Stoford’s headquarters on Ludgate Hill, Birmingham
Developing young minds
of funding secured in the last 12 months c.£550m currently under construction or completed 3,230,764 sq ft pre-lets agreed nationally 11
speculative buildings completed or under construction 10
Stoford has forged a strong reputation for the delivery of high quality, sustainable buildings for our occupiers. What you may not be aware of is our commitment to developing young minds too.
In the past year, we have recruited our second graduate George Walker, who will work alongside our development team, and have supported two full-time work experience undergraduates in completing their studies.
Owen McDougall joined our construction team in spring 2024 for a 22-week work placement, during which he gained a greater knowledge and understanding of project management as part of his degree.
We also welcomed Deschanell Da Costa who is studying for an MA in Architecture. During her placement she will gain a better understanding of the process, including the challenges, constraints and management of a project.
Investing in young minds is integral to our industry, which is why we’ve recently extended our support to younger students. We took on our first T-level student which enabled them to experience working within the business.
This follows delivery of a bespoke, work experience programme for eight local school pupils, and hosted visits to both our Tea Factory site in Digbeth, and the UK’s first industry-led construction school, in Gloucestershire. All of which benefited from the time, skills and experience of Stoford team members.
By showcasing the many career options available within the commercial property sector, we can educate and inspire our young people, and help improve the communities we live and work in.
Matthew Burgin, Joint Managing Director, Stoford
Students lay foundations for a career in construction
Stoford has partnered with two local schools to give young people a taste of what it takes to forge a career in the property and construction sector.
The company’s land and planning team is supporting students at King Edward VI High School in Stafford and Ashlawn School in Rugby, through the delivery of a series of tailored events.
The schools were identified as a result of Stoford’s ongoing relationships with council officers in each region.
Events have formed part of the careers programme at King Edward VI High School and have included careers talks and two hosted activity days at AccXel, the UK’s first industry-led construction school.
More than 100 of the school’s Year 10 students were treated to a series of fun activities, including a JCB simulator challenge and the opportunity to drive dumper trucks around a virtual construction site. They were also able to access cutting-edge drones and surveying instruments to view topography and measure site levels, setting out points within a building site using GPS.
In a separate visit, 18 students from the same school toured the Tea Factory, the new landmark Birmingham headquarters for the BBC, where Stoford is jointly supporting a T-Level student placement with construction company, BAM. Students learnt more about the scheme, the challenges involved in its delivery and the range of job roles that contribute to a development of its scale.
Following completion of these initiatives, it was announced that Stoford’s Jo Russell had been selected as a finalist in the AccXel Construction School Constructing Futures Awards 2024. The Construction Ally Award recognises the commitment to championing and supporting positive change in the industry.
An additional series of events were held in November 2024, during Ashlawn School’s Green Careers Week. Jo Russell is assigned as an Education Advisor to the school, and joined Stoford colleagues and members at the West Midlands Women in Property Branch in delivering assemblies and planning themed workshops for all year groups. These events highlighted the available career paths, sector opportunities, and project experiences.
Further events with Year 8 students included a ‘planning for real’ exercise led by Stoford, where they planned a development, assessed the challenges that construction sites present, and developed ideas to overcome them.
Year 9 girls engaged in a careers focused assembly, with opportunities to listen to and question female professionals from Stoford, on their chosen careers. Participants discussed what attracted them into the sector, the projects they had worked on, and the skills and experiences acquired.
The future of our construction industry relies on the development of talented young people like those at King Edward VI High School. There are so many opportunities available, from groundworks to site management, and we wanted to showcase the sector to those students who are currently considering their career options.
AccXel is an industry-led training and apprenticeship provider that was founded to tackle skills shortages in construction. It is skilled in providing practical hands-on activities that really excite and engage young people and was the perfect venue for these events.
Jo Russell, Planning Director,
Stoford
Something’s brewing at The Tea Factory in Digbeth
Work is underway on the construction of the BBC’s new Birmingham home.
Stoford is transforming the former Typhoo Tea factory in Digbeth into a new 84,001 sq ft custom-built broadcast centre.
Known as The Tea Factory, it will house several BBC editorial teams, including The Archers, BBC Asian Network, BBC Newsbeat, BBC Radio WM and Midlands Today.
