NEW BASE ON ESTATE FOR GLOBAL CONSTRUCTION GIANT
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archway
The The newsletter for the Thorp Arch Estate Spring 2021
ROOM TO MOVE: The new service yard built for RMD Kwikform is almost one-and-a-half times the size of Wembley football pitch
NEW BASE ON ESTATE FOR
GLOBAL CONSTRUCTION GIANT
A new 2.6-acre purpose-built, concrete service yard decided to open on Thorp Arch Estate to provide delivering public sector projects and this is a great
has been built for construction equipment supplier a more local service to its customers in Yorkshire, base from which to support them. The yard is also
RMD Kwikform, enabling it to move into a fully Humberside and the North East. close to the motorway network allowing us easy
operational base on the Estate. access across the region.
Northern regional director, Brendan O’Hara, says: “A
Five redundant Estate buildings totalling 62,353 sq bigger yard enables us to store larger amounts of “We have developed a great relationship with the
ft were demolished to make way for the new high- equipment and be able to support more customers Estate’s management team. We find them very
specification yard which is almost one-and-a-half with their projects and keep up with growing demand. approachable and professional in how they conduct
times the size of Wembley football pitch and features business and they have been very supportive in
an interceptor, in and out entrances, a secure 2.4m “We have 14 staff at the Estate, but see this growing helping us establish a presence here.”
high perimeter fence and 12-meter high lighting in 2021 as we benefit from the investment in the new
columns. yard as we are roughly within an hour’s travel time Director of Wharfedale Property management,
from most major conurbations in the region.” which manages the Estate for owner, Patrizia
RMD Kwikform (www.rmdkwikform.com), which Hanover Property Unit Trust, Tim Munns, says: “We
provides temporary works for construction projects, RMD Kwikform is the only UK temporary works have always prided ourselves on being a base for a
including formwork, falsework, ground shoring supplier of equipment for both above and wide range of businesses, from start-ups to multi-
and heavy-duty propping, had been in temporary belowground projects, allowing it to be involved nationals, and we are delighted to have been able to
accommodation since moving to the Estate in in the whole life cycle of construction projects and accommodate a global business with RMD Kwikform.”
2018, while the new purpose-built yard was being provide customers with all they need.
constructed.
Recent Yorkshire projects supported locally include
The company, founded 85 years ago with the supplying ground shoring equipment for water
invention of the first steel panel formwork system supply upgrades in Yorkshire and supplying Balfour
by Robert M Douglas, has operations in 15 countries Beatty with formwork for the East Leeds Orbital
globally and seven UK locations including its Aldridge Route under the Highways for England Framework.
headquarters.
Brendan O’Hara adds: “We chose the Estate as many
It has a North West branch in Skelmersdale but of our customers have a presence in the region www.thorparchestate.co.uk
Wharfedale Property Management Limited, managing agents for the Thorp Arch Estate, can be contacted at
The Estate Office, Thorp Arch Estate, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 7FZ • Telephone 01937 845919
www.thorparchestate.co.uk
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The The
SWIFT GROWTH FOR
‘SMALL ANIMALS’ SUPER VETS
Some of the most advanced scanning equipment and X-ray department with an investment of £2.5m. The expertise, reputation and fast growth of the
in Europe is based at specialist veterinary practice led to it being approached by European
practice, Swift Referrals, which opened on the “We are known for our compassion, skill, and veterinary giant, IVC Evidensia, which acquired
Estate in 2019. approach to animal welfare” Alison adds. “The the practice at the end of 2020.
veterinary services we provide focus on treating
Among the highly-specialized technology is a a large number of diseases and conditions, from Alison adds: “It was an offer that was too good
Siemens 128 slice CT scanner and a Siemens 1.5T the fairly straightforward to the very complex. to miss. We are now proud to be part of the
Aera MRI scanner that enable the practice to UK network of IVC Evidensia, Europe’s leading
achieve a quick, accurate diagnosis of an animal’s “With a diverse range of specialisms on hand, we veterinary care provider across 11 countries
condition. can offer some of the most advanced treatments employing 19,000 staff.
available, working closely cross-departmentally
The highly-expensive technology matches the and we pride ourselves on delivering truly “When Stuart and the founding directors were
sophisticated expertise at Swift Referrals, led extraordinary levels of care. setting up the practice they researched the area
by Dr Stuart Cooke, a Recognised Advanced and chose the Estate as our first base as there
Practitioner (RCVS) in small animal surgery and “All our veterinary services are focused on was no similar business here.
one of four founders, directors and surgeons at providing the best possible outcome for the
the practice which specialises in orthopaedic, animal under our care. We carefully tailor our “It is a good location for us, close to the A1(M) so we
internal medicine and soft tissue surgery for treatment options, in close consultation with are easy to reach through the motorway network
small animals. owners in a way that helps us achieve this. and the Estate has a calm, parkland setting which
is appropriate for treating sick animals.
