April. If you’re interested in securing a role in Dubai, please contact us to secure your place. L IMITED SPACES AVAIL ABL E
TEL: 01603 667 777 | EMAIL: enquiries@gcbrecruitment.co.uk
>
Candidate Requirements · Sales consultants need a minimum of 2 years targeted sales experience · Lettings Consultants need a targeted sales or estate agency background. · Passport + full, clean driving license
p01-18_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 16:19 Page 18
Recruitment
To advertise your job vacancies please call Tom on 0151 709 3871
Do youu have a passsion for Prooperty o Law?? Propppertyy Litigation g Solicitoor COMPETITIVE IVE SA AL RY WITH ALAR COMPREEHENSIVE E E BENEFITS B & BONUS We are aann establis e tabl sh shed ed and successful ucc ssfu Li erpool based Liverpool ba ed laaw fifirm m sservicing vic g a nationw w commercial wide meercial e client base from our modern, cit city ty centre offices. Due too onnngoing go ng ex exp xpansion nsio we are llooking oki g for a Propperty p Litiggattion ion Solicitor to join our highlyy regardeed team.
We are re in i a position p sition to consider all levels of post qualification experience from candidaates who are astute commercial lit gato litiga torrss who w o havee eexperience perience of or a genui genu ne interest i tere t in property rop ty litigation. t n The succcessful candidate will be capable p blee off building bu ding relationships onsh ps with our prominent rom nen commerc commercial al clients aand will be adept at managing and proogressing a full caseload.
Apply in in compplete pl te confiden confidencee at jblcareer jblcar errs.co.uk rs co uk Email: careers Email c s@ s@jbleitch.co.uk @ @jbleitch co. k Teelephoone: o 01511 708 2250 and ask for Anndy Hull
Contact Cobalt Recruitment for roles in the North West MRICS Building Surveyor Liverpool £30,000 - £40,000 plus benefits
Senior Acquisitions Manager UK Wide with North West base £50,000 - £70,000 plus package
Following a strong pipeline of commercial instructions across the North West, an established and reputable national practice is looking to recruit a proven Building Surveyor to the team. The appointed individual will be MRICS qualified with an appreciation for most asset classes. You must be able to handle a variety of professional duties including the execution of refurbishments projects, office and retail fit-outs, contract management, dilapidations, building surveys and advise on party wall matters. A team player, you will be a proactive individual with proven communication skills and an ability to work with minimum supervision. Ref: MMi288971
One of the UK’s fastest growing retailers seeks a proven Acquisition Manager to join its successful team, to ensure that the current expansion plan of growth continues year on year. With cradle to grave responsibility for new acquisitions, you will be purchasing a range of assets from the high street through to out of town units with typical sizes of between 5,000 - 30,000 sq.ft. This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives on negotiating with the UK’s largest landlords, based locally or who is prepared to relocate/spend 3 days per week in the North West with a national remit. Ref: MMc254441
Offices globally www.cobaltrecruitment.com Please apply in confidence by emailing apply@cobaltrecruitment.com or call 0161 457 0105 quoting the relevant reference number. All direct and third party applications will be forwarded to Cobalt Recruitment.
The power of people
p19-36_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 15:21 Page 19
Peter Barlow, partner, Cassell Moore My Month The past month has been very active for Liverpool-based law firm Cassell Moore and its commercial departments. Partner and head of real estate, Peter Barlow, reflects on the major deals and industry events he’s been involved in, as well as personal achievements and his goals moving forward as the company continues to expand. Rum Warehouse
My goal at the start of the month was... To ensure the real estate team achieved its targets for this financial year, whilst maintaining the momentum and growth we have enjoyed since I joined in July 2014. In terms of business development it has been a busy period for networking and we have attended some high quality events, including the recent Cannes Do at the Rum Warehouse. I have been really impressed with the team who are proving themselves to be excellent ambassadors for the firm.
My biggest achievement was...
My biggest challenge was...
Being appointed to the panel of a large registered social landlord. This represented a big win for the team and is something I am particularly looking forward to working on and developing. During my career I have gained extensive experience in acting for housing associations. This has included advising on the transfers of housing stock and complex site acquisitions for registered social landlords as well as overseeing the delivery of services to local authorities involved in the Housing Market Renewal Initiative.
Closely aligned with my primary goal at the start of the month, which was to ensure the real estate team achieved its annual targets. Whilst we are a relatively new team we benefit from a wealth of experience and have set ambitious targets from the outset. The end of the financial year is always a busy period but I am pleased to report we are right on track and well placed to become one of the leading real estate teams in the city.
THE NEWS STORY THAT CAUGHT MY EYE... Involved an initiative that we have been key advisors on since the project’s inception. In the recent Budget coverage, it emerged that the region’s tech community has been given a £4m boost. The Chancellor’s announcement that the government is backing Manchester’s ‘Forward Plan’, a tech incubator located in the Northern Quarter, is a huge coup and one that we were able to help come to fruition. Led by Doug Ward and Shaun Gibson, this latest project represents a major step forward in the duo’s plans to make Manchester one of the top five European destinations for tech start-ups. Having negotiated the lease agreement for the 87,000 sq ft incubator at Federation House I am absolutely thrilled for our partners and wish them every success in this venture.
The key meeting I had... Was with Matthew Wyatt, Cassell Moore’s new head of corporate recovery and insolvency. He joins from a large Manchester firm where he specialised in contentious insolvency work. Matthew has particular expertise in acting for council authorities; assisting them with the collection of unpaid business rates, contentious insolvency matters and large-scale fraud investigations. With a number of public sector clients I was keen to catch up as I think there will be opportunities for us to work together and I am sure he will add real value to the team.
My plan for next month... With targets met I will be looking forward to the remainder of the year, which will include setting new goals for the department. As a relatively new firm we have already enjoyed a great deal of success in a short period of time. This is best illustrated by our taking further space at Edward Pavilion, Albert Dock. However, we are not standing still. Once the small matter of an office move is out of the way next month we will remain focused on the continued growth of Cassell Moore.
Albert Dock
MOVE COMMERCIAL 19
p19-36_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 17:30 Page 20
Christine Toner christine@movepublishing.co.uk
Since its launch in 2012 the Chrysalis Fund has helped a number of key projects in Liverpool to get off the ground but it wasn’t always a straightforward task, as fund manager John Tatham explains.
