http://www.orbit-developments.co.ukOrbit Developments RSS Feeden-gbWed, 22 Feb 2012 17:59:55 GMThttp://www.orbit-developments.co.uk/news/2012/1/30/stockport-business-awards-organisers-promise-world-class-event.aspx Stockport Business Awards organisers promised to bring a 'world class' event to the town. The 2012 awards - which will culminate in a black tie awards dinner in October - were officially launched last Thursday (26th January 2012) at adidas HQ in Stockport. Ben Poland, the driving force behind the event, told around 150 people at the launch that Stockport needed to showcase what the town has to offer as well as recognising its best businesses and business people. He said: "We all know Stockport is a fantastic place to do business - now let's tell the world. "We don't want to put on an average, provincial event - it needs to be a world class event that promotes Stockport outside of Stockport. "This is not just about big business, or about the service sector, it will be all inclusive and we need people to get involved." One of the backers on the night was MAN Diesel's senior vice-president Wayne Jones, who opened the event. He said: "This is long overdue and a great idea." "There are some huge companies in Stockport but we don't always shout about our successes." There will be 10 award categories with nominations opening on April 10 and the awards dinner at the Hallmark Hotel on October 4. A number of high-profile firms in Stockport are either sponsoring an award or backing the event, including Clarke Nicklin LLP, Gorvins Solicitors, Orbit Developments and NatWest Bank, plus the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Stockport Council. The Stockport Express and Stockport Times are the official media partners. Scott Ryan, director of business banking Natwest, said of the night and the initiative: "Stockport Business awards are a fantastic way to celebrate the achievers in our region who have responded positively to the current economic climate and recognised the importance of seeking new opportunities and reviewing their business plans. The confidence displayed by these individuals will be pivotal in boosting the attitude of the business community and in turn contribute to the future." Andrew Baggott, managing partner of Clarke Nicklin LLP, agreed: "It was absolutely wonderful to see the buzz and enthusiasm around the business awards launch and the aims of the event.  It will be great to now get the organisation of the awards fully underway and get the buzz resonating around Stockport and help promote Stockport as a thriving business community." Lorraine Lockie, managing partner of Gorvins Solicitors, noted that many of Stockport's businesses were represented at the launch. "It is great to see that the awards have been so enthusiastically received." Tony Jones, managing director, Orbit Developments, added: "A town like Stockport needs  these awards to celebrate and make noise about the good things that doing business in Stockport is all about." "The fantastic connectivity that Stockport has to offer to attract businesses needs to be promoted  on a larger scale and the launch of the Business Awards as an on-going concept will help strengthen networking for new businesses locating in the Town." Anyone wishing to find out more about the awards should visit www.stockportbusinessawards.co.uk and follow us on Twitter @stockportawards. Award categories Business of the Year turnover £5m+ sponsored by NatWest Commercial Banking Business of the Year turnover up to £5m sponsored by Orbit Developments Most promising Start-up Business of the Year sponsored by NatWest Business Banking.       Entrepreneur of the Year sponsored by Gorvins Solicitors Independent retailer of the Year - Stockport Express and Times Supporting Young People Award International/Export Trade Award .       Most Responsible Company Lifetime Achievement Award Award for Innovation and Design Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:36:12 GMThttp://www.orbit-developments.co.uk/news/2012/1/25/stockport-launches-first-ever-business-awards.aspx Stockport businesses large and small will get chance to have their achievements recognised in a new awards scheme which launches on Thursday 26th January 2012. The scheme has been welcomed by the town's business community and over 180 people are expected to show their support by attending the launch event. The brainchild of local businessman and entrepreneur Ben Poland, the Stockport Business Awards will celebrate everything that's good about doing business in the town and surrounding area. "It's been three years in the planning," said an enthusiastic Ben Poland. "I am delighted to see it now becoming a reality. Stockport has enterprises of every size, shape and description. It's one of the best places to do business in the whole of Greater Manchester