Practice manager, Alison Heath, says: “Not all vets “Our promise is to stay committed to delivering
can afford the technology we have invested in - our the kind of care we think all animals deserve.” “We have also found the Estate’s management
electricity bill alone is £10,000 a month - and it is team to be approachable and helpful. We are in
one reason why primary, general practice vets refer Swift Referrals, which has 58 staff, including 12 the process of converting another unit into an
to us, apart from the very high levels of expertise vets and clinicians, managers and nurses, and a emergency and critical care practice that will
and specialisation among our vets and surgeons.” £7m annual turnover, is able to accept referrals be able to provide first-class assistance to any
from general practice vets throughout the UK, emergency cases day and night.”
CREATING A STIR? Wharfedale Property Management director, Tim Munns, with Simon and Michelle Procter of Swift Referrals, which specialises only in dogs and although the furthest one so far has been from a
Buywell Interiors in their kitchen showroom in Units 155A & B cats, fitted out Units 706 and 659 itself, including practice in Carlise.
building the consulting room, operating theatres
HEY PRESTO! NEW SMALL BUSINESS UNITS
BUILT AND LET DURING THE PANDEMIC
A new development of five small warehouse units which relocated from Leeds to 1,229 sq ft Unit 158. its factory in Pudsey, provides a wide range of
comprising 10,693 sq ft has been completed and products from general glazing and aluminium
fully let in spite of the many challenges created Buywell Interiors, run by husband-and-wife team, shop fronts to sophisticated architectural and
by the pandemic. Michelle and Simon Procter, has been on the Estate structural glazing for sectors including office,
for 12 years but relocated to the new scheme retail, leisure, health and residential.
Estate owner, Patrizia Hanover Property Unit from the Retail Park and Unit 428A, to combine
Trust, went ahead with the £700,000 scheme its warehousing and retail and create a bigger Director, Matthew Beesting, manages the
after Estate tenant, fitted kitchen and bedroom showroom for its kitchen and bedroom furniture. domestic branch and his fellow, director, Martin
retailer, Buywell Interiors (www.buywellinteriors. Walker, oversees the commercial work, as well as
co.uk), pre-let the 2,456 sq ft Unit 155. Michelle Procter says: “Customers have been very coordinating the fitting and manufacturing teams.
positive about the new showroom and really like
Construction work on the latest scheme, which how bright and airy it is. All our displays are of a “We moved here to open a showroom to allow
redeveloped part of the original 1941 wartime size and layout that most customers can relate to, potential customers to see our products,” says
munitions factory close to the Estate entrance, to making it easier for them to picture a new fitted Matthew. “As we work nationally, the Estate’s
create Units 155-158 , started in November 2019 kitchen or bedroom in their home, which makes easy access to key road networks is beneficial.
and completed at the end summer 2020. their decision making easier. Also, being in the middle of the ‘Golden Triangle’,
between Leeds, Harrogate and York, makes it
The other units were let quickly to occupants “Having the warehouse attached to the showroom easy for customers to reach us. This is the start of
including metal roller door manufacturer and is a bonus and much more practical for receiving a new exciting adventure for Glass Living!”
installer, Shield Access Solutions, which took the deliveries and checking stock items, saving us a
opportunity to expand and relocate to the 5,779 lot of time. Hopefully, we can continue to build Contractor for the latest scheme was Arcon
sq ft Unit 156, from 1,161 sq ft Unit 713F; glass on the positive start we have had here and look Construction, while property consultants and
windows and doors manufacturer, Glass Living forward to a much better year for everyone.” building surveyors, LHL Group, acted as contract
SWIFT SUCCESS: Senior members of the Swift Referrals team, pictured (L to R), are referral vet, Alasdair Frost; practice manager,
Doors, which took the 1,229 sq ft Unit 157 and administrator and project manager. Alison Heath; founder-director, Dr Stuart Cooke, and specialist veterinary practitioner, Rory Bell.
online travel equipment retailer Silverfox Global, Glass Living (www.glassliving.co.uk), which has
The Archway Newsletter | Spring 2021 The Archway Newsletter | Spring 2021
www.thorparchestate.co.uk www.thorparchestate.co.uk
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The The
AD BELL GROUP – THE SIGNS ARE GOOD!