Investing in growth There are few people in the property industry who can boast a CV as varied as John Tatham. In his own words, it’s been a winding road to get to his current role as fund manager of the Chrysalis Fund and partnerships director at Igloo Regeneration. It’s a road that has included roles at brewery Bass PLC and being on the chocolate tasting panel for high street chocolatier Thorntons (it doesn’t put you off chocolate apparently) as well as managing a call centre and developing Thorntons’ ecommerce strategy. Derby-born Tatham started his career at Deloitte in Birmingham before moving into a corporate finance role with PriceWaterhouseCoopers in Nottingham. He left PriceWaterhouseCoopers to set up corporate governance at Thorntons, a position which involved a variety of tasks including chocolate tasting, managing supply chain projects and developing the retailer’s ecommerce business. From Thorntons he took a role at Bass where he was tasked with looking after the hotel side of the business. “At this point, because I’d spent a lot of time not being an accountant, I thought I needed to grow up and get a proper job,” he laughs. That ‘proper job’ was finance director at the East Midlands Development Agency. It was here that Tatham developed a passion for property and investment. “I set up a public/private 20 MOVE COMMERCIAL
partnership called Blueprint, which is a partnership between the agency and Igloo,” he says. “I then moved over to the Igloo side of the partnership so I went from the public sector side to the private sector side. That’s how I ended up working in property full time. “Igloo manages a number of different funds. My job was to raise money to invest in development. We did things like the £45m financing package for the BBC studios in Cardiff Bay. In doing that we identified we were quite good at raising money and working with banks to structure finance in order to get some reasonably complex projects going. “We thought a good way of diversifying our business and using some of the skills we’ve got was to be on the other side of the fence – to lend money or to structure lending into other developers’ projects. So we set up Chrysalis.” The Chrysalis Fund borrowed £38m from the European Investment Bank through the Regional Development Fund programme to invest in other people’s schemes in Merseyside. Tatham says working on the other side of the fence has been an interesting challenge. “You are kind of poacher turned gamekeeper in a sense,” he says. “It’s very liberating as well. We don’t have to work within the same capital constraints that the banks have to. We’ve got a fund of money and a pretty broad spectrum of projects that we can lend it into, albeit in a
very narrow geography. So we have a lot more freedom than a bank would have. We can be a lot more innovative in the way we structure the money.” The Chrysalis Fund officially launched in 2012 with an open call for investments, and a further £6.6m was raised. Working with commercial agent GVA, the fund set out to find projects to invest in. Interested parties were invited to fill in a brief expression of interest in the first instance. The Chrysalis team would then work with the applicant to discover if the project was suitable. “Typically we get a lot of applications from people who want a grant”, says Tatham. “They want to borrow the money but not pay it back because their scheme is not entirely viable. Others just apply for money and it doesn’t fit our investment criteria. They go through a filter process to find out, firstly, if they really need a grant rather than a loan and secondly if it is a viable project. Then they go to an investment committee.” The Chrysalis Fund works closely with the grant team at the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) and the two share projects. Tatham says often the CLG team will receive an application from projects looking for grants that could afford to pay some of the money back and vice versa. “Sometimes projects will receive a combination of both grant and loan,” he says. “We’ll help them structure the grant part as well as the loan
part. We’ll work with the CLG team to put a full funding package together for them.” The latest project to receive investment from the Chrysalis Fund is the Atlantic Container Line building on Duke Street in Liverpool city centre. Other notable projects the fund has been involved with include the Exhibition Centre Liverpool and the redevelopment of the Grade II listed Watson Building on Renshaw Street while three as yet unannounced projects are in the pipeline. However, Tatham says it wasn’t always easy to find viable projects to invest in. “It was hard in the very early days for a number of reasons. We launched in 2012 when there was very little commercial development taking place in Liverpool that wasn’t grant funded. We had a long pipeline of projects that were interested but turning that interest into something that’s investible in the early days was quite a challenge. It’s been quite a process of filtering down into ones that can get that right combination of loan and grant. “Viability becomes a bigger problem the more you move away from Liverpool city centre. We’re only restricted to the five boroughs, to date we’ve done Liverpool city centre and Knowlsey and I think we’ll get one away in the Wirral but in Sefton and St Helens we’ve just not been able to find any viable investment.” The period the Chrysalis Fund has to invest the money comes to an end this year but the fund has the money
p19-36_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 17:30 Page 21
John Tatham, fund manager, Chrysalis Fund Mover & Shaker
“
If a city is seen as being cool that carries more traction than you may think.
“
“
When a building gets built entirely with a grant, it erodes the case for private investment. It’s a message to the private sector that the market can’t withstand private investment.
“
for 10 years so as projects repay it can be reinvested. The Chrysalis Fund has clearly had a significant impact on regeneration and development in Liverpool but Tatham says more could be done by the city to attract private investment. “It needs to present projects as being privately financed,” he explains. “When a building gets built entirely with a grant, with a big song and dance about the amount of grant that’s gone into it, it erodes the case for private investment. It’s a message to the private sector that the market can’t withstand private investment. “It’s difficult because from a political side you want to show you use public resources to capitalise and deliver but the reality is you’re better off saying you put £2m into this building and it drew in £8m of private investment and it delivered these jobs.” Secondly, says Tatham, cities should not underestimate the influence the perception of the city can have on investors. “You’d be surprised how much certain institutions’ investment is done on emotion and brand,” he says. “If a city is seen as being cool or has a niche that another city doesn’t have or has presented itself in a particular way that carries more traction than you may think.” With Liverpool’s profile as a cultural destination continuing to rise and its presence at exhibitions such as MIPIM growing, perhaps investors are already taking note.
p19-36_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 14:22 Page 22
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 Enfranchisement Breach of Covenant PRS
W : JBLEITCH.CO.UK T : 0151 708 2250
6059 L it h NOTB Ad R
i
210 274 i dd 1 2
25/0 03/2015
p19-36_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 16:44 Page 23
yorkshire house 18 CHAPEL STREET, LIVERPOOL L3 9AG
FULLY REFURBISHED OFFICE SUITES FROM 500 TO 3,332 SQFT
TAKE A CLOSER LOOK....
www.yhliverpool.com Ef[d fbWd eh \kbbo Òjj[Z WYYecceZWj_ed B_l[ ikf[h\Wij XheWZXWdZ Yedd[Yj_ed '* YWh fWha_d] ifWY[i
2015
NEIL KIRKHAM ANDREW BYRNE
ANDREW OWEN PAUL THORNE
p19-36_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 17:08 Page 24
Stephen Hurrell stephen@movepublishing.co.uk
Which North West industries will be the growth sectors of tomorrow? We look at three sectors that have the potential to change the shape of the economy in the region and create the next generation of multinational companies.
Growth Accelerators The message from MIPIM, Europe’s largest property conference, was that the North West is open for business. From Liverpool’s new SuperPort to Warrington’s nuclear sector growth, Manchester’s 1m sq ft of office take-up in 2014 to the new Trafford Waters development, the North West economy is thriving. Where traditional manufacturing during the industrial revolution dominated the North West’s economic output, the future will be defined by emerging industries in the burgeoning technology, science and creative sectors. We take a look at three high-growth industries that will reshape the region in the next decade.
Big data revolution At Sci-Tech Daresbury in Cheshire, where over 100 science and technology companies are based, the Hartree Centre has a supercomputer that will provide the facilities for up to 100 high-growth companies in the next decade. The Hartree Centre, a part of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), is a world leader in ‘big data’, a buzzword that refers to the exponential growth of data that cannot be processed or analysed through conventional methods. 24 MOVE COMMERCIAL
The centre is dedicated to using big data to deliver faster, cheaper and more effective manufacturing solutions. And, with one of the world’s most powerful supercomputers, it is at the forefront of big data on a global scale. The Hartree Centre opened in February 2013 with a visit by Chancellor George Osborne. He returned at the beginning of 2015 to announce a further £113m investment in the centre that, according to the government, will see it three years ahead of the world when it comes to using supercomputers to help manufacturers. “We don’t believe there is any government or any centre in the world that has had the kind of level of investment in people or infrastructure that we have had,” says Cliff Brereton, director of the Hartree Centre. “What we’re effectively doing is turning the might of computational science on to industry. We help UK based companies big and small to help them make better products and to do that faster and cheaper. “For example, to prototype an aircraft wing is a very long and expensive thing to do. But you can create it in a simulation that acts in exactly the same way as the real thing within minutes or hours as opposed to months or even years.” The centre has worked with motoring manufacturers too; Cheshire-based Bentley and Liverpool’s Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) both use
visualisation and 3D modelling to design their cars without the need to create expensive and timeconsuming prototypes. The use of a supercomputer – one of only a handful of its kind in the world – to help manufacturing processes is unique to the Hartree Centre. From jet engines to mixing mayonnaise, the team is able to solve complex manufacturing problems through intricate 3D renderings and immersive models viewed through virtual reality goggles. So effective is the process that companies ranging from start-ups with a couple of staff to multinationals are setting up a base in Sci-Tech Daresbury to be near the incredible capabilities of the supercomputer. Manufacturing giant Unilever has a permanent research team based at the centre and Brereton expects the next generation of multinationals to be born through the use of its expertise in big data. “Back in the 1990s and the early 2000s we had these companies that were born on the internet and some exist today as multi-billion pound organisations,” Brereton explains. “You can imagine that there are lots of companies that would want to be involved in this in the same way - to not only use but also exploit big data opportunities. We’re expecting an awful lot of companies will not only want to be geographically
p19-36_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 17:08 Page 25
Growth Accelerators
“
We’re expecting an awful lot of companies will not only want to be geographically close to use the centre, but also new companies will be born on this data tsunami that we’ve got coming forward.