and it's about time we recognised it. "The aim is to put on a world class event which becomes a regular fixture." The award ceremony itself will take place on 4th October at the Hallmark Hotel in Handforth. This week's launch event will be the official introduction to the scheme and will showcase the opportunities to get involved as well as how to enter. Ten categories will include Business of the Year, turnover £5m+ Business of the Year, turnover up to £5m, Most Promising Start-up and Entrepreneur of the Year. Leading local companies are giving their support to the venture. Accountancy firm Clarke Nicklin LLP is putting significant resource and investment into its organisation and delivery. Headline sponsors include Gorvins Solicitors, Orbit Developments and NatWest Bank. Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Stockport Council are also giving it their full backing as is media partner Stockport Express and Stockport Times. Andrew Baggott, Managing Partner from Clarke Nicklin LLP, said, they were inspired to get involved. "Schemes like this give business people the chance to show what they can do and gives us all the opportunity to celebrate with them and learn how to do things better! It will give the community an important lift in tough times." Lorraine Lockie, Managing Partner, Gorvins Solicitors, said the awards were long overdue. "We are proud to be part of Stockport's thriving business community and the awards will demonstrate that Stockport businesses have as much to offer as those based in the city centre and other Manchester suburbs." Tony Jones, Managing Director of Orbit Developments, agreed. "There are some fantastic businesses in the Stockport area that have demonstrated passion, determination and dedication in these challenging times." "Award schemes identify winners in communities," added Scott Ryan, Director Business Banking, Stockport & Macclesfield, from NatWest. "They deserve to be celebrated and recognised." The Stockport Business Awards launch event will be held at adidas European Headquarters, Pepper Road, Hazel Grove from 6pm on Thursday 26th January 2012. For more information and updates visit www.stockportbusinessawards.co.uk and follow us on Twitter @stockportawards. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:21:57 GMThttp://www.orbit-developments.co.uk/news/2012/1/16/orbit-developments-attracts-high-profile-tenant-to-55-king-street.aspx Orbit Developments have secured global insurance company W.R. Berkley Insurance (Europe) Ltd at its Grade A office building, 55 King Street. The letting of 1,800 sq ft takes the remainder of the 3rd floor following the letting of 8,997 sq ft to Manchester based architects, Fairhurst Design Group last year. James Raspin, surveyor at Orbit Developments said, "We are delighted to welcome W.R. Berkley Insurance (Europe) Ltd to 55 King Street. This letting is a significant addition to the list of high profile occupiers we already have and highlights the demand for good quality office space in Manchester's business core". Claire Johnson, Senior Surveyor of Jones Lang LaSalle who acted on behalf of WR Berkley Insurance (Europe) Ltd said, "My client is delighted to relocate to high quality offices within the heart of the prime core. Being in close proximity to the insurance market was key to this search. The speed and efficiency at which the transaction completed was also a positive for my client." 55 King Street is now fully let except the 6th floor which is currently undergoing a significant refurbishment program. Works are expected to complete in February and will offer Grade A specification offices, consisting of small office suites from 187 sq ft up to larger suites of 3,272 sq ft. Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:38:54 GMThttp://www.orbit-developments.co.uk/news/2012/1/13/people-power-drives-growth-in-stockport.aspx Stockport's labour force is playing a key role in attracting new businesses to the region, according to one of the largest privately-owned development and investment companies in the UK. Customer research conducted by Orbit Developments has shown that businesses moving to the area consistently rank the town's labour demographics highly amongst other factors, including connectivity, cost and location. With a population of 284,600, Stockport is home to an estimated 128,700 employees[1], making it one of the largest labour pools in the North West. This, combined with a highly skilled and productive workforce, has helped to establish Stockport as an important business location and is believed to be behind the recent arrival of high-profile companies in the town, including British Sky Broadcasting. Speaking of the importance of labour in the Stockport market, Rhys Owen, leasing surveyor at Orbit Developments, said: "We ask all tenants to highlight their reasons for relocation