http://www.orbit-developments.co.ukOrbit Developments RSS Feeden-gbFri, 18 May 2012 04:38:21 GMThttp://www.orbit-developments.co.uk/news/2012/5/15/orbit-developments-welcomes-clm-associates-to-gawsworth-house.aspx CLM Associates, a business training and Microsoft academy have relocated to one of Crewe's landmark office buildings, Orbit Developments' Gawsworth House on Crewe Business Park. CLM have acquired 2,776 sqft, on the ground floor on a flexible lease designed around the client's specific requirements. CLM offer apprenticeships and I.T training which provides organisations with the training and support to grow and improve young people's skills. They specialise in apprenticeships, work based learning and college provisions. Since the departure of previous tenant DIY Focus in 2010, Gawsworth House has seen significant investment from Orbit Developments and has undergone substantial refurbishment works across three floors and to the reception area. The offices are now complete and ready to occupy. Paul McLeman, Leasing Director of Orbit Developments commented: "Whilst we are one of the regions largest property owners, we are always focused on providing quality business space at a price point which provides value for money.  We have implemented this at Gawsworth House and as a result we expect other lettings to follow on closely behind the deal with CLM Associates". Claire McLellan, Director of CLM Associates commented: "Working with Orbit Developments was a pleasure, we were treated like an individual and they offered us a deal that worked for us. Gawsworth House is ideally located, easily accessible and is central to a host of amenities which is ideal for our staff". Tue, 15 May 2012 09:07:41 GMThttp://www.orbit-developments.co.uk/news/2012/5/14/north-west-ambulance-service-opens-at-parkway-business-centre.aspx North West Ambulance Service's new £2.7million state-of-the-art control centre, located at Orbit Developments Parkway Business Park in Manchester was opened by His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester on 10th May 2012. The Duke met and talked to ambulance control staff, who last month, moved to the centre from the old site in Belle Vue, that was no longer fit for purpose. Following a tour of the facilities, HRH revealed a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion. The centre, which took 11 months to complete, marks a real milestone for the ambulance service and brings together the emergency, urgent and patient transport control functions covering the entire Greater Manchester area. Collectively the control function in Greater Manchester employs over 200 staff and last year answered some 426,365 emergency 999 calls and managed 618,312 non-emergency patient journeys. Around 8,000 hours of work went into the project which has resulted in six different zones - 999 call taking, ambulance dispatch, NHS 111, Urgent Care, Patient Transport Service Day Control,Planning and call management and Major Incident Management. The control centre creates the environment for the ambulance service to think differently about how it serves those in need. In the Urgent Care section for example, specialist paramedics call back less serious 999 calls and give a clinical assessment over the phone. The paramedics can then, if appropriate, refer patients to an alternative place for treatment, freeing up emergency ambulances for more serious incidents. This is a significant move for the Patient Transport Service control function which was previously split between five sites. Establishing one contact centre in the Greater Manchester area brings the area in line with the rest of the service in the North West and has enabled new technology to be rolled out effectively, such as a computer aided dispatch system, automated vehicle tracking and the digital radio system Airwave, to bring the service in line with the emergency service. Chief Executive at North West Ambulance Service, Darren Hurrell said: "Modern control rooms are the hub of ambulance services of today and play a vital role in ensuring that patients receive the right care, at the right time, in the right place. "This investment not only provides a pleasant working environment for staff, but also allows us to continue to progress the way we deliver healthcare to our patients in the future, through functions which offer patients other appropriate care pathways such as NHS 111 and the Urgent Care Desk. "We are very proud of the new development and are honoured that Prince Richard took time to visit us." The facility at Parkway is shared with NHS Manchester. Mon, 14 May 2012 17:03:16 GMThttp://www.orbit-developments.co.uk/news/2012/5/11/the-lowry-outlet-mall-serves-up-a-new-signing-as-denby-is-confirmed-to-open.aspx Leading tableware and cookware supplier, Denby, is confirmed to open at the Lowry Outlet Mall on 24th May 2012. Occupying a 1246 sq ft unit, on the ground floor, Denby will employ six members of staff in its new store. Offering its renowned collection of dinnerware sets, exquisite china, timeless glassware and contemporary cookware. Combining sumptuous design and exceptional quality and functionality, Denby is ideal for all formal and informal dining occasions. In an intensely competitive retail market, keeping customers satisfied has never been so important. The Lowry Outlet Mall continues to deliver here, with an expanding and extensive retail and leisure mix, giving customers quality brands for less. The Mall recently announced strong performance figures, where sales are currently up 11% year on year and footfall is up 14% year on year. The homeware category has performed particularly well with sales currently up 94% year on year. Stores in this retail category