“
close to use it, but also new companies will be born on this data tsunami that we’ve got coming forward.” Brereton believes 25 start-up companies will shortly be at the site and this will grow to 100 in the future. “I genuinely feel that is not unreasonable,” he says. “In addition to that we’ll have existing companies that will feel the equipment and people we have here is beneficial to them and they’ll put research people on site as well.” The Hartree Centre is working on software that will put the complicated processes that organise big data into the hands of architects and engineers through the use of new user interfaces on tablet devices. By doing that it is allowing companies big and small to revolutionise the way they work. As well as attracting major companies and producing start-ups on site, Brereton says health services who want to maximise efficiencies in the flow of patients, traffic and energy solutions for smart cities will all benefit from its supercomputer and team of experts. In every walk of life the team at the Hartree Centre will have an impact – and the North West will be the epicentre of a data revolution. “The North West was very much a driver in other, more significant industrial revolutions,” he says. “We certainly think that the North West is right at the forefront of what we call industry 4.0, and we are at the centre of that.”
“
We don’t believe there is any government or any centre in the world that has had the kind of level of investment in people or infrastructure that we have had.
“
p19-36_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 17:08 Page 26
Stephen Hurrell stephen@movepublishing.co.uk
“
Making models for new developments is increasingly challenging. You’re seeing different shapes and materials and public realm works within designs and the best way to do this is to create a 3D model first.
Printing the future Analyst Canalys predicts the global 3D printing market will grow from $2.5 billion (£1.17m) in 2013 to $16.2bn (£11bn) by 2018. The sale of 3D printers for home use, industrial 3D printers capable of working with plastics, metal and other materials, and the technology behind them will be a growth industry worldwide, and the North West is embracing the opportunity. In March 2015 a pop-up 3D printing demonstration took place in the Baltic Creative incubator hub in Liverpool at the heart of the city’s thriving creative sector. Working with a team from Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), 3D printer company Fablabs demonstrated the technology to the region’s small businesses. The demonstration was used to highlight the flagship Digital Fabrication Laboratory, a space located in the School of Art and Design at LJMU that provides access to the tools and knowledge to educate, innovate and invent using technology and digital fabrication. The method of printing parts from digital blueprints has the capacity to transform the manufacturing industry through lower costs, the ability to create bespoke objects and increased efficiency – and Liverpool’s expertise is being felt across the North West. Hobs Reprographics, a Liverpool-based 3D printing and design company, has launched an innovative new 3D printing hub in Manchester’s Dale Street, the first of its kind in the region. The £250,000 investment in the 6,000 sq ft site in Manchester’s creative Northern Quarter means it is now one of the UK’s leading centres for 3D printing. “What puts Hobs Studio in a league of its own is that at present no other company offers all these 26 MOVE COMMERCIAL
very relevant services under one roof,” says Kieran O'Brien, chief executive of Hobs. “The launch of Hobs Studio brings huge benefits to designers, architects and product developers who need to produce 3D models. “With our new hub, 3D models can be produced right at the beginning of a development, complete with internal 3D models and landscaping if required, saving clients valuable time and money.” The site is not far from an impressive example of the power of 3D printing. One Angel Square, CoOperative Group’s headquarters, is the UK’s most sustainable new office building and its opening was witnessed by the Queen, who was visiting not only the multi award-winning building but the wider NOMA area of development. “Making models for new developments is increasingly challenging,” adds Paul Ryan, group marketer at Hobs Reprographic. “You’re seeing
“
different shapes and different materials and public realm works within designs and the best way to do this is to create a 3D model first. “We saw businesses were changing their 2D plans into three dimensions. These are now becoming 3D models printed in studios like ours that can be created in half the time and at half the cost of traditional 3D models.” Meanwhile, FDM Solutions in Burnley has secured £688,000 investment from The North West Fund for Venture Capital and £172,000 from Lancashire's Rosebud Finance for its 3D printing business, where it operates in the nuclear, construction and automotive sectors among others, as the sector grows across the region. As 3D printing grows, North West companies are positioning themselves for a new era of manufacturing, with a slice of a £11bn pie by 2018 on offer to those that succeed.
p19-36_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 17:09 Page 27
Growth Accelerators
“
Plans are being discussed to create post-production facilities and indoor filming locations that could rival the worldfamous Pinewood facility.
“
A piece of the action Liverpool is the most filmed city outside of London. From Hollywood blockbusters such as The Fast and the Furious to TV hits such as Foyles War, the city’s unique architecture has proved a staple of the UK film industry for several years. The city raised £9m from the film industry in 2015 and this figure is expected to grow as more filming takes place there. Television producer Phil Redmond is heading a commission to explore ways to grow the city’s creative offering in the industry and plans are being discussed to create postproduction facilities and indoor filming locations that could rival the world-famous Pinewood facility in the south of the country. The former ABC cinema near to Lime Street station has been identified by developer Neptune as a potential film studio hub, with film studios and post-production facilities overlooking the railway station and St George’s Hall as part of wider plans to regenerate the Lime Street area. This could enable the creation of a corridor across the North West, with Salford’s media city boasting
several BBC functions and a new, state-of-the-art film studio and post-production suite opening in Manchester. At the beginning of April 2015, Leeds-based company Bark & Bite opened a production studio in Manchester. Located on John Dalton Street, the facility will be the largest of its kind outside London and will specialise in high end visual effects, motion graphics and sound mixing for a host of media. “We are at the top of our game and now adding a world class audio studio to our list of services,” says Christian Knowles-Fitton, managing director of Bark & Bite. "There is a common misconception within the industry that you have to head down south for quality work, despite half of London upping sticks to Salford. We're here to give Soho a run for its money.” With filming bringing £9m to Liverpool alone last year and new facilities aiming to complement the North West’s architecture and locations, the industry is set to take advantage of an industry that, according to HMRC figures, is worth £100bn to the UK economy.
“
There is a common misconception within the industry that you have to head down south for quality work, despite half of London upping sticks to Salford. We're here to give Soho a run for its money
“
MOVE COMMERCIAL 27
p19-36_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 14:23 Page 28
FINAL self-contained first floor office available in Aintree Bleasdale Business Centre L10 2JA / Office No.12 / 1,843 sq ft • Prominent location with excellent transport links • Self-contained modern office in close proximity to local shopping & Retail Parks • Own entrance to ground floor with display window, stairs and platform lift • Attractive first floor office suite with suspended ceilings and LED lights • Energy efficient building rating “B” • Extensive on site car parking – 10 spaces
0151 520 3285
enquiries@seftonbleasdale.co.uk
Providing The Legal Foundations For Commercial Property
Property Development
Lease Grant / Assignment
Commercial Property Purchase
Commercial Property Sale
Business Sale and Acquisition
Contact our Commercial Property experts today on:
0800 525 035 www.kirwans.co.uk
info@kirwans.co.uk @KirwansLaw
Kirwans is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (www.sra.org.uk) Prenton SRA Number 71723
28 MOVE COMMERCIAL
TF
p19-36_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 14:23 Page 29
We Build Brands A leading integrated communications agency delivering branding, design and public relations.