To mark the occasion, a start on site launch event was attended by guests, including Tim Davie, Director General of the BBC, as well as Hayley Valentine, BBC Head of Midlands; Councillor John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council; Neil Dobson, Director, Aviva Investors; and Andy Street, the former West Midlands Mayor.
The Tea Factory is majority-funded by Aviva Investors on behalf of its Lime Property Fund, with a grant from Birmingham City Council. It is programmed for completion in 2026.
For more information, visit: www.typhoowharf.co.uk
A pioneering, low-carbon scheme
Stoford is committed to retaining the historic legacy of the former Typhoo Tea factory.
It will deliver a pioneering scheme, using low carbon principles, which will target BREEAM Outstanding and an EPC A rating.
The reuse of the original 1930s factory building will be the heart of the broader Typhoo Wharf scheme. Over the next decade, Stoford plans to deliver up to 800,000 sq ft of new residential, office and hospitality accommodation around the new BBC building.
It will see the transformation of more than 10 acres of underused land around Typhoo Wharf and the adjoining canal basin into a new, mixed-use neighbourhood, characterised by attractive public spaces and open thoroughfares.
The scheme will also benefit from a new tram stop and is just a few hundred metres from the planned HS2 Curzon Street terminus.
Stoford is working with The Gooch Estate, Howells, Turley and several public sector partners to complete the development and to prepare a comprehensive vision for the wider area.
After months of planning and preparing the site, it’s exciting to start work on evitalising this historic building. In time, working with our partner The Gooch Estate, we will bring forward a much larger mixed-use scheme known as Typhoo Wharf which sits around the wider area adjacent to the Bordesley Street landmark.
With our strategic partners, we have created an exciting blueprint that will provide a stunning home for the BBC, which will be the corporation’s most sustainable and flexible centre yet. Over the next three years, as work progresses, anyone visiting Digbeth will be able to see the scheme unfolding.
Gerard Ludlow, Director, Stoford
This is a significant step, not just for the BBC, but for invigorating the wider creative industries in the Midlands. We are transforming The Tea Factory into a world-class state-of-the-art production facility which will benefit the region for generations to come.
Digbeth will deliver world-class programmes, be a centre for excellence and bring investment and new opportunities to one of the most vibrant parts of the country.
Tim Davie, Director-General, BBC
Completion for Stellantis’ new 667,000 sq ft distribution centre
Construction has completed on a new state-of-theart logistics development at the Vauxhall Plant, Ellesmere Port.
The 667,000 sq ft UK parts distribution centre has been pre-let to Peugeot, a subsidiary of global automaker Stellantis Group, and is the biggest single cross-docked warehouse to be developed in the North West in recent years.
The development forms part of the expansion of Ellesmere Port and will ensure the longevity of this significant employment site.
Funded by Frasers & Logistics Commercial Trust, it has a GDV of £101 million and won Best Asset Management Initiative at the 2023 IAS Awards.
We are pleased to have delivered such an impressive building for Stellantis. This purpose-built distribution unit has been made possible thanks to an open partnership approach, which included developing around the new tenant’s existing facilities. It will not only create new jobs but deliver significant economic benefits for the region too.”
Dan Gallagher, Joint Managing Director, Stoford
Agents join World Cup Rugby-themed launch
More than 50 commercial property agents toured the new Stellantis distribution centre at a World Cup Rugby-themed launch event with special guest speaker, Steve Thompson MBE, the former England World Cup winning hooker.
Guests learned more about the availability of 115 acres of nearby development land, which has the capability to deliver up to 1.6m sq ft of new accommodation.
An additional parcel of land, adjacent to Stellantis Group, consists of c.52.6 acres and will deliver up to c.1m sq ft allocated for B2 and B8 use.
Outstanding ESG credentials
Stoford targeted the highest level of building sustainability certification for the new development, with an enhanced specification including:
• BREEAM Outstanding
• EPC A rating
• Net zero carbon in base build operation
• Rainwater harvesting
• Highly efficient thermal envelope design centred around high levels of insulation and airtightness, reducing the amount of energy required to heat and cool the building
• PV panels with battery storage enabling the base build to operate a net zero carbon generation, plus an additional 600m sq solar array in surplus car park areas
• Frame strengthened to enable up to 100% PV coverage
• EV charging spaces at 20%
• 15% rooflights to the warehouse area to reduce the need for electric lighting
• Bike stores with green roofs.
