Acting on behalf of private clients, Frankie Labbate of FHP Property Consultants has successfully fully let the new Picture Works Retail Development on Queens Road opposite Nottingham Train Station to two well established local operators namely DG Taxis and Centrick Property.

DG Private Hire has been trading for over 35 years and is one of the most established companies in the East Midlands.  DG is a family business and growth has taken them from 12 to over 450 vehicles making them the UK’s largest private taxi service priding itself on customer care and reliability.

Centrick Property is a Midlands based property group with offices in Nottingham, central Birmingham, Solihull and London.  Established in 2005 their young, dynamic team deliver a friendly, efficient and professional service for residential sales and lettings, through to commercial property and block management. Centrick Property are currently looking after over half a billion pounds of client property assets and I am sure the opening of the Nottingham Office will mean this number will soon increase.

Frankie Labbate of FHP commented:

“I am very pleased to let both of these opportunities so quickly to such established and forward thinking operators.  I have no doubt that both Centrick Property and DG Taxis will have every success in this evolving location and these lettings will improve the future prospects of their businesses and the sustainability of the development itself”.

Jaclyn Bartlett of Centrick Property commented:

“Opening our new office in The Picture Works is a fantastic opportunity for our Nottingham branch to be a significant part of the regeneration plan for this up and coming area, which is a project that we are extremely excited to be involved in.

Our extensive knowledge of the local area, combined with the support of a well established property group allows us to deliver an excellent service. We have had a really positive start, having sold and let several properties in less than 24 hours and we’re looking forward to proving ourselves in this competitive market”.

Amjid Vawaid of DG Taxis commented:

“Our company saw this location as a positive move forward for our business, with the expertise and knowledge of Frankie Labbate, the transaction was completed to a high level of satisfaction for both parties. This is the second occasion we have used FHP”.

For further information with respect to this letting or for marketing advice, please contact Frankie Labbate of FHP Property Consultants on 07917 576 251 or frankie@fhp.co.uk.

Frankie Labbate, Surveyor at FHP Property Consultants has let Unit 4 Bridlesmith Walk, Nottingham on behalf of Tempophase Limited to an established local fashion brand, Stick & Ribbon.

Stick & Ribbon will be continuing to provide Nottingham with its only bespoke fashion and consulting boutique. 

Frankie Labbate of FHP commented:

“We are delighted to have secured the future of such a unique business for Bridlesmith Walk on competitive terms.  No doubt that their business and the way they present themselves will continue to be a success in this location.  I am sure that the tenants already in place in Bridlesmith Walk will be ecstatic with the addition of such a well-established and complementary tenant.

The introduction of Stick & Ribbon will add something new and different to the scheme as a whole as it will complement the current occupiers such as The White Rabbit Café, NKD Waxing Salon and The Gate Salon.  Bridlesmtih Walk is becoming an exciting place for independent retailers to be and it is clear that people can now realise the value of the retail space on offer given its proximity to Nottingham’s prime pitch of Bridlesmith Gate which includes retailers ranging from Hugo Boss, Ted Baker, Joules, Jack Wills and Fred Perry.

Stick & Ribbon have commenced their fit out and will commence trading soon and I wish them every success in the future.  No doubt this will lead to further interest within the walk and increase the growing vibrancy and positive atmosphere”.

For further information with respect to this letting or for marketing advice, please contact Frankie Labbate of FHP Property Consultants on 07917 576 251 or frankie@fhp.co.uk.

Fashion retailer, Superdry, has signed for its first stand-alone store in Nottingham with a 6,000 sq ft store at intu Victoria Centre.

The news follows the opening of Urban Outfitters at the centre last year and an exciting £40 million refurbishment and remodelling of the centre which is currently underway.

Superdry has signed a 10 year lease for the store, which sits adjacent to John Lewis. The store will open in the summer.

Martin Breeden, Asset Management Director at intu comments:

“There is real momentum in the leasing and good news coming out of Nottingham. We are confident Superdry will trade well here. The city has the fourth largest student population in the UK and the highest proportion of 16 – 24 year olds in any major UK shopping location.”

Alan Pearson, Director of FHP commented:

“Superdry are an excellent addition to the tenant mix following the opening of Urban Outfitters late last year. We have significant interest in the scheme with a number of retailers under offer as part of the redevelopment, which we will be pleased to announce shortly.”

Claire Arksey of Superdry comments:

“We have wanted to open a store in the region for some time. intu Victoria Centre has always been a strong location and with the mall refreshment and with the addition of new fashion brands and catering offer it will get stronger. We now sell in over 100 countries but are always looking to add something fresh and exciting to each new store and are looking forward to revealing our latest product range.”

Work is already underway on the £40 million refurbishment of intu Victoria Centre which will include completely new interiors and entrances and the creation of a new Catering Quarter at the clock tower entrance from Milton Street.

intu were represented by FHP & JLL and Superdry were represented by JLL.

For further information with respect to this letting or for marketing advice, please contact Alan Pearson of FHP Property Consultants on 07876 396 005 or alan@fhp.co.uk.

Frankie Labbate, Surveyor at FHP Property Consultants has let Unit 6 Bridlesmith Walk, Nottingham on behalf of Tempophase Limited to CaBella.

CaBella will be providing Nottingham with its very first bespoke cosmetics boutique.  Cabella will be offering bespoke consultation tutorial services ranging from makeup, tanning, gel nails, velour eyelashes along with supplying ladies accessories and jewellery.

Frankie Labbate of FHP commented:

“We are delighted to have secured such a unique business for Bridlesmith Walk on competitive terms.  No doubt that their business and the way they present themselves will be a success in this location.  I am sure that the tenants already in place in Bridlesmith Walk will be happy with the addition of such a complementary tenant.

The introduction of CaBella will add a real kudos to the scheme as a whole as it will complement the current occupiers such as The White Rabbit Café, NKD Waxing Salon and The Gate Salon.  Bridlesmtih Walk is becoming a real eclectic place for independent retailers to be and it is clear that people can now realise the value of the retail space on offer given its proximity to Nottingham’s prime pitch of Bridlesmith Gate which includes retailers ranging from Hugo Boss, Ted Baker, Joules, Jack Wills and Kurt Geiger.

CaBella have completed their fit out and commenced trading and I wish them every success in the future.  No doubt this will lead to further lettings within the walk and increase the growing vibrancy and positive atmosphere”.

For further information with respect to this letting or for marketing advice, please contact Frankie Labbate of FHP Property Consultants on 07917 576 251 or frankie@fhp.co.uk.

Supermarket chain, Morrisons, has turned to a Nottingham property consultancy to help it roll out a major new venture.  FHP has been retained by Morrisons to help expand the Morrisons M local convenience stores.