0151 709 1633 www.thefoundryagency.co.uk @Foundry _ Agency
TFA MC d i dd 1
30/3/1
09 08 49
p19-36_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 16:57 Page 30
Rum Warehouse welcomes Cannes Do Hundreds of guests from Merseyside’s commercial property sector gathered at the Titanic Hotel’s Rum Warehouse, as the popular Cannes Do took place for a 10th year. Attendees enjoyed an afternoon of food, drinks and entertainment within one of Liverpool’s key new developments during the Professional Liverpool Property Group event. Harcourt Developments, the firm behind the Stanley Dock transformation including the Titanic Hotel, was the main sponsor for 2015 and managing director Pat Power delivered a speech to guests. Bruntwood’s Colin
Sinclair, part of Liverpool’s MIPIM steering group, also spoke about the city’s success at the international industry exhibition. Meanwhile, Professional Liverpool board member and organiser Stuart Keppie announced it would be his final year of putting the Cannes Do together. Radio presenter Willie Miller compered this year’s event, which also featured comedian John Martin and helped raise funds for Zoe’s Place Children’s Hospice. The main event was followed by an opportunity to network, and sponsors including Move Commercial were invited into a lounge hosted by Liverpool Gin. 1
3
5
4
6
9
7
10
8
11
1. Guests enjoying a pre-lunch drink 2. The event took place at the Rum Warehouse 3. Jonty Straw (Denton Associates), Charlie Pearson (Earnest Griffiths) and Graeme Wood (Stratos) 4. Bilfinger GVA 5. Professional Liverpool 6. Pat Power (Harcourt Developments) 7. A member of the hotel’s staff serves wine 8. Brian Ricketts (Hitchcock Wright & Partners) and Alan Bevan (City Residential) 9. Steel River Consultants/Innov8: Development Solutions 10. John Foster (Wates Construction) and Tim Bingham (Curtins) 11. Graham Ingham (FW Capital), Mike Calvert (Bibby Financial Services) and Gareth Pugh (Baker Tilly)
30 MOVE COMMERCIAL
Photo courtesy of Professional Liverpool
2
p19-36_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 16:57 Page 31
Cannes Do 2015 Event Special
1
2
3
4
5
7
6
8
9 Photo courtesy of Professional Liverpool
10
11
12
1. Stuart Keppie (Professional Liverpool) 2. Robin Ellis (Downing), Tim Kenney (Kenney Moore) and Rupert Lowe (Dunlop Heywood) 3. Cheryl Reeves (Denton Associates), Carla Matthews (Denholm) and Jonty Straw (Denton Associates) 4. Jonathan Cross (Ask Properties), Jim Gempton (BDO), Neil Sturmey, Tony Reddin, Debbie Seels and Alson Ewing (all Grant Thornton) 5. Paul Buttery listens intently 6. Condy Lofthouse Architects Ltd 7. Titanic Hotel 8. The champagne on ice 9. Andy Nichol (DWF) and Guy Lawrenson (What’s Developing) 10. William Baldwin (Sutcliffe), Jonathan Stead and David Clemetson (both ADT Workplace) 11. Matthew Lake, Karen Neald and Jane Plant (all Weightmans) 12. DTM Legal & Quilter Cheviot Ltd
MOVE COMMERCIAL 31
p19-36_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 16:57 Page 32
1
2
3
4
5
7
8
10
6
9
11
12
1. Eddie Toolan (Wakefield Inspection Services), Paula Williams and Steve Jones (Handelsbanken) 2. Investec Wealth and Investment 3. Andy Ferguson and Nick Goldsworthy (Logic Estates) and Steven Latham (Concentric) 4. Rightmove Commercial 5. Colin Sinclair (Bruntwood) 6. Wendy McNulty (SB&P Accountants) and Peter Linford (Nobles Construction) 7. John Williams (Handelsbanken) Phil Saville (Associated Property Owners Ltd), Sean Seery (Smith and Sons) and Keith Lowe (Handelsbanken) 8. A guest takes a picture of one of the presentations 9. Mason and Partners LLP 10. Costar Group UK 11. Oliver Crook (Curtins) and Mark Evans (EWA) 12. Hill Dickinson LLP
32 MOVE COMMERCIAL
p19-36_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 16:58 Page 33
Cannes Do 2015 Event Special
1
2
3
4
7
10
5
8
6
9
11
12
1. John Sutcliffe and Lisa Greig (both Sutcliffe) and Kevin Horton (K2 Architects) 2. Carol Kirkham (Zoe’s Place) made an emotional speech 3. Keppie Massie 4. Griffiths and Armour Insurance Brokers 5. John Hall (Professional Liverpool) 6. Neil Edwards and John Mainwaring (WYG), Danny Hynd (Neptune Investments), Brian Meharg (Neptune) and Ron Farrell (Systech Solicitors) 7. Move Publishing 8. Host Willie Miller 9. Barclays Bank 10. John Morshead (Lees Solicitors), Barry Bartlett (CLA), Paul Buttery (Cruden Group) and Dave Schumacher (Gladman Developments) 11. Andrew Lovelady (Professional Liverpool) 12. Phil Hughes (Curtins), Dave Ogden (Day Architectural) and Keith York (Curtins)
MOVE COMMERCIAL 33
p19-36_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 14:24 Page 34
p19-36_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 14:24 Page 35
Key event Paul Crowley & Co Office Launch
Oriental launch for law firm’s commercial office Liverpool’s Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors launched its new commercial district office in oriental style, as the celebration took place during the run up to Chinese New Year. Industry guests attended the special event at the firm’s new No.1 Old Hall Street base, which houses PCS Law - the firm’s new department focusing on commercial, corporate and employment law as well as commercial property and debt litigation – and also residential property and conveyancing services and a private client department. During the party, attendees enjoyed canapés and signature cocktails by restaurant 60 Hope Street, fortune cookies and senior partner Paul Crowley delivered a speech about the developing company, which already has branches in Liverpool’s Anfield and West Derby areas. Meanwhile, artwork of local landmarks by students of Liverpool school and sixth form college, The Studio was on display. 1
2
3
6
9
4
7
10
5
8
11
12
1. Paul Crowley with Tracy Thompson (Paul Crowley & Co) 2. The event marked the launch of PCS Law 3. Paul Crowley & Co’s Derek Dawson 4. Emma Wall and Hannah Vose (St Johns Buildings) with Gill Hope (Elite Legal Recruitment) 5. Tracy Thompson, operations director at Paul Crowley & Co, with Joshua Mulvaney (left) and Peter Lang both from The Studio 6. Mark McCormick, Paula Satchell, Terry Moran and Mark Satchell (Paul Crowley & Co) 7. Rob Young and Ray McKenna (both SB&P), Rachel Frost (Paul Crowley & Co) and Wendy McNulty (SB&P) 8. Downing’s Robin Ellis looks at one of the students’ paintings 9. No.1 Old Hall Street 10. Guests open themed fortune cookies 11. Daniel Rawcliffe (Paul Crowley & Co), Chris Smith and Joseph Mulrooney (both ACSL) 12. Martin Saxon (James Benson & Co) with Debbie and Michael Fogarty (Paul Crowley & Co)
p19-36_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 17:00 Page 36
Christine Toner christine@movepublishing.co.uk
When Karen Mattison began looking to move up the career ladder after having children she found herself faced with a problem, as well as an opportunity, as Christine Toner finds out.
Time for change They say the best ideas come from solving problems and that was certainly the case for Karen Mattison. With a successful career as chief executive of a mental health charity in London – and a busy home life looking after her sons, Liverpool-born Mattison found herself facing a problem. She was working four days a week at the charity but when she wanted to move up the career ladder she found there were very few roles offering any flexibility. “I didn’t want to go to five days because I believed that I could do a senior job flexibly or part-time as I had already done it,” she explains. “The problem is that if people don’t know you then they don’t trust you so I spent six months looking for a job to apply for and when I asked if the job was available four days a week, the answer was always ‘no’.” 36 MOVE COMMERCIAL
It was a problem she soon realised a lot of women faced. “I started to meet women at the school gates who were in a worse position than me. I had, by this point, gone freelance but they had stopped work altogether, leaving really interesting positions when all they wanted to do was to work four days a week. There were some brilliant marketing people and lawyers who had dropped out and one lady who was now working as a dinner lady at the school having previously held a senior position running a website for national papers. She said this was the only thing she could find that was parttime. People are trading in their skills and experience for flexibility.” Mattison began recruiting the women she had met for various projects that she was working on and, eventually, the idea of getting
“
Flexibility seems to be a sort of elephant in the room that a lot of employers don’t seem to want to discuss.
“
into recruitment as a career formed. Together with Emma Stewart, a friend and fellow working mother – and with the help of a £25,000 grant from the government – Mattison formed Women Like Us. The concept was simple matching talented women who needed flexible or part-time work with employers who were prepared to offer that. The pair soon realised, however, that a desire or need for flexible working is not solely a women’s issue. So in 2012, they launched a new recruitment service, Timewise Jobs, a national jobs board specialising in roles that are parttime or open to flexibility as well as a full service agency, Timewise Recruitment. The latter specialises in finance, marketing and business roles. “We have candidates that have
skills and experience who are looking for roles to apply for and there are businesses who might have some flexibility in the roles they are hiring for,” explains Mattison. “That has all been done through word of mouth. “We have around 60,000 candidates on the site now and at any point there is about 150 roles to choose from. That’s not enough so my goal is to continue expanding the number of vacancies we have. We cover the whole of the UK but because of where we started our candidates are mostly from the London/South East area however it’s really coming on and we are finding that the jobs drive the candidates.” As well as matching the right candidates to the right flexible positions the Timewise team offers consultancy and training for businesses who want to get better
p19-36_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 17:00 Page 37
Karen Mattison, Timewise Entrepreneur
Karen Mattison
“
The term ‘parttime’ still brings out very negative connotations which is probably why flexible is a bit more of a comforting term.