include M&S Outlet Furniture & Home Accessories, Tefal, @Home, Whittard of Chelsea, Ponden Home Interiors and Belledorm. Sue McIntosh, Head of Retail at Denby, said: "We are thrilled to open this new store in the Lowry Outlet Mall, to add to our growing portfolio of Outlet Stores in the UK. Our stores stock the latest Denby tableware alongside our complementary Cookshop Collection and offer not only contemporary design but great value and choice for outlet shoppers." Robert Hallworth, Centre Manager at the Lowry Outlet Mall, said: "Denby is an iconic British brand with an impressive, high-quality offering. With the recent figures report showing that the Mall's homeware category is continuing to out perform; Denby is a strong and welcome addition to the Mall's current retail portfolio." Fri, 11 May 2012 10:47:06 GMThttp://www.orbit-developments.co.uk/news/2012/5/2/lowry-outlet-mall-enjoys-cracking-sales-and-footfall-over-the-easter-period.aspx Lowry Outlet Mall today announced that its footfall figures were up 36.2%, over the Easter period, compared to the two weeks of Easter in 2011. As a result, total sales were up 35%. These figures report a significant increase YOY, which indicates 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. The Easter break saw shoppers flocking to the Mall for its free family activities. The poor weather also played a part in helping to drive the crowds indoors. Popular family attractions included the Easter Garden Party, a performance from the Middlesbrough 'Steelworks' Steel Band, the hula-hoop workshop and a Salford community-led games day with JP League. The Mall continues to deliver increased sales year on year, reporting its strongest performing category was homeware, which was up 133.3%; stores include M&S Outlet Furniture & Home Accessories, @Home, Whittard of Chelsea, Wax Lyrical, Ponden Home Interiors and Belledorm. The menswear category also reported an increase, with a rise of 91.2%; footwear was up 38.5%; mixed fashion showed an increase of 30.4% and gifts were up 22.5%, all compared to the previous two weeks of Easter in 2011. 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, which includes TV and radio and some successful Lowry Theatre shows, which brought in substantial secondary footfall. Robert Hallworth, Centre Manager said: "The Lowry Outlet Mall has performed way above expectations for the Easter period. The success has been down to strong, targeted marketing to really drive footfall, our weekday footfall is already increasing consistently with worker numbers climbing at nearby MediaCity UK, and we've had some good shows on at the Lowry theatre, next to us. The Mall is at the heart of the Quays, and continues to benefit from the increasing traffic to this area.' Wed, 02 May 2012 15:47:19 GMThttp://www.orbit-developments.co.uk/news/2012/4/19/orbit-developments-welcomes-media-occupier-to-barlow-house.aspx Orbit Developments, on behalf of Edge Wear Properties, has let 5,646 sq ft of office space to digital agency Net Search Media at Barlow House, just off Portland Street in the heart of Manchester city centre. Net Search Media who specialise in online marketing including SEO, social media and web design have amalgamated a number of offices in the Greater Manchester area. The agency has merged its divisions into one city centre office which will accommodate approximately 50 staff. James Raspin, leasing surveyor at Orbit Developments, commented: "We are pleased to welcome Net Search Media to Barlow House. They are a fast growing company who will benefit from the buildings proximity to Piccadilly Gardens, mainline train stations, metro link and amenities, when bringing together a number of offices and staff." Danny Kay of Net Search Media, commented: "We are excited about moving into new space at Barlow House. We were impressed with the space and its central location. It will allow us to create a great working environment and attract the right staff to grow the business".   Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:11:44 GMThttp://www.orbit-developments.co.uk/news/2012/4/4/commercial-property-leasing-a-simple-guide.aspx Finding a suitable office space to operate out of is something that many businesses will have to go through. The prospect of leasing an office can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Here's a guide to some of the jargon used in the commercial property world from Orbit Developments. Heads of terms 'Heads of terms' is the document that confirms the main points of the licence or lease document, this formalises any previous discussions or e-mails in one document before going forward. As a rule of thumb, the longer the commitment, the better the deal is likely to be.    Conventional lease Most commercial property is let on a 'conventional lease' basis. This means a full lease is negotiated between both parties with the use of solicitors. Conventional leases are usually used for tenancies over 12 months - often for periods of up to 25 years - sometimes the landlord will give an option to 'break' the lease at a given time. Leases tend to be used for larger areas of space and usually include incentives based on the commitment and covenant financial strength of the proposed tenant. Licence Usually, a serviced or managed office tenancy will be documented on a shorter form of agreement called a 'licence'. Licences are worded in a user-friendly way that avoids the need for legal advice, enabling a tenant to occupy the premises in a quicker manner in a kind of easy in - easy out agreement. Managed or all inclusive office suites cater for small and medium-sized companies who wish to provide their own IT and telecoms equipment, rather than rent it and they didn't