Thinking of relocating? You should definitely consider Stoke-on-Trent
Managing Director of NovaLoca, Miranda Munn, was in Stoke-on-Trent this morning enjoying cheesy oatcakes at the Make it Stoke-on Trent & Staffordshire event inside 2 Smithfields. Read her account of the day below:
“It’s great to hear about the superb opportunities in Stoke & Staffs.”
Make it Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire began proceedings and shared their success stories, announcing 2,077 jobs created in 2015/16 through their excellent work encouraging and supporting businesses to locate within the area.
They highlighted a shortage of modern industrial/warehouse units (specifically 30-50,000 sq ft) and the additional support required by advanced manufacturing and engineering. The establishment of the Ceramic Valley Enterprise Zone provides a real boost; with business rate discounts and enhanced tax allowances, freeing up cash for companies to invest in job creation and the latest plant and machinery.
Andrew Venables from Bilfinger GVA spoke about the UK office market, highlighting that construction in the regions was much lower in proportion to the amount of stock compared to London and the City. Further to that, although industrial rental levels had returned to the peak levels seen in 2008 retail and office rents had yet to do so.
With this in mind, it was hugely encouraging to be sat within the brand new Grade A offices being completed at 2 Smithfields. Providing between 6,782 & 81,550 sqft, Andrew explained that marketing for the building had yet to begin in earnest and they had already received a lot of enquiries. After visiting the building and it’s well laid surroundings, I’m not surprised.
On the journey home I was interested to hear Emma Bridgewater live on BBC Womans Hour, one of many examples of success for Stoke & Staffs. Emma (now employing 250 people & actively recruiting) confirmed that she wouldn’t be moving from Stoke. I’m sure there will be many more to join her.
If Miranda has inspired you to fnd your own commercial property in Stoke-on-Trent, click here!