“
at flexibility. “I think the term ‘part-time’ still brings out very negative connotations which is probably why flexible is a bit more of a comforting term,” says Mattison. “Some of our candidates just want to be able to take their children to school in the morning. Some of them just want to work a four-day week or to just have a day working at home to clear the mind. The biggest problem is people come up with so many different ideas when people say part-time, and it is extremely negative. That is why I produce the Power Part Time List (an annual list of business leaders who work part-time) to challenge the negative ideas associated with it.” Mattison says large companies must get on board with flexible working if they don’t want to risk losing key staff. “The single biggest challenge for
any business is having the right people,” she explains. “They spend a lot of money on training and assessments, to lose them to your competitor just because of a bad conversation about their flexible working seems like such a huge waste. “So now we are doing a lot of training of businesses and recruitment teams to get them comfortable with these kinds of conversations. What we know is that flexibility is just as important to candidates as any other element of the job or salary package, but it is never discussed during the hiring process. I did some training in one of the banks and they said they were very annoyed that a candidate mentioned at the third interview that they wanted to work four days a week. Flexibility seems to be a sort of elephant in the room that a lot of employers don’t seem
to want to discuss.” It is, however, something they now have to do. Last year the government announced that every employee now has the right to request flexible working hours. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills says employees can expect their request to be considered “in a reasonable manner” by employers. Mattison and Stewart’s forwardthinking in this area has earned them much acclaim. The pair have both received MBEs as well as being awarded a host of industry awards. And despite the huge success of the company, Mattison still manages to enjoy the type of flexible working she fights to receive for other people. “I work four days a week,” she says. “I don't work on Fridays… but obviously I would still check my emails just in case!” MOVE COMMERCIAL 37
p37-56_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 14:25 Page 38
p37-56_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 14:25 Page 39
Serviced office TO RENT Molyneux Way, Aintree Single suite office located in the Bleasdale Business Centre above Molyneux Way Shopping Centre, close to Old Roan train station and M57
L10 2JA / 133 sq ft / £60 pw • Private car park • Modern communal facilities and kitchen • Secure building with individual office intercom • Part-furnished with two modern desks and one storage cabinet • Natural light from large window and suspended ceilings with new LED lights
0151 520 3285
enquiries@seftonbleasdale.co.uk
FINAL UNITS now available in this popular retail centre
CH42 5AB - UNIT 5 / 1000 sq.ft. | UNIT 8 / 500 sq.ft. • • • • •
Modern powder coated shop front with security shuttering Electricity, gas, water, drainage & telecoms Dedicated service yard and rear access Secure staff car parking Next to Co-Op, Ladbrokes, Swettenhams, Hursts Bakery, Mr Hungry’s & Barnardo’s
The development is prominently located on Church Road in the Higher Tranmere area of the Wirral and approximately 1 mile south of Birkenhead centre.
www.hitchcockwright.co.uk
Cottrell Commercial Edward Cottrell - 01928 733 333 eddy@cottrellcommercial.co.uk
Hitchcock Wright & Partners Matt Kerrigan - 0151 227 3400 mattkerrigan@hwandp.co.uk
MOVE COMMERCIAL 39
p37-56_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 15:40 Page 40
Natasha Young natasha@movepublishing.co.uk
In 2004, University of Manchester professors Andre Geim and Kostya Novoselov found a way to isolate graphene – the world’s thinnest material which is extracted from graphite and holds the potential to revolutionise a whole range of industries and sectors. Now, just over 10 years since the researchers’ Nobel Prize-winning discovery, the first major landmark to put Manchester on the map as the home of graphene has reached completion, and marks the beginning of a long-term vision to create ‘Graphene City’.
A so-called ‘wonder material’, the two dimensional graphene brings the possibility of huge benefits for a wide range of industries from aerospace and automotive to medical and electronics, and The University of Manchester’s brand new National Graphene Institute (NGI) aims to play a key role in accelerating the technology into application. Officially launched by the Chancellor, George Osborne in recent weeks, the NGI has been built at the heart of a central Manchester university campus following significant investment from the government. A £38m cash injection for the construction of the institute, via the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, was further boosted by £23m from the European Regional Development Fund. Whilst the Chancellor has hailed the NGI as a key part of the strategy to turn the region into a Northern Powerhouse, The University of Manchester’s NGI business director, James Baker, believes the facility puts the city at the forefront of the race to achieve commercial success 40 MOVE COMMERCIAL
with graphene. “If graphene didn’t have this building, graphene research would have continued in the existing laboratories spread around the university or universities around the world,” says Baker. “The NGI helps the UK and Manchester to position the UK and its partners to accelerate graphene applications into the market.” Designed by architects Jestico + Whiles, key features of the world’s largest research facility dedicated to graphene include 1,500 sq m of cleanroom space, as well as laboratories, offices and breakout areas. “The cleanrooms are the technical spaces; they’re highly serviced,” explains Jennifer de Vere-Hopkins, associate at Jestico + Whiles which worked on the development alongside project managers EC Harris, technical architects CH2M Hill and structural experts Ramboll. “They have very specific requirements, for example, with regards to vibrations because the experiments [the researchers] do and
the equipment they use is incredibly sensitive to vibration.” With this in mind the cleanrooms had to be built on the bedrock, about four metres below the ground, tasking the architects with finding a way to create an environment which could function as necessary whilst remaining light and comfortable to conduct such scientific work in. “What’s driven this design is the whole of the ground floor is glazed on the north and east elevations and the cleanroom is set back a little bit from the perimeter so they can get the light coming in,” says de Vere-Hopkins, having worked alongside Professor Novoselov “at the coalface” of the NGI project whilst Professor Geim maintained a focus on research. De Vere-Hopkins describes the NGI as a “cutting edge facility,” providing Manchester’s graphene researchers with the space and equipment they need to further the technology now, whilst also featuring “as much flexibility as possible” to enable the building to cater for whatever developments graphene research may bring in the future.