Morrisons are looking for new premises across the four main counties of the East Midlands – Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire.  The search for new premises is being handled by the retail and leisure department at FHP, who already act for a number of major brands, developers and investors in the retail market.

Morrison announced this year that they are looking for up to 100 new sites.  They opened two new branches in Nottingham in January which are proving to be popular with shoppers and trading well.

Frankie Labbate, surveyor at FHP’s retail and leisure team commented:

“Morrisons’ expansion programme represents a significant opportunity for landlords with premises which meet the supermarket chain’s requirements.  Morrisons’ entry into the convenience market is one of the most important developments in the retail market for some time. All landlords look for strong covenants and Morrisons are a top drawer occupier with significant ambition in this market.

Morrisons are looking for premises with parking in neighbourhood and local centres, on busy urban high streets close to good residential catchments.  This will include city or town centre properties which are known to enjoy high footfall and are close to busy shopping or working locations.

M local require leasehold or freehold sites which offer 3,000ft² to 6,000ft² of gross ground floor area capable of offering a net sales space of 2,000ft² to 4,000ft².  Morrison will consider new mixed use developments or redevelopment opportunities but will also look at, for example, converting pub premises or petrol filling stations.

This is an extremely valuable market opportunity. Morrisons are very well placed to succeed in the convenience store market because of the nature of their existing supermarket offer, which has a major emphasis on fresh produce.  Consumers are changing their shopping habits and there is a real opportunity for landlords to make the most of the arrival in this market of a name which is likely to perform strongly and bring real vitality to the locations it chooses”.

M local is already trading strongly in the locations it has opened in so far and we can expect it to become a major player in the convenience sector going forwards.

For further information with respect to M Local’s convenience store requirement, please contact Frankie Labbate of FHP Property Consultants on 07917 576 251 or frankie@fhp.co.uk.

Acting on behalf of Mansfield Road Properties Limited, Frankie Labbate secured the letting of 42 Gordon Road, West Bridgford to Cook. 

Cook was founded in 1997 by Edward Perry and Dan Pinfold.  Their vision was to create a brand new product where the ethos was to cook and sell frozen ready meals in line with what you would be eating at home.  The idea is to cook using the exactly the same ingredients and methods you would in the home so everything presents and tastes homemade.  Their view is that if it does not live up to their ethos, they will not sell it in store.  Cook have now opened 75 stores nationwide and their aim is to continue to grow significantly in the next five years, thus their acquisition of space in West Bridgford is a long anticipated one which they have been trying to secure for some time now.

Frankie Labbate of FHP commented:

“I have no doubt that this product will be well received in this location and patrons of West Bridgford will enjoy the product they offer.  Cook have already fitted out and commenced trading and I have to say, I am very impressed with both the speed of the acquisition and the quality of the operation.  I have no doubt this will add to the eclectic mix of operators within the vicinity”.

For further information with respect to this letting or for marketing advice, please contact Frankie Labbate of FHP Property Consultants on 07917 576 251 or frankie@fhp.co.uk.

Acting on behalf of private clients, FHP Property Consultants are delighted to announce the recent letting of 50 Sadler Gate, Derby to Little White Dress Ltd. 

Having established the business in Nottingham four years ago, sisters and owners of The Little White Dress, Amy and Lucy noticed a gap for a designer bridal boutique in their home town of Derby.  

Amy from Little White Dress Ltd commented:- 

“50 Sadler Gate is a great position located amongst other designer and independent retailers within the Cathedral Quarter whilst bringing a new niche market to the area. We are very excited to be returning home with what we do and bringing our designer brands and fashion forward bridal store to the city centre” 

Frankie Labbate from FHP Property Consultants who agreed the deal commented:- 

“I am delighted to introduce such a unique local retailer to the cathedral quarter and I have no doubt their product and service will be well received within the Derby retail market. The introduction of the little white dress will compliment other retailers in the vicinity and I have no doubt the expansion of their business into derby will be an instant success”. 

Andrew Bock, Director for Landlord, Clowes Developments commented:- 

“There has been increased viewings for properties within the Cathedral Quarter and a number of our vacant units are under offer to retailers with exciting new ideas” 

For further information on this letting or to discuss your requirement in further detail please contact FHP Property Consultants on 01332 343222.

Tesco is to open a new store in Nottingham at 19-21 Upper Parliament Street in a deal secured by Alan Pearson, Director of FHP Property Consultants on behalf of SWIP now part of Aberdeen Asset Management.  The store will create up to 20 new jobs and improve convenience shopping for the local community.

Tesco has signed a 20 year lease in the former Café Latino premises at 19-21 Upper Parliament Street, Nottingham. The store has been extended to the rear to provide a ground floor of 2,841ft² and basement ancillary of 1,301ft².

Tesco has other Express stores in the city and a Tesco Metro store within the Intu Victoria Centre, Nottingham.

The letting to Tesco sees the continuing appetite of supermarkets gaining representation within the city centre, with Sainsbury’s currently operating three local stores within the city.

Alan Pearson of FHP Property Consultants commented:

“We are delighted to secure Tesco Express for our clients, SWIP Real Estate, providing an excellent covenant and an ideal fit given the property’s proximity to the city’s principle bus stops and core retail and leisure offering”.

Stephen Lane Senior Investment Manager, Aberdeen Asset Management commented:

“We are very pleased to have secured Tesco on a 20 year lease in Express Buildings after having created more space for them within the building. We now have the whole of the ground floor of the building fully let following the letting of 23 Upper Parliament Street to Mobile Solutions by FHP late last year”.

For further information with respect to this letting or for marketing advice, please contact Alan Pearson of FHP Property Consultants on 07876 396 005 or alan@fhp.co.uk.

Frankie Labbate, Surveyor at FHP Property Consultants, acting on behalf of private clients has secured the letting of 20-22 The Exchange, Nottingham, the former Castle Galleries to Harvey Jones Kitchens on a long term lease on competitive terms.

Harvey Jones Kitchens have 30 showrooms nationwide and have been looking for a store in Nottingham for circa two years.  The opening of such a desirable brand and quality of product in this location clearly illustrates the increased demand for the evolving The Exchange.  To introduce such a retailer in this location in the centre of Nottingham clearly illustrates how retail is changing and how shopping habits have diversified.

Frankie Labbate of FHP commented:

“We are delighted to have attracted such a unique retailer for not only The Exchange but Nottingham as a whole.  I have no doubt that they will be a success in such an established location they will be sustainable and complement the occupiers both in The Exchange and nearby Bridlesmith Walk.

I have been trying to find suitable premises for Harvey Jones for some time and when 20-22 The Exchange became available, there was no hesitation from them in securing the space.  

Harvey Jones have completed their fit out and will commence trading immediately and I have no doubt that their product will be well received and utilised by shoppers in Nottingham and I am excited for the future of their new store”.