Five new units complete final phase of Spa Park
Stoford has completed the final phase of development at Spa Park in collaboration with global asset manager, BlackRock.
Five new units have been constructed at the multi-million pound business park in Leamington Spa, delivering almost 320,000 sq ft of new office, R&D, production and distribution accommodation. Each building has achieved BREEAM Excellent, net zero carbon and an EPC A rating, and benefits from access to an outdoor gymnasium and EV charging provision.
The developments include:
• Unit A, a 38,650 sq ft building let to home improvement retailer, Wickes
• Unit B/C, a purpose-built production plant of 166,859 sq ft, pre-let to recycling specialist, Berry Global
• Unit D, a 24,000 sq ft unit let to General Motors
• Unit F, a 39,875 sq ft unit let to automotive engineering and product supply firm, Opus International Products
• Unit E which comprises 50,000 sq ft and is immediately available
The recent lettings complement a strong list of existing occupiers at Spa Park, featuring Bladon Micro Turbines, Liberty Commodities Limited and Martin Sprocket & Gear.
Just two of the scheme’s overall nine units remain available to let.
We are very proud to have completed the final phase of development at Spa Park. We have collaborated with BlackRock since 2017 to deliver nine new buildings, providing more than 500,000 sq ft of high quality accommodation in a well-connected site near the M40.
The scheme has consistently attracted high calibre occupiers that have created many new skilled jobs in the region. We look forward to letting the remaining available units.
Edward Peel, Director, Stoford
We are delighted to be moving our company to Spa Park. The building specification is perfectly suited to support our expansion plans which include further investment in manufacturing equipment and creation of further job opportunities for the local community. We have shared our relocation plans with our main customers and they are equally delighted to learn that we will be located in close proximity to their engineering and manufacturing centres.
Rob Coles, Managing Director, Opus International Products
For more information, please contact the scheme’s retained agents, CBRE, M1 Agency and Bromwich Hardy or visit: www.spapark.co.uk
Approval for second phase of Stannah’s Andover campus
International stairlift manufacturer and leading supplier of commercial lifts and lift services, Stannah, is eyeing a second phase of development at Andover Business Park.
Stoford has gained planning consent for a new low energy consuming building on a 10-acre plot to the north of the business park, completing the frontage on Pioneer Road.
The 136,100 sq ft unit will comprise three levels of office accommodation, as well as new access arrangements, landscaping, a service yard and parking facilities. It will contain a range of environmentally sustainable features and will be built to BREEAM standards.
Stoford completed a new 90,000 sq ft factory for Stannah at Andover Business Park in September 2023. The new unit is part of Stannah’s long-term strategy for expansion, maintaining Andover as its primary UK manufacturing location where it has been based since the 1970s.
We have already worked in partnership with Stannah to successfully deliver a high quality, sustainable unit as part of phase one and are excited by the potential to develop a new warehouse/distribution unit on the adjacent plot. It will not only support Stannah’s future growth but sustain valuable manufacturing jobs in Andover.
Edward Peel, Director, Stoford
Work starts on new £30m HQ redevelopment in Wolverhampton
Stoford has commenced construction of a £30 million headquarters redevelopment in Wolverhampton, on behalf of Task Consumer Products.
Almost 210,000 sq ft of new industrial/distribution accommodation will be developed on an 18-acre site at Citygate Park, Stafford Road.
Stoford will deliver the 83,500 sq ft extension of an existing building which will be connected, via a conveyor belt system, to a new purpose built unit of c.125,000 sq ft with three-storey office space.
Remediation works are taking place on the brownfield site and a vacant building has been demolished, to create space for the new unit. The full project is programmed for completion in August 2025.
It’s exciting to see the start of construction work on site. This is a multi-phased project, on land which was historically used for landfill, so we’ve had to carry out extensive remediation and demolition works in readiness for the new development.
Task’s commitment to investing in the site is positive news for the city of Wolverhampton, securing its future in the region and creating employment opportunities for local people. The development also reinforces Stoford’s commitment to Wolverhampton and the wider Staffordshire county too.
Dan Gallagher, Joint Managing Director, Stoford
Pets at Home moves into new £93m state-of-the-art fulfilment centre
Stoford has delivered a new 670,000 sq ft fulfilment centre in Staffordshire on behalf of the UK’s leading pet care business, Pets at Home.
The £93m purpose-built development has been constructed on a 70-acre site at Stafford North Business Park, near Jct 14 of the M6.