p37-56_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 15:40 Page 41
Graphene City Focus
National Graphene Institute, Manchester
“
The NGI helps to position the UK and its partners to accelerate graphene applications into the market
“
“The cleanrooms are on the lower ground floor, the labs are on the upper floors and they’re intermixed with the offices,” says de Vere-Hopkins. “That gives them the flexibility in the future that an office could be broken into a larger office or merged into a lab.” The institute has been designed with a “very economical inner”, yet its exterior appears striking and iconic whilst subtly representing the pioneering product that’s being researched there. “There’s nothing on the ground floor that people can’t and shouldn’t see, but there was this idea that there should be some veiling of the work,” says de Vere-Hopkins. “Also, a lot of the work is based on lasers and optical effects so we looked at the skin being a laser-cut metal veil, and the idea that it would have a pattern was quite important. “We ended up coming down to the graphene formula being used as the perforation pattern, and the actual formula that was used is one that was written by Professor Novoselov. The work they do is obviously ever changing but it represents a moment
in time with the original graphene formula.” Now that the institute has been brought to fruition, Baker says it “embraces partnership and collaboration”, whether that be collaborating on ideas in open and inspirational spaces, equipped with features such as black walls which can be written on using chalk-style pens; or providing a hub for academics to work together with industrial partners on progressing graphene into the market. For instance, in its opening weeks the NGI is already said to have been “creating a magnet” for national and international companies, as Baker highlights that a partnership with an international firm which has a UK presence is underway, and a meeting has taken place at the building bringing together a company’s managers from China, America, Europe and India. And although great progress is anticipated following the arrival of the NGI, the building is just the start of a long-term vision for graphene in Manchester. Drawing a comparison to California’s high-tech Silicon Valley, the NGI and its research focus is the first
step in creating ‘Graphene City’ in Manchester. “As you go through that phase of research you get prototype concepts that you can produce,” says Baker. “The next big challenge is how you turn that into a scale production, so Manchester’s also been fortunate to receive £60m of investment into the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC), which is very much addressing that issue around scale-up and pre-production. That significant investment has started now and the building will be open at the end of 2017. “If you’ve just got a university, then there are other universities you can go to. What starts to differentiate Manchester to other universities and locations now is the academics but also the institute, then the GEIC, and hopefully you start to get companies with their research and development and supply chain in the region. If you get all of that right you start to attract more and more people both from teaching and academia but also industry into the North West and Manchester area.” MOVE COMMERCIAL 41
p37-56_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 16:40 Page 42
42 MOVE COMMERCIAL
p37-56_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 15:58 Page 43
DTM Legal are a specialist commercial law firm that understands companies are best served by a long-lasting, proactive and collaborative relationship with a legal partner that is entirely focused on results. Our commercial property team is recognised by the Legal 500 for its commercially grounded and solution-driven approach to managing clients’ affairs. We deliver comprehensive advice across all aspects of property law and are able to call upon a strong network of commercial property professionals. Our experience extends to every stage of the property cycle, including: - acquisition - disposition - development & construction - leasing - financing - environmental matters
Contact Anna to discuss your legal property requirements on 01244 354811 or e-mail anna.duffy@dtmlegal.com www.dtmlegal.com
Legal Services: -
Dispute resolution Employment & HR Business Recovery Corporate & Commercial Property
Chester | Archway House | Station Road |Chester | CH1 3DR | Telephone: 01244 354 800 | Fax: 01244 403 485 Liverpool | The Plaza | 100 Old Hall Street |Liverpool | L3 9QJ | Telephone: 0151 321 0000 | Fax: 0151 230 1211
p37-56_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 15:20 Page 44
Natasha Young natasha@movepublishing.co.uk
Addressing the ever changing demands of residents, visitors and businesses and bringing an area up to date is crucial for it to thrive. Across the North West, large scale projects are currently underway to transform town centres and commercial districts through to tourism destinations and residential neighbourhoods in a bid to drive up footfall and occupiers and therefore boost the economy. Move Commercial takes a look at some of the region’s prominent regeneration projects which are currently lined up, well underway and already proving their success.
Regional revival Town centre transformation: Warrington’s Bridge Street Quarter With demolition getting underway in April, Warrington’s £52m mixed use Bridge Street Quarter project is about to take a major step forward. The scheme, being delivered by Warrington & Co on behalf of Warrington Borough Council and development partner Muse, will, in itself, transform the town centre but is also the first phase of a wider 25-year masterplan for Warrington. Once completed, the Bridge Street Quarter regeneration will provide a new market hall, a multiplex cinema, family friendly restaurants, a new council office building and a new public square. Designed with generating and promoting footfall and trade, whilst also mixing modern development with historic character, the new market will incorporate the Grade II-listed former Boots building facade on Bridge Street 44 MOVE COMMERCIAL
and will feature multiple entrances, including one that leads out towards the new cinema. The scheme is set to create up to 400 construction jobs and is also expected to provide 400 new permanent jobs for the area across its leisure, retail and restaurant offering when it is fully completed in 2019. Ahead of work physically starting, the project has already shown support for the region with the appointment of local contractors. Earlier this year, Newton Le Willowsbased firm Celtic Technologies was appointed as the demolition contractor, with regional director Jon Freeman announcing the firm was proud to be part of a landmark project which will “have such a positive impact on our local community and the ongoing development of Warrington town centre”.
p37-56_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 15:20 Page 45
Regeneration Focus
A growing neighbourhood: Tranmere
“ “
Tranmere Court Shopping Centre is the centrepiece of the major regeneration project happening throughout Tranmere
Whilst the North West may have plenty to be optimistic about, with large schemes both in the pipeline and currently taking shape across the region, some areas are already reaping the benefits of recent regeneration. One destination to have enjoyed a particularly successful turnaround is Wirral’s New Brighton, which had long been the subject of redevelopment plans until Neptune Investments finally became the firm to make it happen with a £60m scheme. A luxury residential development, which is still underway, is part of the final phase of the project however the leisure aspect is already thriving. Featuring restaurants, a multiplex cinema, a supermarket, a hotel, children’s play centre and the refurbishment of the Floral Pavilion theatre, the Marine Point site was officially opened by the Queen at the end of 2011. “Our aim when we were masterplanning the scheme was always to create a family destination with an eclectic mix of restaurants to cater for every taste,” explains Daniel Hynd, project director at Neptune Investments.
Thanks to substantial investment in recent years, Wirral’s Tranmere area has been undergoing regeneration and a commercial development at the heart of the project continues to remain the focus. Tranmere Court Shopping Centre was built opposite the multi-million pound St Catherine’s Health Centre which, as part of the same masterplan, was developed on the same site as the also refurbished St Catherine’s Hospital. Located on Church Road, approximately one mile south of Birkenhead centre, the complex aims to provide a convenient retail area for a neighbourhood which is also set to feature 200 new homes being developed, again, as part of the wider transformation of the area. With major supermarket chain The Co-Operative now an anchor tenant at Tranmere Court, accompanied by regional retailers including Swettenham Chemists and Hurst’s Bakery, Tranmere Court is already believed to be standing
the area in good stead to boost further demand for the growing residential area around it. Matt Kerrigan, partner at agent Hitchcock Wright & Partners which is marketing remaining units at the site, believes that as well as serving residents it is also an ideal destination to help local businesses grow. “Tranmere Court Shopping Centre is the centrepiece of the major regeneration project happening throughout Tranmere, therefore it offers a great platform for local businesses to set up and establish themselves,” says Kerrigan. “It is a new retailing focus for this part of Wirral, and with the presence of The CoOperative as an anchor store and regional retailers including Swettenham Chemists, it gives this development an excellent mix of occupiers. The final few traders will complete the transformation and give Tranmere residents a modern, convenient place to shop, all in one location.”