For further information with respect to this letting or for marketing advice, please contact Frankie Labbate of FHP Property Consultants on 07917 576 251 or frankie@fhp.co.uk.

Luvyababes, the fancy dress emporium, have secured a new lease and refitted their store in Westfield Derby following an initial trial in a deal secured by FHP Property Consultants. 

Luvyababes had initially taken occupation in the former Pure Party unit from the administration of Birthdays and taken a new ten year lease of 2,579ft² and refitted it in their new corporate format.

This is Luvyababes’ third outlet following lettings in Manchester Arndale and Intu Victoria Centre, Nottingham.

David Williams of Luvyababes commented:

“We are delighted to secure a long term future in Westfield Derby which has now been refitted and shows the direction we wish to take the business, we provide a wide range of fancy dress goods in a quality shopping environment.   We are ideally suited to larger shopping centres with a strong student university and college population, which Derby provides.

We will continue to look at opportunities in other university towns and cities with a view to securing another two outlets in 2014”.

David Richardson of FHP Property Consultants commented:

“Following the closure of Pure Party through the Birthdays administration, it presented the ideal opportunity to secure Luvyababes who were spotted on a town trip to Manchester previously.  Following their opening in Intu Victoria Centre, Nottingham, we were able to secure them on an initial trial which proved successful and we are delighted to have secured the long term future of Luvyababes within Derby”.

For further information with respect to this letting or for marketing advice, please contact David Richardson of FHP Property Consultants on 07557 973 980 or david.richardson@fhp.co.uk.

Dutch jewellery chain, Pandora, are to open their first outlet in Chesterfield as part of their ongoing UK expansion in a deal secured by Alan Pearson, Director of FHP Property Consultants.

Pandora have taken a new ten year lease on 1 Low Pavement, Chesterfield, formerly occupied by Boots Opticians.  The store comprises of a ground floor of 1,057ft² with upper floor ancillary of 1,237ft².

Alan Pearson of FHP Property Consultants commented:

“The property occupies a prime position in Chesterfield between the Vicar Lane and Pavements Shopping Centres, opposite the market place.  Chesterfield continues to be a strong market town with a low vacancy rate and considerable interest was shown in the subject premises.  We are delighted to have secured Pandora, a new retailer for Chesterfield as part of their national expansion.  Pandora will prove an excellent addition to an already strong retail mix for Chesterfield in a deal that was secured within three months of going to market”.

Stephen Kane & Company acted on behalf of Pandora.

For further information with respect to this letting or for marketing advice, please contact Alan Pearson of FHP Property Consultants on 07876 396 005 or alan@fhp.co.uk.

MIPIM this week feels now almost like it did six years ago – a lot of money chasing a little product.

I’ve been here for a couple of days now and there is a real sense of ambition out there – ambition that we’ve been lacking for the last four or five years because we knew we couldn’t fund things.

It now feels like those shackles are off.

The concern, though, is how the planning system will cope with this. There are people keen to do things, there is confidence to do things and there seem to be end investors who will buy. But cumbersome planning procedures could get in the way of this as people try to get on site.

The appetite to do things is out there. Back in 2008, the market fell off the face of a cliff. It seems to have jumped back on almost in the same way it fell off – I’ve had meetings at MIPIM with funders who say they now want to do 10 schemes rather than one.

There is almost a slight sense of panic that people are going to miss the market, which is incredible when you look back at the way the market was nine months ago.

But you do have to take MIPIM with a pinch of salt – the place of full of optimists!

Going forwards, I think the key sector will be residential, which has gone from being the poor relation. There is certainty because we are seeing institutional money looking at residential. We understand some 17 companies bid around £20m, predominantly cash, for River Crescent. So that’s several hundred million apparently available for top quality residential stock in Nottingham!

River Crescent was a one-off in terms of its quality, but not the location. In fact, there are better Waterside locations in Nottingham which are ready to rumble. 

So we have a real chance to get regeneration started in this cycle and what we must not do is interfere with that.

It is time to let the market get on with it.

Frankie Labbate, Surveyor at FHP Property Consultants has let Unit 1 Bridlesmith Walk, Nottingham on behalf of Tempophase Limited to The Gate Hair Salon.

The Gate Hair Salon have been in Nottingham City Centre for circa ten years and their move into Bridlesmith Walk illustrates their long anticipated move to more prominent premises given their strong and loyal customer base which includes World Champion Boxer and Nottingham’s pride, Carl Froch.

Frankie Labbate of FHP commented:

“We are delighted to have secured such a well established business for Bridlesmith Walk on competitive terms.  No doubt that their business and the way they present themselves will be a success in this location.  I am sure that the tenants already in place in Bridlesmith Walk will be happy with the addition of such a complementary tenant.

The introduction of The Gate will add a real kudos to the scheme as a whole as it will complement the current occupiers such as The White Rabbit Café and NKD Waxing Salon.  Bridlesmtih Walk is becoming a real eclectic place for independent retailers to be and it is clear that people can now realise the value of the retail space on offer given its proximity to Nottingham’s prime pitch of Bridlesmith Gate which includes retailers ranging from Hugo Boss, Ted Baker, Joules, Jack Wills and Kurt Geiger.

The Gate have completed their fit out and commenced trading and I wish them every success in the future.  No doubt this will lead to further lettings within the walk and increase the growing vibrancy and positive atmosphere”.

For further information with respect to this letting or for marketing advice, please contact Frankie Labbate of FHP Property Consultants on 07917 576 251 or frankie@fhp.co.uk.

It’s not quite Who Dares Wins, but an organisation which shares the same initials as the SAS has broken new ground by putting someone from a regional firm in the hot seat.

Ben Tebbutt, a director of the Midlands property consultancy FHP, has become the new chairman of the Shop Agents Society, the national organisation which brings together surveyors who buy, sell and let retail premises.

Reflecting the relative strength and activity of London and the South East, the SAS has traditionally had significant numbers of agents from the capital in senior positions.  In appointing Ben Tebbutt, it has turned to an agent whose main focus has been the East Midlands.

He succeeds Hayley Gisbourne, a director in Lunson Mitchenall’s leasing team.

Ben Tebbutt, 39, is one of the most prominent figures in retail agency in his region, with FHP having been involved in a series of major shopping and leisure developments in and around Nottingham, Derby and Leicester.

He has been with FHP for 16 years and, as director of its retail and leisure team, is currently acting for Intu in the £190m redevelopment programme of the two main malls in Nottingham.  He also represents a number of major retail brands nationally.

“I’m thrilled to be chairing the organisation,” he said. “I’ve been a committee member for the past three years and it is a real privilege to take over from Hayley, who was our first ever chairwoman.  The Society has some strong momentum and our ambition is to get more agents involved and benefiting from the wealth of market knowledge that we all share.”

The SAS has more than 700 individual members nationally and an established programme of events which include its first Friday drinks schedule, an annual golf day, retailer question time and a joint cocktail party with the Property Manager’s Association and Accessible Retail.