Signage company, AD Bell Group Ltd, which vehicle graphics, shop signs and banners and, haulage company, Revis Transport, York as well
operates nationwide, moved into the 6,638 sq while we are primarily a business-to-business as many schools, colleges and churches.
refurbished Unit 601 ft in 2019 after outgrowing company, we also carry out private work when
its base in Harrogate. required.” “We have a can-do attitude and make sure the job
is always delivered on time to a high standard.”
While the family business has its origins in a Vehicle graphics can be provided for whole fleets Simon adds. “We have seen turnover increase by
farming company founded in 1974, the current or single vehicles while the business also provides around 25 per cent during the past five years, due
signage operation was started by Richard Bell, exhibition signage and stand schemes; digital to the growth of some of our customers and a
and his youngest son, Simon, in 2001. Another wall papers, wall wraps and window graphics; steady increase in new business gains.
brother, Matthew, joined later. vinyl coverings in a range of finishes, including
woods, metals and stone for revitalising worn “The Estate has a friendly feel and allows us space
AD Bell originally operated as a franchise before or tired looking furniture and a print service to showcase what we can really do. We would be
branching out into an independent sign making for brochures, business cards, letter heads and delighted if businesses on the Estate called in to
enterprise, which has grown to 19 staff, including leaflets. say hello.
a team of designers and account managers as
well as production staff, a ‘vehicle wrapper’ for AD Bell, which has recently completed work as far “We love the parkland setting and proximity
applying graphics and machine operators. away as Brighton and Inverness, supports clients to the A1(M) and the ability to grow into larger
including Leeds Beckett University, for which the premises, if they are available, without having
Managing director, Simon Bell says: “We offer all company is the contracted signage manufacturer to move a great distance. The team at the Estate
sign-related products from self-adhesive labels and installer; Askham Bryan College, near York; Office is very helpful and is there when we need
through to large architectural signs, commercial bulk haulier, Hymas Transport, Thirsk; and advice or support.”
CLAD TO BE HERE: Bradclad managing director, Keith Bradley, with office manager, Paula Wootton.
INNOVATIVE ENERGY-EFFICIENT
ROOFING MATERIAL SET TO BOOST
GROWTH AT BRADCLAD
An innovative new roofing technology, which Tinto Zinc where he learnt how to use different from other UK and international manufacturers
improves energy efficiency, is set to boost growth metals for various applications. He founded his and supplies developments throughout the UK
at metal sheet manufacturer, Bradclad Ltd. original business, Forrest Maughan Associates in and overseas.
1991, offering a detailing and design service to
The Proseam Energi-Roof, made by Bradclad architects and building contractors with complex Keith adds: “We have supplied public and private
at its factory in Unit 189, comprises one of the roofing systems. sector businesses, farmers and multi- nationals
company’s standing seam metal roofs with a but recently the focus for our own products
bonded, lightweight thin film solar module to He then launched Bradclad, as a subsidiary has moved towards the housing market, as
capture energy from the sun without the need for and, for more than 25 years, the business has metal roofing is highly cost effective and has
additional solar panels. manufactured high-quality profiled metal sheets an attractive appearance, particularly on more
for roofs and walls, providing an ideal covering contemporary designs.”
Bradclad (wwwbradcladgroup.com) founder and for many types of agricultural and light-industrial
director, Keith Bradley, who moved his business to businesses as well as some modern homes. Bradclad has six staff, divided equally between
the Estate in 2019 after being based in Hexham, administration and production, and has exhibited
Northumberland, and Old Station, Nidd, near At one stage in the group’s development, the at the Grand Designs show at Birmingham NEC
Knaresborough; says: “With the growing need different companies had separate bases but Keith and advertised in Grand Designs magazine.
for clean technology and great energy efficiency, amalgamated them under Bradclad Group, while
we have new orders coming in from modular another subsidiary, Northern Metal Roofing, Keith says: “We moved to the Estate in May 2019
housing companies, local authorities and private supports the agricultural and commercial metal and it is an excellent location that suits our image.
developers. roofing market across the north of England. It is also handy for customers travelling to see
our roof systems and for contractors attending
“This is great news for Bradclad and will enhance Another Bradclad roofing system, Pro-zip, is used training sessions. Also, there is good access
our growth. We are currently working with for large industrial projects and even airports. for articulated vehicles transporting roofing
the Estate Office to find bigger premises to materials to and from our factory. The Estate
accommodate increased production and staff As well as ‘Bradclad’ branded products, management is also very good. They are really
numbers are also likely to rise.” manufactured at the Estate, the company, that helpful and professional.”
has its showroom and training facility at Unit 726, SIGN OF THE TIMES: AD Bell Group managing director, Simon Bell, outside Unit 601 with one of the company’s vans.