and the quality of the local labour pool is consistently ranked as one of the most important factors. "We have recently seen an increase in demand from service-based companies looking to relocate their back office, business administration and support services to the area. For them, access to a high volume of skilled workers is fundamental to their decision-making." In 2011, Orbit leased 9,720 sq ft of office space to American-owned Jacobs Engineering at Park Square - one of south Manchester's largest office buildings. Canadian-owned business The Cash Store also leased 9,000 sq ft of office accommodation at Applicon House in Stockport. Both deals are expected to draw significantly on the local labour pool. Councillor Kevin Hogg, executive member for regeneration at Stockport Council, said:  "Having a qualified and educated workforce has been key to Stockport's success in attracting new employers. 55 per cent of Stockport's working age population is qualified to at least NVQ Level 3, while 35 per cent hold an NVQ Level 4 qualification or equivalent. This is higher than the regional and national average, meaning we have an exceptionally skilled labour force available to local businesses. "Continued investment in the borough by Stockport's existing employers is also key to its growth as a business hub." Chris Cheap, director of GVA, the joint agent acting for Park Square, commented: "Stockport is a major contributor to the Greater Manchester economy and, over the next five years, we predict the town will see stronger than average growth. This underlines the region's role as an area for growth outside Manchester city centre. It also demonstrates that Stockport has a dynamic business base capable of outperforming the regional and national rate of growth." Owen continued: "Stockport is more than capable of holding its own in the current economic climate. It has an above average number of workers and the third highest level of productivity in Greater Manchester, making it a great place to do business. This recent arrival of major companies is testament to the strength of the region. It's great that the people of Stockport can count themselves as a reason for that success." Source: [1] Stockport Economic Overview, Stockport Metropolitan Council, August 2011. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:53:48 GMThttp://www.orbit-developments.co.uk/news/2012/1/10/smyths-toys-set-to-open-new-superstore-at-middlebrook-retail-park.aspx Smyths Toys a leading provider of children's entertainment products is set to open its doors to its new Bolton store at Middlebrook Retail and Leisure Park - one of Orbit Developments most successful parks to date on 11th February. Smyths who have almost 60 stores, employing over 2,300 people throughout the UK and Ireland have taken 12,631 sq ft on a 15 year lease. Voted Toy Retailer of the Year, their stores are bursting with fun and excitement and offer a wide range of toys, video games, outdoor, nursery, and pre-school items to suit all age groups. Smyths Toys Superstores stock all the top brands and pride themselves on offering the most competitive prices on the best possible selection of products. A spokesman for the company explained, "Smyths Toys Superstores are delighted to announce the opening of a new superstore in Bolton. We look forward to offering shoppers the best range and quality of products, all available at the most competitive prices. Opening a new store in Bolton is a great opportunity and is also sure to provide some fantastic employment opportunities in the local community". Mark Hanna, senior retail leasing surveyor at Orbit Developments said, "We've been working hard to strengthen our line up and we are delighted to be welcoming toy superstore Smyths Toys to Middlebrook. The retail park has seen considerable growth this year with footfall increasing by 8.3% since January. I am confident Smyths Toys arrival will be a significant boost for the retail park and will increase dwell times as well as attracting new customers to the business park". The landmark store will provide sustainable employment for the local community and it set to create more than 30 jobs. Middlebrook is the largest leisure, sports and retail scheme in the North West. Middlebrook Retail Park comprises a total of 639,085 sq ft of retail space let to a variety of tenants including River Island, Next, Marks & Spencer, Laura Ashley, Boots and Argos. Middlebrook also boasts excellent transport links with a dedicated train station, bus services and is located within close proximity to the M61. For more information regarding Middlebrook retail and leisure park, please visit www.middlebrook-bolton.co.uk Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:13:08 GMThttp://www.orbit-developments.co.uk/news/2012/1/5/lowry-outlet-mall-reports-record-year.aspx Lowry Outlet