SHORTWOOD BUSINESS PARK SECURES RELOCATION TRIO
Elite Car Company, Pro Display and Jonathan Charles Fine Furniture have all relocated to phase two of the 63,000 sq. ft commercial park, citing the development’s close location to commuter links coupled with the quality of the buildings on offer here as major reasons for their decision to move.
The continuous growth of family-run business, Jonathan Charles Fine Furniture required bigger premises. The company, which is a manufacturer and distributor of high-end reproduction furniture, had previously operated its warehouse facility from Barnsley, and its office from Huddersfield. The move to Shortwood Business Park into an 8,000 sq. ft unit has seen the two areas of the business merging so that they are now run from the same site. Charles Sowter of Jonathan Charles Fine Furniture comments: “The entire company now operates under one roof, which is much more convenient and efficient. We spent a good few months looking for ideal accommodation to aid our expansion, and found that Shortwood offered the kind of light, bright modern premises in attractive landscaped grounds we wanted.” Manufacturer of screen technologies, Pro Display operated part of its business from two industrial units in Wakefield and has relocated them to a 10,000 sq. ft unit at Shortwood Business Park. Paul Beswick, managing director comments: “We were very attracted by the close proximity of the M1 motorway which is just a three minute drive away. The units themselves are very well built, and that was also an important consideration.” The shift in status from a sole trading company to a partnership was part of the rationale behind family-owned internet-based car sales business, Elite Car Company’s relocation. The company has moved from Hillsborough, Sheffield into a 6,000 sq. ft unit and according to director, Kerry Fieldsend, they now have a great opportunity to really impress their clients. She comments: “We wanted to create a wow factor, a great backdrop to showcase our vehicles, and the unit, being so modern and well finished does just that. In addition, the premises here are ideal as they offer us the ideal amount of storage space coupled with an area from where we run the actual sales and administration processes, and we’re now very close to the M1 which is highly convenient for us.” According to development manager of Priority Sites, Lee Buchanan, “All of our new tenants have relocated from other Yorkshire towns; Barnsley, Sheffield and Wakefield, citing the business park’s excellent location as a major consideration. Premises here also offer good flexibility, and this has also contributed to the development’s appeal – businesses have many different requirements for space and we have always been mindful of this. In addition, occupiers can also either rent or buy, and giving them the option has made Shortwood particularly attractive.” Shaun Higginbottom, of Barnsley Development Agency adds; “It’s great news for Barnsley that these companies have decided to relocate in the town. They will make a valuable contribution to its current and future prosperity by employing local people and boosting the local economy. We are delighted that Shortwood Business Park is proving such a successful draw to companies from around the region - it’s very clear that Priority Sites have worked hard to make the development such a success.”