But it also offers help with professional development through APC workshops and CPD events, and Ben says its role in developing knowledge is increasingly important against a background of major change in retail.

He added: “We’ve got a strong events programme, but the benefits of being part of the SAS go beyond just getting people together.  We all work in a dynamic and fast-moving industry which is at the forefront of helping retailers manage challenge and change.  So pooling experiences and jointly representing our shared interests is increasingly important.

“If you look at the industry our members operate in and the relationships we manage, the SAS is an influential organisation.  We welcome the opportunity to work with partners in the industry to achieve progress and we’d be delighted to discuss sponsorship opportunities for SAS events.”

Besides Ben Tebbutt’s selection as chairman, the SAS has also announced new members joining its committee. They are Matthew Stephenson of Tindale Poole Finn, Matthew Taylor of KLM, Oliver Christie from Cushman & Wakefield and Alan Pearson, also of FHP.

Further details about SAS activities can be found on its website www.shopsagentssociety.com.  For membership information contact membership secretary Louise Oliver on 01799 544902.

FHP Living are delighted to have partnered up with Totally Locally as part of its parent company’s (FHP) strategy to support new and small businesses.

FHP as a group works with all sizes of retailers, from supermarkets through to small independents and has not only provided a free shop for Totally Locally on Central Avenue, West Bridgford, but also instigated the “Inspiring Retail” competition which saw 49 entrants and 2 winners chosen after a “Dragon’s Den” style of competition at the end of November, with those winners going on to open shops in the city centre.

David Hargreaves who heads the Retail Team at FHP and FHP Living said:

“We are thrilled with the success of the Totally Locally store on Central Avenue over Christmas – it created a real buzz.   Quite a large proportion of our 60 staff live in West Bridgford and the surrounding areas and all thought the store was “brilliant”.

We also as a company purchased 15 Christmas hampers that Karina put together sourcing all the products from the Totally Locally partners, for our key clients over Christmas and this went down particularly well.

What we were particularly pleased to see through the Pop Up Christmas shop was not only the new friendships which were created between some 40+ retailers in the store, but also the new markets which were opened up for those retailers through trade amongst each other.”

The Local Data Company, who track vacancy rates, announced recently that for the first time in 5 years the shop vacancy rate around the country fell, which should continue as a result of a variety of new businesses starting up off the back of the improved availability of finance and an improvement in confidence in cities and suburbs alike.

“There is a real ground swell in the retail sector at the moment led by small independent and local retailers and organisations such as Totally Locally which provide a network and a support system are certainly playing their part, and FHP and FHP Living will continue to support such organisations” said Hargreaves.

End

A CLOTHING brand committed to a “made in the Midlands” ethos and a fairtrade gift company are the two winners of Inspiring Retail Nottingham 2013 – and received their prizes at a glittering ceremony in the city last night.

Katie Lee-Wall and Laurence Bidston of local clothing brand Poppy Blow were celebrating their win of the under 30s category of Inspiring Retail last night along with Ele Corriette who runs Elefair which sells handmade fairly traded giftware.

The winners were whittled down from 49 applicants, which were then shortlisted to ten – five in the under 30 category and five in the over 30 category of the Inspiring Retail competition which set out to find two new shop owners for the city centre. The winners will each receive £10,000 in funding and thousands of pounds in support from top business experts in Nottingham.

The Inspiring Retail Nottingham 2013 initiative has been funded through the High Street Innovation Fund which was given to a number of UK towns and cities following retail guru Mary Portas’s review of town centres.  To complement a package of other projects, Nottingham wanted to come up with a really innovative way of spending some of the grant – and came up with the Inspiring Retail Nottingham competition.

Katie Lee-Wall of Poppy Blow, winner of the under 30s category, said: “We’re completely over the moon. There were some amazing ideas from all the contestants and the competition was fierce, so we never dreamed we’d actually win. Winning has made our lives so much easier – we’re now able to complete our website and finish doing up the shop, which will open in March. We’ll also have a second store (thanks to FHP) opening next September.”

Inspiring Retail is an ingenious collaboration of Nottingham City Council, NBV Enterprise Solutions and five private sector organisations. The final ten were put through their paces before retail ‘dragons’ when they had to pitch their business ideas.

David Hargreaves of FHP who helped launch the competition said: “We are delighted for Poppy Blow and Elefair. Both companies demonstrated flair and creativity – and sustainable business ideas.

“We will be helping the winners to find retail units in the city – and then our experts will be guiding them through other aspects of their businesses, from their branding and PR, to legal and financial advice.”

Helen Andrews from Nottingham design agency RizkMcCay is on the expert panel and was a ‘dragon’ on pitch day.  She said: “We had a fantastic collection of applicants. It was very difficult to shortlist just ten from such an impressive line up of potential retailers – and especially difficult to pick just two winners.”

As well as the funding for set up costs and stock, the two winners will gain insightful help and advice from the panel of private sector sponsors: Yorkshire Bank will be offering financial advice, property consultants FHP will source a suitable retail unit in Nottingham city centre for each retailer,  law firm Fraser Brown will be assisting with legal issues and HR, accountancy and tax advices will come from Smith Cooper, and marketing and creative agency Rizk McCay and PR agency Cartwright Communications will offer PR and marketing support.

Ele Coriette of Elefair, winner of the over 30s category, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have won. I never thought it would be me. I already trade in the Market Square and have a pop-up shop in the Lace Market, but now I can open a permanent store in the city centre, with first-rate support from the dragons. I’m really excited to see what lies ahead.” 

The final ten applicants were at the presentation last night held at Nottingham Trent University.  The eight which missed out included a shop for doggy treats and accessories, a cafe with barber shop and menswear, an artisan baker and a specialist knitting shop. There are hopes that Inspiring Retail Nottingham will be back again in 2014.

Councillor Nick McDonald, portfolio holder for jobs and growth at the city council which is leading the competition, said: “This was a truly unique and exciting collaboration between the city and private sector partners who are all passionate about helping new businesses – and breathing new life into Nottingham’s shopping streets.

“Nottingham has always been a leading UK shopping destination and we are inviting two up-and-coming retailers to become part of this. We were one of the councils which received what has been called ‘Portas funds’ – government money which aims to help boost retail centres. We are allocating a portion of this money to help launch the ventures of two local retailers.”

Additional supporters of Inspiring Retail are the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce, Nottingham Trent University, the Nottingham BID and media partner Nottingham Post.

The winners will also get the panel’s support – worth an estimated £50,000 – for 12 months.

David Hargreaves added: “We have been talking about a dragons-style competition for budding retailers at FHP for the past two to three years. The funding Nottingham City Council secured via the Mary Portas initiative to tackle the increased vacancy rates in our towns and cities provided the opportunity. What this competition has proved is that there are people out there with fantastic ideas for retail units.”