Seaside success: Marine Point, New Brighton
Marine Point is now home to a host of popular food and drink chains including La Tasca, Prezzo and Chimichanga, however the arrival of such big names only came as a result of Neptune Investments demonstrating the potential they were confident New Brighton could offer to operators. “It was a bit of a hard sell for us,” adds Hynd. “We actually opened our own restaurant to prove there was a market there after the scheme first opened, and after a year’s worth of
trading we could show the national operators there was demand for restaurants and leisure activity in New Brighton.” Not only has Marine Point now created 1,000 full and part-time jobs across its leisure facilities, but Hynd also says that, with the help of its indoor attractions, Neptune Investments has increased the resort’s appeal to visitors all year round, rather than just the typical summer months. He also believes the scheme has since been a catalyst for further demand and
investment in the area. “A new hotel is planned for Victoria Road which is the historic town centre of New Brighton, so I think that’s due to start sometime this year,” says Hynd. “There’s also a JD Whetherspoon venue and another restaurant that’s just opened over the road from Marine Point, and that was certainly on the back of Marine Point’s success. “There’s certainly a feel-good factor in New Brighton now so there’s been an uplift in property values for residential property too.” MOVE COMMERCIAL 45
p37-56_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 17:12 Page 46
Regen conference returns to Liverpool Annual urban regeneration conference and exhibition, Regen 2015 returned to Liverpool for a second year, bringing industry experts from across the UK together under one roof. The two-day event, which took place within the spectacular surroundings of St George’s Hall, featured high profile speakers discussing everything from plans for the International Festival for Business 2016 and the development of the Northern
Powerhouse, to driving economic growth and heritage-led regeneration. Meanwhile, exhibitors from across the industry were on hand to offer expert information to attendees and visitors also had an opportunity to network. Move Commercial was a media partner of the event, and invited delegates to compete for a Vinea wine hamper by taking part in a ‘Play Your Cards Right’ style contest. 1
2
3
5
4
6
8
7
9
1. Regen 2015 was held in St George’s Hall 2. Katy Lock’s speech was entitled: An introduction to the UK’s New Towns and Garden Cities 3. LHC’s Graeme Chater 4. Attendees were promoting link-ups between cities across Britain 5. Liverpool City Council’s regeneration stand 6. Christine Leigh (Assent) 7. Graham Wood (Goose Foot Street Furniture) 8. Deborah McLaughlin (Manchester Place) talked about how to build 55,000 new homes and investing in housing to support regeneration and growth 9. Kevin Longmile and Michael Latham (Granada Glazing)
46 MOVE COMMERCIAL
p37-56_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 17:13 Page 47
Regen 2015 Event
1
3
6
9
2
4
5
7
8
10
1. Richard Steel and Lindsey Crawford (Atmos Consulting) 2. National Heritage Training Group 3. IS Group 4. Dan Asquith (SJG Temporary Works Ltd) 5. Some delegates were deep in discussion 6. Deborah McLaughlin (chief executive, Manchester Place) 7. Luke Willetts (Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership) won a Vinea hamper on the Move Commercial stand 8. Antony Walsh and Neil Vaughan-Jones (Regenus Tesla) 9. Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental management 10. Tom Kerwin and Catherine McCarthy (Move Commercial)
MOVE COMMERCIAL 47
p37-56_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 14:26 Page 48
Now manufacturing aluminium doors and shop fronts Fabricated Installations Commercial / Industrial Glazing Historic & Conservation Projects Double Glazed Unit Manufacturers Replacement Double Glazed Units Leaded Lights Restoration New Commissions
PVCu Windows & Doors Glazing Supplies Glass Merchants Mirrors Bevelled & Sandblasted Glass Pyro Glass & Coloured Glass All types of Safety Glass
Your Commercial and Domestic Glazing Specialists Visit our new website for more information
www.bootleglass.co.uk E: info@bootleglass.co.uk 47-51 Bankhall Street, Bootle L20 8JD
(0151) 922 2026 / 933 5224
HIGH QUALITY SELF-CONTAINED OFFICE SUITE 2,560 SQ FT FULLY FITTED, FURNISHED & IT READY 71/72 Tradewind Square, East Village, Liverpool, L1 5BG East Village is situated at the heart of Liverpool 'Ropewalks Cultural Quarter', just off the upper part of Duke Street. The building was constructed about 10 years ago and has an independent entrance directly off Tradewind Square. ACCOMMODATION
FLOOR AREAS (Approx)
The suite comprises a ground and a mezzanine floor and has been fitted-out to a high standard including:-
Lower Ground 122 sq m (1,310 sq ft) Mezzanine 116 sq m (1,250 sq ft) TOTAL 238 (2,560) sq ft)
• Fully glazed 'polar' partitioning • Carpeting throughout • High quality fitted kitchen • High quality WC facilities • Full air conditioning • Fully network cabled & IT ready
RENTAL £25,600 per annum exclusive
LEASE Flexible lease term + incentives available
FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CALL ANDREW TAYLOR TEL: 0151 708 2250 EMAIIL: a.taylor@jbleitch.co.uk
48 MOVE COMMERCIAL
p37-56_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 14:26 Page 49
Hansteen
WAVERTREE TECHNOLOGY PARK Liverpool, L7 9PF
Start Up Offices - 500 sq ft - 3,500 sq ft *from only ÂŁ6.50 per sq ft
VAILABLE A S M R E T FLEXIBLE
t 3&$&/5-: 3&'63#*4)&% t 01&/ 1-"/ t ".1-& '3&& 1"3,*/( t 4&$63& $$57 )063 "$$&44 t .*-&4 50 $*5: $&/53& t .*-&4 50 8"7&353&& 53"*/ 45"5*0/ INCENTIV ES AVAIL A
BLE
CHAPEL BROOK TRADE PARK
)VZUPO #VTJOFTT 1BSL . . - ') 5SBEF $PVOUFS 6OJUT TR GU GSPN POMZ b QFS TR GU
t &"4: .05038": "$$&44 t &45"#-*4)&% 53"%& $06/5&3 -0$"5*0/ t ."*/ 30"% '30/5"(& t ".1-& 0/ 4*5& 1"3,*/( t &-&$53*$ 30--&3 4)655&3 %0034 t .*-&4 8&45 0' -*7&3100- $*5: $&/53& t 463306/%*/( 0$$61*&34 */$-6%& 4$3&8'*9 1-6.#*/( 53"%& 4611-*&4 53"7*4 1&3,*/4
MARITIME ENTERPRISE PARK #PPUMF - %:
*OEVTUSJBM 6OJUT TR GU TR GU GSPN POMZ b QFS TR GU
S NING UNIT I A M E R t .&53& &"7&4 )&*()5 T LAS t ".1-& 0/ 4*5& 1"3,*/( t &-&$53*$ 30--&3 4)655&3 %0034 t 1)"4& &-&$53*$*5: t .*-&4 '30. . . t 0/-: .*-&4 '30. +0)/ -&//0/ "*31035 "MM QSJDFT BSF TVCKFDU UP UFSNT DPOEJUJPOT 'PS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO QMFBTF DPOUBDU MBOEMPSE EJSFDU
"OEZ +POFT UFM FNBJM BOESFX KPOFT!IBOTUFFO DP VL Misrepresentation Act 1967. These details are provided only as a general guide to what is being offered subject to contract and subject to lease being available and are not intended to be construed as containing any representation of fact upon which any interested party is entitled to rely. Other than this general guide neither we nor any person in our employ has any authority to make, give or imply any representation or warranty whatsoever relating to the properties in these details. March 2015
Hansteen 01925 839 830 www.hansteen.uk.com
MOVE COMMERCIAL 49
p37-56_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 15:16 Page 50
50 MOVE COMMERCIAL
p37-56_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 15:16 Page 51
MOVE COMMERCIAL 51
p37-56_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 14:48 Page 52
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE CALL NOW TO ENSURE YOU ARE A PART OF THIS YEAR’S MAIN EVENT AND MERSEYSIDE’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS PROPERTY AWARDS SHOW
2015 CATEGORIES BEST COMMERCIAL AGENCY BEST COMMERCIAL SCHEME BEST COMMERCIAL RETAIL LET BEST COMMERCIAL OFFICE LET REGENERATION AWARD BEST STUDENT HOME AND LANDLORD SERVICE PROPERTY APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR CONSTRUCTION APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO PROPERTY
THURSDAY 15th OCTOBER 2015 LUYTENS CRYPT, LIVERPOOL METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL @YMPA2014 YMPROPERTYAWARDS
FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES PLEASE CALL CATHERINE ON 0151 709 3871 WWW.YOURMOVEPROPERTYAWARDS.CO.UK • ASSOCIATE SPONSORS •
p37-56_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 16:00 Page 53
Move Commercial Events Apr-May
EVENT PLANNER
Our pick of the best local events
8 APR
13 APR
6 MAY
12 MAY
Exclusive Hotel Gotham preview
Progressive Property Network The Grosvenor Casino, Salford 6pm
Transport Debates 2014/15 University of Manchester
Warrington Business Over Breakfast
Emerging trends in the transport and logistics sector from GMVCO, the University of Manchester, the Chartered Institute for Logistics and Transport (CiLT) and Transport for Greater Manchester. www.gmcvo.org.uk
A networking event over breakfast at a Warrington location, this is the chance to meet other business people without the pressure of traditional networking groups. Breakfast begins at 7am. www.bobclubs.com/Club/ warrington
14 MAY
15 MAY
FBE Manchester – A Tale of Two Cities Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel 7.30am–10am
Liverpool Law Society Legal Awards 2015 Crowne Plaza, Liverpool
The Women in Property group takes a look at the new Hotel Gotham in Manchester. This is a chance to look around the historic former bank on 100 King Street. To book visit www.womeninproperty.org.uk.