need full secretarial back-up. The all inclusive rate usually means the rental, service charge, business rates, building insurance and quite often the electricity is included within the quoted price. These types of offices often suit companies looking for 12 month contracts or longer and rents are usually paid monthly rather than quarterly. This is the most popular route for a new start up business or partnership. Serviced offices usually cater for a smaller number of employees. They're a good, flexible option for start-ups or smaller businesses as they are fully furnished and provide additional services, such as trained reception staff, phone and IT equipment, within the monthly rental rate. Generally, the monthly rent includes property with items such as business rates, service charge and utilities. The minimum term for this type of space can be as low as three months.  In summary, don't be afraid of renting a commercial property, it's easier than is seems and any good landlord will guide you through the various stages and processes. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 15:49:47 GMThttp://www.orbit-developments.co.uk/news/2012/4/2/hat-trick-of-lettings-at-orbit-developments-bollin-house.aspx Orbit Developments has secured three new lettings totaling 6,810 sq ft at Bollin House, Wilmslow to Leap 29, Georgia Group and Industrial Scientific. Leap 29, a locally based international recruitment agency who are continually expanding have taken additional space within Bollin House acquiring 3,722 sq ft to take total occupation within the building to 6,926 sq ft. Lewis Hall, Director of Leap 29 commented: "Location was key in our search for the right office premises. It is essential in our line of business that we are well connected with the local labour pool. Bollin House offers a combination of modern affordable office space in a sought after Wilmslow location". UK management consultancy Georgia Group, has taken 1,237 sq ft of office space, having relocated from Stoke on Trent to Wilmslow. Georgia Group is a consultancy which helps businesses such as KPMG, New Look, House of Fraser, BT and the British Fire Service with business improvement to ensure high performance is delivered to their clients. They are steeped in leadership pedigree with Chief Executive, John Fay being awarded an MBE in 2004 and Manley Hopkinson, holder of the World Record for skiing to the North Pole, being recently selected to carry the Olympic Torch. Georgia Group employs 20 people and now operates in the USA and Malaysia. The third letting was to US owned Industrial Scientific who specialise in gas detection products has taken 1,851 sq ft of space, they were attracted to the area due to its close proximity to Manchester International Airport and its excellent frequency of direct flights to and from the US.  James Raspin, leasing surveyor at Orbit Developments, commented: "We are pleased to have secured nearly 7,000 sq ft of new lettings at Bollin House in the past two months. The lettings show the continued strength of the Wilmslow market which benefits from excellent connectivity to Manchester Airport, a wealth of local amenities and good quality office space." Orbit Developments, part of The Emerson Group has an extensive property portfolio throughout the Northwest of England with 349,783 sq ft of office space in Wilmslow alone. Key properties include recently remodeled 50 Alderley Road, Sandfield House and Crown House. Impey & Co acted for Industrial Scientific. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 10:38:51 GMThttp://www.orbit-developments.co.uk/news/2012/3/27/orbit-developments-signs-multinational-deal-at-park-square.aspx Orbit Developments has let over 12,000 sq ft of office accommodation at Park Square in Cheadle to Welspun UK, the supplier of the UK's No 1 Branded towel, 'Christy'.  This UK business is a subsidiary of Indian based Welspun Global Brands and supplies bed linen and towels through its own network of shops and to the UK's leading retailers. As part of the 10-year deal, approximately 50 employees are expected to make the move from Christy's current base in Hyde, Cheshire, and Park Square will now act as the head office, providing space for both office accommodation and showroom facilities. Rhys Owen, leasing surveyor at Orbit Developments, commented: "It's fantastic to see a global business choosing to base itself in the Stockport borough. Welspun were looking for modern offices that would make a lasting impression on their prestigious client base and visitors, at an affordable and good value rate. With its ample parking, modern reception and onsite café, Park Square has successfully managed to exceed those expectations and within a sensible budget." Robert Walker, Chief Executive of Welspun UK, commented: "Welspun are delighted to announce our relocation to Park Square, Cheadle after a wide office search in the South Manchester market. Park Square matched our requirements perfectly and offers affordable yet impressive modern office accommodation in a well-placed environment. In addition, Orbit Developments worked closely with our advisors Altus Edwin Hill throughout the process ensuring a smooth transition and we are looking forward to the move". It is the second significant Park Square deal Orbit has signed in as many weeks after it doubled the amount of office accommodation let to Jacobs Engineering. The US-owned consultancy increased its floor space to 22,500 sq ft, taking over the entire 2nd floor at Park Square. Tony Jones, Managing Director of Orbit Developments comments, "This significant letting demonstrates the unique appeal we offer as Stockport's local landlord to businesses seeking the right office space for their individual requirements. He continued: With ownership of over 400,000 sq ft of office space in the town, we pride ourselves on establishing good relationships with our existing customer base and offer tailored office solutions to new customers ensuring we meet budget requirements. We have witnessed significant letting activity in Stockport over the last six months and this is testament to the bespoke solutions we provide. Schemes such as the redevelopment of Grand Central will not have the benefit of working with an existing customer base and will therefore have its work cut out for the scheme to be viable." Welspun UK was advised by Altus Edwin Hill. DTZ and GVA acted for Orbit Developments.   