ENDS

For more information, contact Liz Cartwright or Jennie Holland on 0115 8532110 or 07769 713919.

INDEPENDENT traders will bring new life to West Bridgford’s Central Avenue Christmas shopping experience – thanks to an early ‘gift’ from property consultants FHP and FHP Living.

Local retailers will be taking space in a pop-up shop within a prominent vacant retail premises. David Holmes shoe store had been a mainstay of the area’s retail offering for 45 years before it closed down earlier this summer .

The property is owned by the founders of FHP Property Consultants – Brian Fisher, David Hargreaves and John Proctor. The property has been marketed by FHP and is now under offer, but because it won’t be needed until the new year,

David came up with the idea of handing over the empty shop for free to local independent traders for Christmas.

FHP joined forces with West Bridgford’s Totally Locally initiative to bring the shop back to life for the prime festive shopping period and improve the shopping experience of West Bridgford

So far, 40 people have signed up to take space in the store which will open its doors to shoppers on Thursday, November 21 and continue trading right up until Christmas Eve.

David, founding director of FHP and estate agency FHP Living in West Bridgford, said: “The store is a perfect  location for this sort of initiative being in the Prime pitch  and large ,and the uptake so far shows that local businesses share that view.

“We are keen to support all those working hard to improve the “offer ” of West Bridgford  like Karina Wells and Mike Finn at Totally Locally and this shop and idea provides a great opportunity for both new and existing businesses to promote and develop their businesses,over the festive period and beyond ,from a prime location that normally they wouldn’t have access to .

“In  many ways there has never been a better time  for people to make the move to set up a retail business and the pop-up shop gives them an affordable opportunity to test the water and decided whether to take the next step.”

Mike Finn is one of the people behind the Totally Locally initiative which has been running for two years in West Bridgford.

“Totally Locally is all about empowering local communities, investing in and reviving them and encouraging independent local businesses,” Mike said.

“The idea behind initiatives like the pop-up shop is to make traders and retailers think about what they want from their business, what it is that they are offering, their brand and how to move their business forward.”

Already booked to take space in the temporary shop are a wide range of crafts people, an author, wedding cake makers, jewellers, an artist, dress maker and care company.

For those wanting to take time out to relax from the rush for festive bargains there will also be a pop-up spa offering the chance to sample a number of health and beauty treatments and even a brewery which has gained a temporary licence to sell its beers.

“This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity for these people to have access to such an excellent high street outlet,” Mike added.

“It will be open in time for Saturday’s Christmas lights switch-on which last year attracted 10,000 people and we estimate that between 20-30,000 people will pass the store over the course of its trading period which is huge exposure for those taking part.”

Mike said FHP had provided a unique opportunity for traders. “FHP who already invest in the Local Community through their FHPLiving brand ,is showing it is happy to invest  further in support of the local community by giving people a chance to promote and grow their business, and hopefully make a profit .

“It is a fabulous gift to the local community offering businesses and traders the space that if we had to pay for it would have cost us £10,000.”

Mike pointed out that it was not only start-up businesses that would benefit with some existing businesses taking space in the pop-up store to highlight their offering and signpost potential customers to their existing premises nearby.

Those taking part will pay a one-off fee of up to £200 depending on how much space they occupy but all will be encouraged to embrace the spirit of Totally Locally by sourcing materials they might need from other local, independent traders.

Young Enterprise groups from local schools will also be selling their products in the store which will be managed by Suzy Reeveley of Honest Inks.

The emphasis will be on high quality offerings, a point which has been stressed to all those taking space. “We are stressing the need for people to use this space as creatively as possible to gain the maximum impact,” Mike said.

FHP is a big supporter of small retailers, having been involved in setting up the city-wide Inspiring Retail Nottingham 2013 competition – which is seeking to find two exciting new retailers to open shops in the City Centre .FHP not only supports small retailers, but is advising on the £200 million refurbishment and redevelopment of Intu Victoria Centre and intu Broadmarsh Centre in Nottingham.

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For more information, contact Liz Cartwright or Kiren Pooni on 0115 8532110 or 07769 713919.

Caption:

L to R Iwona Gerber from Living HQ; Mel Wilson from Heidi’s Furnishings; Karina Wells from Totally Locally; David Hargreaves from FHP;  Suzanne Reeveley and Mike Finn from Totally Locally and Phil Wilson of Heidi’s

On behalf of Beeston Road Limited, Frankie Labbate, a Surveyor at FHP Property Consultants has let 63-65 High Road, Beeston to The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army have been in Beeston for a number of years now and have been looking to relocate from their existing store within The Square Shopping Centre for the last 18 months.  The opening of this branch in a more prominent and busy location clearly highlights their ambition of cementing themselves into the primer pitches in suburban town such as Beeston.

Frankie Labbate of FHP commented:

“I am delighted to secure such a strong covenant for my client and for Beeston as a whole.  I have no doubt that this new space will be a success for them and make their stay within Beeston more sustainable moving forwards.

There was a high level of interest in this property but I felt that The Salvation Army would be the best candidate taking into account their loyal customer base already being present within the town. 

The Salvation Army have completed their fit out, commenced trading and have been very busy already.  Hopefully this letting, accompanied by the letting to 70 High Road to CEX will send a signal to other retails that Beeston is going through the process of revival.”

For further information with respect to this letting or for marketing advice, please contact Frankie Labbate of FHP Property Consultants on 07917 576 251 or frankie@fhp.co.uk.

A deli for dogs, a bookshop with café and an upmarket knitting shop…these are just some of the candidates who went before Nottingham ‘dragons’ this week  – to try and win £10,000 in funding to launch their retail businesses.

There were ten finalists in the city-wide competition called Inspiring Retail Nottingham 2013. They had been whittled down from 49 applicants overall and this week, city business bosses or ‘dragons’ selected the winning two.

Inspiring Retail is an ingenious collaboration of Nottingham City Council, NBV Enterprise Solutions and five private sector organisations – Yorkshire Bank, property consultants FHP, law firm Fraser Brown, accountants Smith Cooper, creative agency RizkMcCay and PR agency Cartwright Communications.

The unique initiative was launched in the summer and was designed to help new retail talent turn promising ideas into reality.

David Hargreaves of FHP said: “The judging panel was bowled over with the number of amazing ideas for new retail outlets in the city. It was a difficult task but we had to find the two winners this week – one in the age 30 and under category and one in the over 30 category.”

The competition was set up as Nottingham wanted to produce a creative scheme in spending some of the grant awarded as part of the High Street Innovation Fund, which was distributed to towns and cities following retail expert, Mary Portas’s, review of town centres.