Mall today announced that its 2011 footfall figures were up 9% YOY, with over 4.7m customers through the door. As a result, total sales were up 7% YOY. The figures report a significant increase, which is an indication that the Mall is continuing to deliver by providing customers with an expanding and extensive retail and leisure mix, giving customers quality brands for less. Despite the current retail climate, the Mall continues to perform strongly. The strongest performing categories, in 2011, were homeware (stores include M&S Outlet Furniture & Home Accessories, @Home, Whittard of Chelsea, Wax Lyrical, Ponden Home Interiors and Belledorm), which was up 26.7% (YOY), Mixed Fashion was up 19% (retailers include Gap Outlet, Marks & Spencer, Flannels, Cotton Traders, Dickies and Trespass), and restaurants, which showed an increase of 14.8%. The success of the Mall's strong footfall figures and outperforming retail and leisure categories has mainly been down to a targeted and proactive marketing strategy that includes TV, radio and a new loyalty scheme, which is targeted at local residents and workers, offering exclusive discounts in the Mall. There's also been a surge of new openings including Yankee Candle, Tefal, MBT (Footwear), Edinburgh Woollen Mill, M&S Outlet for Furniture and Harvester Restaurant to name a few. The Mall is in a prime location, next door to one of the UK's largest commercial and residential developments - MediaCityUK, home to BBC North, University of Salford and a host of other businesses. This area continues to grow and it has just been announced that MediacityUK is planning further stages of development. As a result, the Mall has seen a real boost in its weekend and weekday visitors. In addition to this, the Mall benefits from substantial secondary footfall from the likes of the Lowry Theatre, Imperial War Museum North and Manchester United Football Club, which has helped deliver the phenomenal increase in sales. Robert Hallworth, Centre Manager says: "The Lowry Outlet Mall performed incredibly well in 2011, in terms of both footfall and sales. The Mall's diverse retail and leisure offering has proved invaluable in continuing to appeal to our loyal customer base, as well as attracting those who are new to the region. And, with new openings, huge development and increasing interest in the area, we're defying the current economic climate and are increasing the margins of growth repeatedly each in footfall and sales. The future really does look bright for the Lowry Outlet Mall."  Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:56:31 GMThttp://www.orbit-developments.co.uk/news/2012/1/3/orbit-developments-lets-2,912-sq-ft-to-us-climax-portable-machine-tools.aspx Orbit Developments has let 2,912 sq ft of business unit space to US machine tool manufacturer, Climax Portable Machine Tools Inc. The US business which specialises in portable machine tools and valve lapping & grinding and welding products chose to locate to Unit 10, Heather Close located on Lyme Green Retail & Business Park after an extensive search to find suitable accommodation to base their first ever UK sales, rental and service office. The 40 acre retail & business park located to the south of Macclesfield town centre offers a well balanced mix of uses which include offices, light industry, retail, car showrooms and leisure facilities which include major occupiers such as Next, Mercedes-Benz and Pets at Home. Paul Codling, Surveyor of Orbit Developments said, "We are delighted that Climax Portable Machine Tools chose to open their first ever UK office at Lyme Green Retail & Business Park. The park offers modern, practical business units in a desirable location on the fringe of the affluent town of Macclesfield". Paul Burden, Managing Director of Climax Portable Machine Tools, UK said, "Orbit Developments were instrumental in offering advice and expertise in our search for suitable accommodation. Lyme Green Business Park offers the perfect balance of affordable accommodation within a high quality environment."   Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:09:58 GMThttp://www.orbit-developments.co.uk/news/2011/12/13/calibre-solicitors-expands-at-orbit-house.aspx Personal injury lawyers, Calibre Solicitors have recently taken an additional 1,860 sq ft of office space at Orbit Development's Orbit House in Eccles, expanding from 4,709 sq ft to 6,569 sq ft across two floors. Calibre's specialist injury law team has continually dedicated their time in building client relationships and services which have led to significant client growth. The legal practice has risen from strength to strength over the past 3 years at Orbit House, they have now added a further 27 employees tot their team. Ed Johnson, Director and Christine Cullum, General Manager of Calibre Solicitors commented: "We are