Keith started out as a metal trader for Rio stocks and supplies a wide range of metal sheets
The Archway Newsletter | Spring 2021 The Archway Newsletter | Spring 2021
www.thorparchestate.co.uk www.thorparchestate.co.uk
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The The
RAW DOG FOOD LEADS TO
NATURAL EXPANSION FOR FAST
GROWING PRODUCER
A natural dog food producer, which supplies Naturaw, which had made and sold more than dog-focussed businesses, grooming businesses
raw food through more than a 100 retail outlets 1m tubs of food before relocating to the Estate, is and dog day care centres although the business
nationally, has relocated to 17,290 sq ft premises increasing sales to dog owners who wish to feed aims to sell its meals through some larger stores.
to increase production. their pets ethically-sourced, fresh, natural raw
food, has 18 staff with plans to take on more in Chris adds: “Relocating to our fantastic new base
Naturaw (www.naturaw.co.uk), founded six years 2021. with a modern production kitchen will enable us
ago by Jess Warneken and Tom Johnson, has to increase production while maintaining quality
agreed a ten-year-lease on the 1,779 sq ft Unit The wide range of meals, sold in compostable, with the aim of achieving at least 150 outlets in
408 for use as its office headquarters with the plastic-free packaging, include lamb and duck, 2021.
neighbouring Unit 521 providing 15,511 of factory turkey and beef, lamb and turkey, surf and
space. turf and chicken, organic veg and venison, all “As well as growing our stockists, we sell direct
approved by North Yorkshire vet, Sue Armstrong to pet owners and this will remain central to our
The company gained financial support for the and DEFRA. growth. With more than nine million dogs in the
relocation with a grant from Leeds City Region UK, the vast majority of which are still fed dry
Enterprise Partnership’s (LEP) European Regional Naturaw director, Chris Broadbent, says: ““Dogs food, there is huge potential for pet owners to
Development Fund (ERDF) to invest in a new thrive when they eat fresh, natural, raw food and switch to healthier alternatives and this is what is
industrial scale kitchen which will enable it to step our products, that all use high-quality ingredients driving ‘raw-market’ growth.
up production and expand its range of meals, as in biodegradable packaging, without any plastic,
well as creating new jobs. have become hugely popular with both dogs and “Our new base will also enable us to quadruple
EXCITING ROUX KITCHENS The relocation is the third for the business which
their owners who want the best for their pets.” our storage capacity and enhance fast delivery
times for our customers, which all combines to
COLLABORATION HELPS BOOST SALES launched at Marston Moor Business Park before
expanding into 6,000 sq ft premises at Hessay
Industrial Estate, both near York, in 2017.
The number of outlets selling Naturaw products
has grown from ten in 2019 to 100 at the start
of this year. Its stockists are mainly independent,
make it a really exciting time for Naturaw.”
AT MOORES FURNITURE GROUP
COOKING UP SUCCESS: Moores Furniture Group chief executive, Steven Parkin (left) with Michelin star chef,
Michel Roux in the Roux Kitchens showroom on the Estate.
A partnership with Michelin chef, Michel Roux Jr, the business during its turbulent period before Steve Parkin added: “With this range, Moores
is among one of many measures driving growth this recovery phase. We are excited about our are providing a unique kitchen solution for
at leading kitchen and bathrooms manufacturer, growth plans and continuing our journey.” penthouses, luxury projects and executive house
Moores Furniture Group, one of the first occupants builders looking for an extra-special point of
of the Estate. Teaming up with Michel Roux Jr to launch Roux difference that is unique and exciting.”
Kitchens was among many initiatives implemented
In 2017 Moores teamed up with Michel Roux Jr; by the reinvigorated Moores Furniture Group, Moores Furniture Group was founded in Bingley by
son of the late Albert Roux and two-star Michelin who supply house builders such as Persimmon George Moore in 1947 and expanded rapidly after
Chef who runs Le Gavroche Restaurant in Mayfair, and Bovis, and retailers including Homebase. he acquired the 450-acre Thorp Arch Estate in
London. In the same year Moores changed the late 1950s. Moores no longer owns the Estate
ownership through a management buyout Other initiatives included developing key customer but is the largest occupier and has committed its
supported by Hilco Capital. accounts, investing in a dedicated customer future to the site with a new 27-year lease.
service proposition, restructuring internal sales
The MBO was led by chief executive, Steve Parkin, teams and client support, and delivering a five- The business, which recently opened a new
which secured the future of Moores and has led to star service to their customers. As a result in the showroom on the Estate, is well known for its
significant sales growth. This has contributed to two years of 2018-2019 the business grew by a commitment to the local community, especially
the business winning the prestigious Turnaround tremendous 66 per cent. young people, which includes running design
of the Year Award at the Turnaround, Restructuring competitions with Boston Spa Academy and
& Insolvency Awards at the end of 2019. After visiting the Moores factory to meet the donating a kitchen to Tadcaster Grammar School’s
workforce and begin the collaboration, Michel Field View Learning Hub.