As well as the £10,000 prize, the winners will also get the panel’s support- worth an estimated £50,000- for 12 months. Out of the ten finalists, the two winners have been picked for their ambition and motivation to develop a sustainable and innovative business, which will add value to the city centre offer. 

The two winners of the competition will be revealed at a special ceremony at Nottingham Trent University next week (26 Nov).

Councillor Nick McDonald of the city council, said: ‘’This is a truly unique and exciting collaboration between the city and the private sector partners who are all passionate about helping new businesses – and breathing new life into Nottingham’s shopping streets.’’

The Inspiring Retail competition has also gained additional supporters; with Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce, Nottingham Trent University, the Nottingham BID and media partner the Nottingham Post backing Inspiring Retail.

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Acting on behalf of private clients, FHP Property Consultants are delighted to announce the recent instruction of 12 Market Place, Derby.

The former Saks Hairdressers extends over four floors totalling 197.54m² (2,126ft²) 

And is available by way of a new full repairing and insuring lease at a rent of:- 

£20,000 per annum 

The property is situated on the busy pedestrianised area of the Market Place and also located in the Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District (BID) with nearby occupiers including; George Brigdens, Nandos, Walkabout Bar, Greggs, Lloyds TSB and Natwest Bank. 

George Dunnicliff, Surveyor at FHP Property Consultants commented:- 

“I am delighted to welcome this property to the market with FHP. Situated in the heart of the city centre I believe this property will attract an influx of interest and I look forward to announcing that a letting has been secured shortly.” 

For further information on this instruction or any other retail property please contact George Dunnicliff on 01332 343222 or George@fhp.co.uk.

Frankie Labbate, a Surveyor at FHP Property Consultants has let 70 High Road, Beeston, Nottingham acting on behalf of a private individual to CEX.

CEX have circa 250 branches in the UK, Spain, USA, India and Australia and are continuing to expand their popular brand.  Their move into Beeston is a long anticipated one which they have been waiting for the right unit for some time.  The opening of this branch in such a prominent location clearly highlights the demand from retailers for the town.  The opening of this store clearly illustrates their intent on not only dominating the market in prime city centres but also in prime suburban shopping districts throughout the UK. 

Frankie Labbate of FHP commented:

“I am delighted to secure CEX on competitive terms.  I have no doubt that the mixture of students, young professionals and families within the area will provide a strong demand for CEX services and that their business will prosper as a result of the high demand and lack of supply for quality electronic products within the vicinity.

There are live requirements for Beeston from CEX competitors but CEX have certainly won the race to secure a prime position within the town. 

CEX have commenced their fit out and I have no doubt that they will have every success in this location.  Furthermore, I have no doubt their new store will be well utilised and sustainable in years to come.  Hopefully, the letting to this national covenant will encourage other retailers who have been reluctant to commit to the high street in the past 12 months due to the anticipated development of The Square Shopping Centre”.

For further information with respect to this letting or for marketing advice, please contact Frankie Labbate of FHP Property Consultants on 07917 576 251 or frankie@fhp.co.uk.

Acting on behalf of Scottish Widows, Alan Pearson, Associate Director of FHP Property Consultants, has let 23 Upper Parliament Street to Mobile Solutions.  The accessories and mobile phone repair shop have taken a new ten year lease at a commencing rent of £24,000 per annum exclusive.  The unit comprises of ground floor sales of 407 ft² and basement store of 295 ft².

Mobile Solutions are a London based mobile phone accessories and repair shop who have sought to expand into the Midlands for some time and have secured their first outlet in Nottingham.  The store is situated adjacent to the new Tesco Express store which is scheduled to open in Spring 2014 following completion of the development works by Scottish Widows.

Alan Pearson of FHP commented:

“I am delighted to have secured another letting within the block for Scottish Widows.  There was a considerable amount of interest in this unit with three offers received at the asking rent which enabled us to conclude a deal swiftly for our clients, with completion taking place within four weeks.

There has been considerable interest in Upper Parliament Street, King Street and Queen Street recently and we have put both 18 King Street, the former Jonathan James unit and 15 Queen Street, the former Bank of Scotland unit under offer to national operators and expect to do the same with the former Jack Wills unit on Queen Street imminently.  This follows recent letting by FHP of 22 King Street to Barburitto, 4 King Street to Nottingham Express Transit and 6 King Street to Posh Nails”.

There are few high street opportunities currently available in Nottingham which is a very positive news story for the city.

For further information with respect to this letting or for marketing advice, please contact Alan Pearson of FHP Property Consultants on 07876 396 005 or alan@fhp.co.uk.

Alan Pearson, Associate Director of FHP Property Consultants and joint letting agent of Westfield Derby is delighted to announce a series of new lettings within the Westfield Shopping Centre. 

Wagamama have joined the growing leisure offer within the scheme taking a new 3,439ft² unit adjacent to Eat Central and the entrance into the 12 screen Cinema-de-Lux.  Wagamama are due to open in November 2013.

Ed’s Easy Diner have taken a prominent corner ground floor unit, this is Ed’s second East Midlands outlet following their opening in Leicester 15 months ago.  Ed’s have taken a unit comprising of 1,915ft², which is due to open in mid November 2013.

Alan Pearson of FHP Property Consultants commented:

“We have sought to enhance and enlarge the leisure offer within the scheme with the success of the Eat Central concept and adjoining family dining restaurants”.

Diechmann have upsized taking a unit opposite their previous location and doubling the size of their store to 7,156 ft².  Their previous store has been let to Ryman Stationers who have relocated from the Burrows Walk entrance into the scheme in to the heart of the shopping centre.

Simply Be and Jacomo, part of the N Brown Group are due to open prior to Christmas.  They have taken a unit on the first floor fashion mall comprising of 4,500ft² as a joint fascia outlet.  This will be their second store in the East Midlands following their opening in Leicester 12 months ago. 

N Brown are seeking to grow their Simply Be and Jacamo store portfolio to 25 outlets in the next 12-18 months.

Alan Pearson of FHP commented:

“We are delighted to attract further quality brands into the centre which reinforces the attraction and strength of the scheme.  This is demonstrated by the successful performance of Diechmann, doubling the size of the store.  We are continuing to see good interest in the scheme and look forward to welcoming further quality retail and leisure operators to Westfield Derby in 2014”.

For further information with respect to this letting or for marketing advice, please contact Alan Pearson of FHP Property Consultants on 07876 396 005 or alan@fhp.co.uk.

FHP are delighted to announce the recent letting of 23 Cornmarket, Derby to Liberty Flights.  

Liberty flights, established in 2009 are one of the leading specialists in E Cigarettes and E Liquid and have been recognised as one of the best suppliers in the industry.  Their ‘E Cig’ devices are now the way forward for many cigarette smokers. 