delighted with the office space here at Orbit House and have always found Orbit Developments to be accommodating and they reacted efficiently to our request to expand the practice". Tony Jones, Managing Director of Orbit Developments commented: "We are delighted that Calibre Solicitors have chosen to expand at Orbit House. Their business benefits from being located in a prominent and convenient location within four miles of Manchester city centre making Orbit House an ideal base for any business". Orbit House is an impressive eight storey office building situated within the heart of Eccles, prominently located in the immediate vicinity of excellent transport links and is west of Manchester City Centre close to the main arterial motorway networks of the M602 and M60. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:31:55 GMThttp://www.orbit-developments.co.uk/news/2011/12/2/a-hat-trick-for-the-paddock,-handforth.aspx The Paddock shopping centre has secured its third deal in as many months with high-end tile & bathroom studio - Artisan taking 2,540 sq ft across three units on a 10 year lease. In recent months Orbit Developments have acquired two more significant deals with new retailer Sharpe Art moving into 753 sq ft and the expansion of current tenant Caffé-Latte taking a further 753 sq ft. Adrian Bell, Managing Director of Artisan Tile & Bathroom Studio commented, "We are absolutely delighted to have taken the three units at The Paddock, this gives us a prominent location in a busy part of South Manchester" James Raspin, Surveyor at Orbit Developments said "The three recent lettings have further enhanced the retail offering at The Paddock, which now boasts a strong and diverse mix of local specialist retailers, businesses and multinational companies. We are pleased to have a number of other units under offer which will continue to improve the offering". The Paddock has obtained substantial interest from a number of diverse retailers & businesses and now stands at 90% let or under offer. There are only a couple of units remaining ranging from 700 - 1,550 sq ft. This makes the paddock a stronger and more likely destination for local and regional shoppers. The Paddock shopping centre is set in the heart of the thriving community of Handforth village - the gateway to Cheshire. It is conveniently located to attract local residents of which there are over 6,500 in the village alone. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 09:27:17 GMThttp://www.orbit-developments.co.uk/news/2011/11/17/orbit-developments-celebrate-with-the-best-at-the-macclesfield-and-wilmslow-business-awards-2011.aspx Orbit Developments recently celebrated with the best local businesses at the hugely successful Macclesfield & Wilmslow Business Awards 2011. Orbit were proud to be one of the main sponsors at the awards, the first ever to be held for the local business community. The awards were welcomed by Macclesfield & Wilmslow businesses and over 300 people attended the black-tie gala dinner which was held at the Capesthorne Hall on the 10th November. The evening comprised of the prestigious awards ceremony and included entertainment from the inspiring and hugely successful local businesswoman Dawn Gibbons MBE, managing director of Flowcrete as well as hearing from the Mayor of Cheshire East Councillor Roger West. Orbit Developments sponsored the award for 'Business of the Year Turnover up to £5 million' which was awarded to eco-friendly loyalty card company Plastic Card Services for their all-round excellence in business. Rob Nicholls Managing Director of Plastic Card Services who are based at Tytherington Business Park said; "Its recognition of all the hard work that's been put in by the staff over the last two years in achieving what we've been able to achieve. The reward is very much a reflection of the long hours and the hard work we've all put in." Over ten organisations in the local business community celebrated their achievement. The worthy winners are; Business of the Year Turnover over £5m - MPM Products Ltd Business of the Year Turnover up to £5m - Plastic Card Services Ltd Business Adviser of the Year - Equilibrium Asset Management LLP Excellence in Customer Service - Chess Telecom Entrepreneur of the Year - Mobica Ltd Independent Retailer of the Year - Bollington Brewery Co Ltd Innovation & Design - Oliver Valve Tek Ltd Most Creative Marketing Campaign - Prestbury Travel Group Most Promising New Business - Armchair Opticians The Sustainability Award - Tidy Planet Guests on the night raised £3,200 for East Cheshire Hospice the Macclesfield based charity which cares for adults suffering from life-limiting illnesses from which there is no cure. The hospice needs £6,000 a day to be able to provide care and support for patients. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:46:12 GMT