Park Square is one of south Manchester's biggest office buildings, with one of the largest single floor plates in the region. The 133,000 sq ft office building underwent a major refurbishment to its reception area and office suites earlier this year. To date, Orbit has invested approximately £1.6 million in the six-storey office building. Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:31:51 GMThttp://www.orbit-developments.co.uk/news/2012/3/22/international-software-engineers-expand-with-orbit-developments.aspx International software services company and Winner of 'Entrepreneur of the Year' at Macclesfield and Wilmslow's Business Awards 2011 - Mobica Ltd, has recently expanded their international operations with Orbit Developments to Crown House in Wilmslow.  The high-end mobile software developers have taken 5,200 sq ft on a 10 year lease. Mobica Ltd provides software development and integration services for consumer electronics devices such as; Google Android, iOS, Java, BlackBerry and WP7; to Linux distributions, Windows Embedded and RTOS. Mobica has over 60 year's industry experience with over 250 employees; their customers include Vodafone, Motorola, Samsung, PacketVideo and Imagination Technologies. Clare Wright, VP of Finance and Admin from Mobica Ltd commented: "We have been based in Wilmslow for the past 5 years as the town provides excellent transport links and is easily accessible to Manchester Airport, ideal for an international business like ourselves. The towns amenities are second to none, perfect for our clients and employees.  As our company has grown, Orbit Developments has been able to provide us with a simple expansion solution that met our criteria.  We look forward to growing our business further with Orbit in the future." Rhys Owen, Leasing Surveyor from Orbit Developments commented: "We are delighted to welcome Mobica Ltd to Crown House. This recent letting reinforces the continued strength and demand in the Wilmslow market, which benefits from excellent transport connectivity accompanied with a wealth of local amenities and a range of good quality office space. Orbit Developments acted for itself in conjunction with Lambert Smith Hampton and Canning O'Neill. Orbit Developments, part of The Emerson Group has an extensive property portfolio throughout the Northwest of England with over 349,783 sq ft of office space in Wilmslow alone. Key properties include recently remodeled 50 Alderley Road, Sandfield House and Riverside Business Park. Thu, 22 Mar 2012 10:11:20 GMThttp://www.orbit-developments.co.uk/news/2012/2/24/jacobs-doubles-floor-space-at-park-square.aspx Orbit Developments has doubled the amount of office accommodation let to US-owned consultancy Jacobs Engineering, at its Park Square development in Cheadle in just five months. Following a contract win in October 2011, Jacobs relocated part of its operations, including 70 staff to Park Square. Having originally taken half a floor of 10,000 sq ft, the engineering firm has now expanded its Park Square operations, taking control of the entire 2nd floor and increasing its floor space to 22,500 sq ft. The deal took place after Jacobs won a number of significant new contracts, requiring additional space to service its growing client base. The move is expected to bring another 100 employees to the Stockport area, including a number of newly created roles. Rhys Owen, leasing surveyor at Orbit Developments, commented: "Jacobs is a global leader in professional technical services and we are delighted that, as a current tenant, it has chosen to significantly increase its presence at Park Square. Jacobs are delighted with what the development has to offer and this move is testament not only to the amenities, car parking and meeting spaces on offer at the development but the wider business benefits of the Stockport area." He continued: "Due to other letting activity in the building, the deal required Jacobs to move its workforce to another floor. However, the flexibility on offer at Park Square meant this was completed quickly and efficiently with no disruption to its day-to-day operations." Park Square is one of south Manchester's biggest office buildings, with one of the largest single floor plates in the region. The 133,000 sq ft office building underwent a major refurbishment to its reception area and office suites earlier this year. To date, Orbit has invested approximately £1.6 million in the six-storey office building. Two further buildings currently have planning approval on the site to provide a further 100,000 sq ft of Grade A office space. Orbit is one of the largest commercial landlord's in the Stockport area with a total floor area of 438,447 sq ft across 11 buildings. Key developments include Regent House, an 11-storey office development, totaling 102,950 sq ft and Beckwith House, a nine-storey building, totaling 35,050 sq ft. Jacobs was represented by Vail Williams, Orbit Developments acted for itself in conjunction with DTZ and GVA. Fri, 24 Feb 2012 09:36:45 GMT