Available in an array of strengths and flavours ranging from traditional tobacco and menthol flavours to a mixture of floral and fruit inspired liquids, each electronic cigarette offers a unique chance for a smoker to fine tune their exact choice to best suit their requirements and preferences. This alternative to tobacco based cigarettes has liberated many smokers from the confines inflicted by the smoking ban of 2007, presenting a socially acceptable way to enjoy nicotine where all that is exhaled is water vapour that dissipates quickly into nothing. Generating no lasting unpleasant odours, our electronic cigarettes offer you the chance to try different strengths and flavours of liquid without causing a disturbance to others.  No tar and no nicotine is expelled on an exhale. 

George Dunnicliff, surveyor at FHP Property consultants who agreed the deal commented:- 

“I am extremely pleased that this deal was completed in such a short time frame meaning Liberty Flights could move into the property quickly and get set up in time for the start of Stoptober.   With over 2 million people taking part in Stoptober I believe they have opened at the best possible time and I wish them all the luck for the future”.  

For more information on this letting or for any other retail requirements please contact George Dunnicliff on 01332 343222 or george@fhp.co.uk.

Betfred, the largest independent bookmakers in the country with over 1350 shops, have secured three new outlets within the last few weeks in the Midlands region where FHP Property Consultants are their retained agents.

The new branches are at Hunstanton, Cowley and Mansfield, two of which are new leases with the third being a freehold purchase and all with established A2 planning consents in place.

Mark Bradley, Director of FHP who acts for the betting chain commented:-

“Hunstanton had been a target town for some considerable time as there is only one other national bookmaker and the main retail pitch is fairly tight with limited opportunities arising.  When we became aware that a local estate agent was closing in the town centre an approach was quickly made to the owners and an off market deal was swiftly concluded with the added benefit of an existing A2 consent.

The acquisition at Cowley, a suburb of Oxford, was for a relocation of an off pitch former small Tote shop.  The new unit is the old Post Office occupying a prominent corner location at the entrance to the Templars Square Shopping Centre.  The property was refurbished to create two new retail units with multi use planning consents already in place.  The strategic relocation has resulted in Betfred being positioned adjacent to the main entrance and better placed than the nearby competition. 

In Mansfield, the former Santander branch at 23 Stockwell Gate was purchased freehold as part of a package deal involving several other of the banks surplus branches, all with the benefit of the existing A2 consents. Betfred had specifically targeted a location facing the open air market and eventually secured a suitable unit after several abortive attempts involving other nearby properties.”

Betfred, who operate from their head office in Warrington which includes a large call centre for customer credit accounts and online betting, are continuing with their nationwide strategic expansion programme into both new locations and also to reposition the estate with more modern larger shops upon lease expiry or former Tote shop relocations.

Details of suitable properties of between 800 – 1500 sq ft ground floor area should be forwarded to Mark Bradley at markb@fhp.co.uk, telephone 01332 343222.

Barburrito, the north-west based Mexican chain have secured their first premises in the East Midlands at 22 King Street, Nottingham.  This is their ninth restaurant and forms part of an expansion plan to secure an additional ten outlets over the next two years.

Paul Kilpatrick of Barburrito commented:

“We have been looking at Nottingham for some time and are delighted to have secured our new premises on King Street.  We are drawn to the location due to its proximity to both the Cornerhouse and the Victoria Shopping Centre and quality adjacencies such as Pizza Express, Zizzi, Loch Fyne, amongst others.

I hope that this is the first of many Barburrito outlets throughout the city over the forthcoming years”.

Barburrito have taken a new ten year lease of 2,039 ft² subject to a rent review at year five, at a commencing rent of £50,000 per annum rising to £55,000 in year five.

Alan Pearson of FHP commented:

“When the property became vacant following the administration of Jacobs, it was clear to see that the pitch had changed since the time of its last letting and lent itself to a restaurant user.  We advised Scottish Widows to submit a change of use application to A3 which was successfully granted.  I targeted Barburrito as I believed they would work well in this location and complement the existing operators.  I am very pleased to have secured their first outlet within the East Midlands and I look forward to seeing many more open in the city.”

For further information with respect to this letting or for marketing advice, please contact Alan Pearson of FHP Property Consultants on 07876 396 005 or alan@fhp.co.uk.

FHP is behind a brand new competition to find two new Nottingham retailers who will each win £10,000 in funding – and business support from some of the city’s top business experts.

David Hargreaves, who heads FHP, is passionate about the project. FHP is one of five private sector partners behind the unique initiative called Inspiring Retail Nottingham 2013.

Inspiring Retail is a city-wide competition to find either would–be retailers or existing shop or restaurant owners who want to expand their current businesses.

The initiative has been funded through the High Street Innovation Fund which was given to a number of UK towns and cities following retail guru Mary Portas’s review of town centres.  To complement a package of other projects, Nottingham wanted to come up with a really innovative way of spending some of the grant – and came up with the Inspiring Retail Nottingham competition.

David said: “We have been talking about a dragons-style competition for budding retailers at FHP for the past two to three years. The funding Nottingham City Council secured via the Mary Portas initiative to tackle the increased vacancy rates in our towns and cities provided the opportunity.

“We know that there will be some people out there with fantastic ideas for a shop or café. Whether it’s vintage clothing, a beauty salon, a bakery or coffee shop, we know this is a competition where we will find some really inspiring ideas and we cannot wait to see the applications.”

Inspiring Retail is an ingenious collaboration of Nottingham City Council, NBV Enterprise Solutions and five private sector organisations. The aim is to invite potential retailers to enter the competition – with ten shortlisted finalists ‘pitching’ their business ideas to the Inspiring Retail ‘dragons-style’ panel in the autumn, added David.

Two winners – one in the over 30 category, and one in the under 30 category – will then be announced at a special presentation evening in November.

Councillor Nick McDonald, portfolio holder for jobs and growth at the city council which is leading the competition, said: “This is a truly unique and exciting collaboration between the city and private sector partners who are all passionate about helping new businesses – and breathing new life into Nottingham’s shopping streets.

“Nottingham has always been a leading UK shopping destination and we are inviting two up-and-coming retailers to become part of this. We were one of the councils which received what has been called ‘Portas funds’ – government money which aims to help boost retail centres. We are allocating a portion of this money to help launch the ventures of two local retailers.”

As well as the funding for set up costs and stock, the two winners will gain insightful help and advice from the panel of private sector sponsors: Yorkshire Bank will be offering financial advice, property consultants FHP will source a suitable retail unit in Nottingham city centre for each retailer,  law firm Fraser Brown will be assisting with legal issues and HR, accountancy and tax advices will come from Smith Cooper, and marketing and creative agency Rizk McCay and PR agency Cartwright Communications will offer PR and marketing support.

Additional supporters of Inspiring Retail are Nottingham Trent University, the Nottingham BID and media partner Nottingham Post.