Steve Parkin says: “The award was a great Roux Jr said: “It was a pleasure to spend time with
achievement which everyone should be proud the Moores team at their impressive headquarters. Moores has an exclusive, time-limited offer for
of. The business was supported by a great team It’s important for me that this collection meets the all workers at businesses on the Estate, who can
of suppliers, clients and Hilco. high demands I would expect from a professional- receive a massive 70% discount (usually 60%) off
style kitchen and, with their attention to detail, the price of all kitchens until May 31st 2021.
“The board would especially like to recognize the Moores continue to get it right.” HEALTHY OUTLOOK: The Naturaw team with director, Chris Broadbent, far left,
hard work of our loyal workforce which stood by and founding directors, Jess Warneken, holding baby Etta, and Tom Johnson, right, in hi-vis jacket.
The Archway Newsletter | Spring 2021 The Archway Newsletter | Spring 2021
www.thorparchestate.co.uk www.thorparchestate.co.uk
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The
FAMILY EXPERTISE
CREATES SUCCESS
FOR TECHNICAL
FILTRATION
SYSTEMS
FILTERING SUCCESS: Technical Filtration Services managing director, Kevin Birtwhistle, outside Unit 17,
which is also the base of sister company, Virgis Filter Sales and Marketing Ltd
“When I think of our humble beginnings, in a 1983 and moved to Wetherby in the 1990s. recently delivered into Brazil, India, and Australia
three-story cottage, and that we have moved to with the only country we have never exported to
fantastic premises on the Estate, I have to pinch Kevin joined the specialist business, that sources being South Africa.
myself to remember it is true,” says managing and supplies filters for everything from tractor
director of Technical Filtration Systems Ltd, Kevin and motorcycle engines, to water and coffee “Our expertise is such that we work closely with
Birtwhistle. appliances, in 1984. an Italian filter manufacturer, Virgis, on product
development for its air filter range which led to
The company, which supplies filters for virtually Four other members of Kevin’s family work for us establishing our sister company, Virgis Filter
every conceivable off, or on, highway use, moved Technical Filtration Systems, and its associate Sales and Marketing Ltd, in 2003 which is also
from Sandbeck Way, Wetherby, into 6,000 sq ft company, Virgis Sales and Marketing, including based in Unit 17.
Unit 17 in the newly-completed Ash Way III, in owner, Jean, his wife, Julie and their children
2019. Steven, Joanna and Thomas, creating a total of “Logistics were central to our relocation as we
11 staff and an annual turnover of around £2.5m. needed better access for large trucks. We receive
Construction of the 48,152 sq ft, five-unit Ash Way shipments from Italy every month holding 66
III scheme started in July 2018 and completed in Technical Filtration Systems currently offers pallets and the easier access and additional space
February 2019 and comprises five light industrial 15,000 different items through its e-commerce on the Estate means it takes only 30 minutes to
units. Other occupants include confectionary facility including Bestway hot tub cartridges, unload them.
wholesale business Bon Bons, which has leased DNA filters, ignition contact sets, and filter and
the 15,043 sq ft Unit 6, in addition to retaining its water separation filters for a range of small “We had been looking for three years for a
headquarters at Unit 1. engines including chain saws, and lawn mowers, suitable place to move to and were so delighted
all sourced from throughout Europe, the US and when this unit came up with easy access to the
Family business, Technical Filtration Systems, India and with 94% next day delivery in the UK. A1(M) and superfast broadband which we are
was founded in Harrogate by Kevin Birtwhistle’s impressed with.”
father-in-law, Bill Plowman and his wife, Jean, in Kevin says: “We supply throughout Europe and
Thorp Arch Estate, Wetherby, is a thriving business community in an attractive parkland setting close to the A1(M) motorway.
The Estate is home to a diverse range of more than 170 businesses, from small businesses to large plcs, operating in local,
national and international markets and employing more than 2,000 people.
Thorp Arch Estate is part of the investment portfolio of Patrizia Hanover Property Unit Trust which is committed to a programme of improvements to provide more
commercial accommodation to meet the needs of businesses and promote Commerce in the Countryside.
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