A networking event featuring hosts Kate Husband and Alison Reavey. A chance to share vision, skills and knowledge with the UK’s best property minds. progressivepropertynetwork.co.uk/ manchester
23 APR
30 APR
BIM: The Truth Liverpool and Manchester 9am-11am
RICS Awards 2015 North West, The Monastery, Manchester 7pm-11.30pm
Hill Dickinson hosts a seminar looking at the knowledge gap surrounding BIM. The seminar takes place in Liverpool on 23 April and Manchester on 28 April. Registration is 9am and the seminar finishes at 11am. www.hilldickinson.com
The RICS Awards showcase the achievements of the most inspirational regional initiatives and developments in land, property, construction and the environment. www.rics.org
PICK OF THE MONTH
16-17 APRIL
Commercial Graphene Show Europe 2015 Manchester Central The Commercial Graphene Show is set to cut through the hype and hot air and directly tackle the challenges associated with applying graphene in the commercial environment. www.manchestercentral.co.uk
Dubai agent launches drive to recruit North West professionals Dubai’s landmark Burj Al Arab
Sales and property professionals across the North West can find out more about employment opportunities on offer in Dubai, as a recruitment event takes place in the region. GCB Agency Recruitment is currently scouring the North West for sales and lettings negotiators to join an awardwinning Dubai agency, and will hold an event in Manchester city centre during 8-9 April. Sales consultants with a minimum of two years’ targeted sales experience and lettings consultants with a targeted sales or estate agency background are
invited to attend the event, which will feature a presentation by the chairman and managing director of the agency, followed by candidate interviews. Attendees must also have a passport and full clean driving licence to be considered for the positions, which offer benefits such as target rewards, access to company vehicles, a full residential visa and help with serviced accommodation during the initial move. For further details on attending the forthcoming career event and where it will take place, call 01603 667 777.
Jim Taylor (chief executive, Salford Council) and Keith Davies (director of development and regeneration, Bolton Council) will detail what development plans they have within their jurisdiction. www.fbeonline.co.uk
Recognising and celebrating the achievements of the society's member law firms and individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to legal services. www.liverpoollawsociety.org.uk
Exhibition Centre Liverpool to host IFB2016 The International Festival for Business 2016 will take place in the new Exhibition Centre Liverpool (ECL) across three weeks, it has been announced. The festival, which follows the six-week series of events in 2014, has adapted after feedback and will return with a single venue at the under-construction ECL. In total, 75 business events will take place during three ‘themed’ weeks, with a focus on trade and investment taking centre stage. Speaking at Regen 2015, the urban regeneration conference and exhibition at the city’s St George’s Hall, Ian McCarthy, director of programmes at Liverpool Vision, says: “The ECL is a world class facility and there is a focus this time on absolute quality which will remain clear and focused on trade and investment and regeneration as an output. “We’ll also have a proper package of free support for businesses who intend to export and go over the issues they may have.” The flexible nature of the ECL means the hall will be able to host separate events in temporary rooms at the same time, while a Great British Showcase will highlight innovations for potential investors. The International Festival for Business 2016 will take place from Monday 13 June to Friday 1 July. The 2014 event saw 70,000 delegates attend, and 1,400 UK businesses secured, or expect to secure exports as a result of the festival.
Tell Move Commercial about your commercial property and business events. Email post@movepublishing.co.uk MOVE COMMERCIAL 53
p37-56_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 16:00 Page 54
Business Directory To advertise on this page please call David on 0151 709 3871
ALL ASPECTS OF COMMERCIAL BUILDING WORK UNDERTAKEN COMMERCIAL CONTRACTOR OFFICE / RETAIL / INDUSTRIAL
Roof & Wall Cladding Overcladding Rooflights Seamless Gutters Factory Maintenance Refurbishment Projects Flat to pitch conversions
07860 786 056
Tel. 0151 427 1325 Mob. 07807 557 723
• • • • • • •
Email: enquiries@eskroofing.co.uk mobile: 01942 820 377 Fax: 01942 820 377 95 Miry Lane, Miry Lane Industrial Estate, Wigan, WN6 7TG
Email: office@pbs-northwest.co.uk
· · · · · · · ·
Commercial carpets Carpet tiles Built in entrance matting Bespoke designs for hotels All work fully guaranteed Safety flooring Fully insured Contact Graeme 0151 480 1212 Stair nosings
www.carpetdesignandflooring.co.uk
www.eskroofing.co.uk
VERY COMPETITIVE RATES Public liability insured No payment asked until job satisfaction Quality of work guaranteed
manufacturers of all types of blinds
Kirkby Blinds Direct Ltd
- P rof e ssiona l s up ply & f it or su pp ly only ava ila ble
• Industrial / Commercial / Domestic • Free Quotations • Vertical / Venetian / Roller • Free Measure & Fitting
- Fu ll re storat ion & a fte r ca re se rv ic e - Sa mp le de liv ery se rvic e a vailab le on re qu est
Call 0151 547 3570 or 0151 547 3677
www.kirkbyblindsdirectltd.co.uk
FREE
measure, advice & floor survey
- Sp ec ialists in Pa rqu et b loc k f looring
- All f loors Eu rope an s ou rc ed
Call 0151 428 2738 or 07540 525 125 Email enquiries@liverpoolwoodflooring.co.uk
www.liverpoolwoodflooring.co.uk
Britannia Pavilion, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AD
Phone: 0151 707 8962 / email: supervisor@vinealiverpool.co.uk 54 MOVE COMMERCIAL
www.vinealiverpool.co.uk
p37-56_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 15:18 Page 55
Expert views Ask the panel
Q: How should Greater Manchester’s additional funding from business rates be used to best serve the area and its businesses? When Chancellor George Osborne revealed his 2015 Budget in March, he announced an agreement that Greater Manchester will keep 100% of additional business rates as part of the continuing Northern Powerhouse development. We ask four industry experts for their view on how the area should make the most of the initiative. The Chancellor’s rate retention announcement presents Greater Manchester with something of a happy headache. But the key for me is not necessarily simply how we spend this (new) money – but rather how we maximise the revenue stream in the future. We have, after all, only been granted 100% retention of rates over and above those predicted.
To some it’s seen as more of a symbolic gesture than a real revenue raiser, but being able to hold onto growth in business rates at a local level will at least mean that money generated locally will be spent locally. And even as a gesture, it is another step towards more autonomy for Greater Manchester in keeping with the Northern Powerhouse agenda. So how can this benefit business and the wider area? It all comes down to creating the right environment in which business can flourish. Increased investment in transport and infrastructure, more support for science and innovation, encouraging business start-ups and more backing for the centres of excellence around the media, digital and creative clusters. It’s successful people that create successful businesses. So let’s make Greater Manchester somewhere that successful people can thrive. It’s a great place to live, let’s make sure it’s a great place to do business. John Jones partner, Beever and Struthers and chairman of Pro.Manchester
And herein lies the key to the announcement for me – at its heart is an incentive for us to generate more business activity and grow above trend. I believe we must do that by investing in the attributes that make Greater Manchester a great place to do business: our infrastructure, taking the broadest definition of the word. This means ensuring a skilled workforce, globally competitive broadband, efficient transport links connecting workforce with employment, and an unrivalled quality of life. Put simply, in my opinion, for every £1 we spend, we must be considering the additional rate revenue we will receive as a result. To not maximise this would be a huge opportunity missed. Nicola Rigby director, Bilfinger GVA
The ability to retain 100% of the uplift in business rate should allow Manchester to give fresh impetus to policies that tackle 'worklessness', improve skills and drive economic growth across the wider city region. Growing our talent pool is an essential core ingredient to delivering further prosperity in the regional economy, so this extra resource should be applied to creating the right environment for businesses to grow. In city regions like Manchester, issues like health and social issues go hand-in-hand and the people best placed to fix these long term issues are the policy makers in Manchester itself, who fully understand them - not somebody remote in London. With the extra funding afforded by the business rates deal, Manchester can tackle both the cause and
symptoms of these lingering problems and drive Manchester towards an even brighter future. Colin Sinclair director of property marketing, Bruntwood
The combined authority already invests heavily in business support mechanisms to promote growth and therefore these new powers will not only go to further encourage the efforts made to both attract new businesses to Greater Manchester but also work with the existing business base to promote growth opportunities. In terms of how the combined authority will look to spend this additional money, I'm sure they will continue with the strategy they have employed over recent years, investing in areas such as infrastructure, regeneration and the wider business growth agenda, which has seen significant investment in Greater Manchester's key sectors in recent times. It is this strategy that has created the current success being enjoyed by the city region in terms of economic growth and that has also given Manchester the proven track record of delivery that has facilitated further investment and devolution from Whitehall. Tim Newns chief executive, MIDAS
p37-56_Move Commercial 30/03/2015 14:27 Page 56