The competition, which requires candidates to apply on line, launches today and will run throughout the summer. There will be a helpline offering advice to candidates on the process. Deadlines for entries will be 9 September and the shortlist announced on 11 October with retailers pitching their ideas on 13 November. The winners revealed on 21 November.

The winners will also get the panel’s support – worth an estimated £50,000 – for 12 months. New retailers are being asked to come forward and apply – along with existing retailers with no more than one unit who want to expand their businesses.

NBV, which has won the contract to provide business support to the city council, will be acting as business mentors to the winners – and the eight shortlisted.

Inspiring Retail is looking for retail or leisure businesses wanting to set up in the city centre. The winner will have the ambition and drive to develop a business which is sustainable, adds value to the city centre offer, improves the retail/leisure mix and has an element of innovation.

Peter Thornley of Fraser Brown said: “At a time when high streets in the UK are struggling, we want to breathe new life into Nottingham city centre. This is a time when independent retailers can shine – and show their presence in our shopping areas. We are seeing retailers doing well on line now looking to get bricks and mortar to develop their businesses. We are anticipating we will get applications from local on line businesses which are looking to take the next move.”

“Inspiring Retail is offering retailers to be part of the Nottingham retail scene,” said Helen Andrews of Rizk McCay. “It’s for someone who has always wanted to set up a shop, or perhaps a graduate who has a burning desire and a creative idea.

“The winning retailers will not just receive funding, but a support package worth thousands of pounds. It is vital that a retailer has support to develop and progress over the year.”

Applicants should log onto www.inspiringretail.org.uk to find application forms and competition guidelines – or call the free helpline on 0844 8872568 for more information and help on how to complete the applications process. Applications should be in by 9 September. Interviews will be held on 13 November – and winners will be announced at a special presentation on 21 November. 

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About Inspiring Nottingham:

Inspiring Nottingham 2013 is a competition to find two up-and-coming new retailers and support them in their set up costs and subsequent businesses. The two winning retailers will not only receive help in locating the perfect property for them, but also £10,000 in funding from the High Street Innovation Fund and support from professional firms in Nottingham.

It is a unique collaboration of Nottingham City Council and five private sector sponsors: Yorkshire Bank will be offering financial advice, property consultants FHP will source a suitable retail unit in Nottingham city centre for each retailer, law firm Fraser Brown will be assisting with legal issues and HR, accountancy and tax advices will come from Smith Cooper, and marketing and creative agency Rizk McCay and PR agency Cartwright Communications will offer PR and marketing support.

Additional supporters of Inspiring Retail are Nottingham Trent University, the Nottingham BID and media partner Nottingham Post.

The competition, which requires candidates to apply on line, launches today and will run throughout the summer. There will be a helpline offering advice to candidates on the process. Deadlines for entries will be 9 September and the shortlist announced on 11 October with retailers pitching their ideas on 13 November. The winners revealed on 21 November.

FHP Property Consultants are delighted to announce the recent opening of Graze Gastro Live in Belper. This property was acquired by the owners of Graze, Paul Gallagher and Francessa Smith at the joint sale between FHP and Graham Penny Auctions.

The property extending to 525m² (5,650ft²) which was brought last year and has undergone a complete refurbishment to transform it into an 80 cover restaurant with 60 seated lounge.

Paul Gallagher, owner of the building and restaurant commented:-

“This new venture will hopefully be an excellent offer for the Belper residents and area and on the back of our success over the last few years of Graze Friar Gate in Derby we look forward to making this just as successful.  Living in Belper I look forward to working with the chefs and staff to provide fine dining to the local people”.

This new restaurant has created 12 – 15 jobs for the area and will be priced in line with their existing Graze Restaurant on Friar Gate Derby of £9.95 for two course.

The opening evening was a most enjoyable night which was also accompanied by the popular Groovy Revolution Band from Cheshire.

George Dunnicliff of FHP Property Consultants commented:-

“Whilst the property was on the market we have several interested parties and it was particularly pleasing to see Paul Gallagher acquire the site.  Given his past at Graze on Friar Gate, Derby I knew this building would be transformed to a very high standard and provide an excellent food offering.  I wish Paul and all his staff the best of luck for the future”.

For more information on this letting please contact George Dunnicliff at FHP Property Consultants on 01332 224851 or George@fhp.co.uk

Frankie Labbate, Surveyor at FHP Property Consultants has let 29 Bath Street, Ilkeston acting on behalf of Farcastle Group Limited to Sue Ryder.

Sue Ryder have circa 500 branches throughout the UK and their move into Ilkeston is one which has been coming for some time.    Securing such a prominent unit in such a prominent section of the high street clearly illustrates the ambition they have expanding into prime pitches.  This move clearly illustrates the business is prospering and the current climate is allowing them to take the best units in districts such as Ilkeston.

Frankie Labbate of FHP commented:

“I am pleased to secure such a strong tenant in such a prominent position on competitive terms within the town.  I have no doubt that their offer will be well received and well utilised.

Speedy lettings are important for the health and demise of high streets in towns such as this as long vacancy rates can create a stigma.  This letting will certainly lead to further activity within the vicinity.  I have no doubt that once the fit out has completed and Sue Ryder have opened, this will inject vibrancy within the vicinity.

Hopefully this letting will encourage further national operators to take space in the town and take advantage of opportunities of prime spaces with high levels of footfall.”

For further information with respect to this letting or for marketing advice, please contact Frankie Labbate of FHP Property Consultants on 07917 576 251 or frankie@fhp.co.uk.

Betfred Bookmakers has outbid the competition to secure a key site in Lichfield.  The property at 7-9 Tamworth Street, Lichfield is located close to the Three Spires Shopping Centre in the city centre and was acquired by Betfred as a strategic move to protect their existing business which was a former Tote shop.

The premises are a ground floor only unit within a Grade II Listed building containing 1,734ft² and were acquired on a new 10 year lease with a break option at the end of the fifth year at a commencing rent of £42,500 per annum with rent free incentives.

Mark Bradley, Director of FHP Property Consultants who secured the deal commented:-

“This was a ‘do or die’ site for our clients.  It was imperative to both protect the existing former Tote business and prevent this unit falling into the hands of a competing bookmaker who were also bidding on the property.  The added bonus is that by securing the property for Betfred, it has positioned them in a substantially better pitch than the nearby competition with the unit being located closer to the city centre and also directly opposite a large Wetherspoons pub.

The advantage of working with Betfred is that they make quick decisions and progress acquisitions through a streamlined process which is vital in the current competitive market within the betting industry.”

Betfred are one of FHP’s longest established clients with Mark Bradley having acted for the firm since 1999.  Betfred now trade from around 1,350 branches and FHP will be announcing further new acquisitions during the coming months as the expansion programme continues.

Details of suitable opportunities of between 800 – 1,500ft² throughout the Midlands and East Anglia should be forwarded to markb@fhp.co.uk