Built to BREEAM Excellent, its facilities include two double storey hub offices of 5,600 sq ft, a recycling store, tote store and a gatehouse detached from the main building. There is an additional 100,000 sq ft of expansion land available if required.
A nature walk and dog walking areas on the site have been made available for public use.
Pets at Home has signed a 20-year lease on the facility. It said that the new development will support up to 800 jobs and is the biggest investment in the firm’s 32-year history.
It was forward funded by Tesco Pension Fund.
I’m incredibly proud to mark this significant moment for our business with some truly remarkable colleagues and former leaders who have each contributed so much to the success of our business. The team have worked incredibly hard to ensure our new fulfilment centre has the capacity and capability to support future growth for years to come as we continue maximising our omnichannel capabilities.
Lyssa McGowan, Chief Executive Officer, Pets at Home
Stafford North Business Park has benefitted from an additional £9 million investment in road and utilities infrastructure.
The investment will open up a further three phases of development, with a combined 141 acres of land under Stoford’s control.
Works have included a major road improvement scheme with a new roundabout on the A34 at Redhill, north of Stafford. There is also improved cycling and pedestrian facilities, a signalised crossing, new bus stops and street lighting.
The investment in the infrastructure at Stafford North Business Park will enable us to develop the scheme into one of the region’s leading employment sites.
Dan Gallagher, Joint Managing Director, Stoford
For more information, visit: www.stoford.com/availability
Available:
Phase 2: Planning allocation for B2 & B8 for 130,000 sq ft on 11 acres.
Phase 3: Planning promotion for B2 / B8 on 58 acres.
Phase 4: Land promotion for B2 / B8 and residential on 72 acres.
Worcester Six: New occupiers confirmed and works start on phase two
It has been another year filled with exciting developments at Worcester Six Business Park. Construction has completed on a new unit for national foodservice wholesaler Bidfood. The bespoke unit comprises 62,431 sq ft of floor space, plus ancillary offices and will be Bidfood’s first in the region, and 28th depot nationally. It will include a cold store, and other bespoke features tailored to the business’ needs.
Infrastructure works to facilitate phase two have also completed. These works will unlock more than 60 acres of development land and up to 680,000 sq ft of space on the southern side of the site. It is part of a long-term development strategy and is included in the South Worcestershire Development Plan.
The first occupier to take space in the southern extension will be global manufacturer MiTek.
The business is set to establish its EMEA headquarters in a new 278,048 sq ft manufacturing facility. MiTek will acquire the freehold to the building upon its completion, representing what is believed to be the largest pre-sale in Worcestershire for more than 20 years.
Construction of the new unit has commenced and is scheduled for completion in Q4 2025.
Worcester Six has welcomed a number of other occupiers. After outgrowing its 14,000 sq ft premises in Malvern, Sierra CP Engineering has signed a 10-year lease on a 28,167 sq ft unit, doubling its previous space. Work has also been completed on a 180,121 sq ft unit for Alliance Flooring Distribution, which is net zero carbon in operation.
Stoford is also safeguarding and improving the green space at Worcester Six, working with Worcestershire’s Green Infrastructure (GI) Partnership to create a longterm GI Concept Plan, which will see over 40% of the site dedicated to natural habitats and landscaping. Once fully developed, Worcester Six will provide 2.1 million sq ft of accommodation.
Welcoming MiTek to the southern extension at Worcester Six is particularly exciting. Establishing a new headquarters will have a significant impact on the business park and surrounding area in terms of employment opportunities and economic benefits. We are thrilled to have secured planning consent and look forward to starting work.
Edward Peel, Director, Stoford
For more information, please contact the scheme’s retained agents, Harris Lamb and BNP Paribas Real Estate or visit:
www.worcester6.co.uk
MiTek
Bidfood
New Exeter fulfilment centre for Sainsbury’s
Stoford has completed construction of a new regional fulfilment centre (RFC) in East Devon for a major multi-channel retailer.
The development delivers 42,500 sq ft of highly specified accommodation on a 2.98-acre plot at Exeter Logistics Park, Clyst Honiton, just two miles from Jct 29 of the M5 motorway.
Stoford is lead developer for Exeter Logistics Park and secured planning consent and private funding by Eyre Estate for the new BREEAM Very Good building. It is equipped with water and daylight saving controls, PV panels, EV charging provision and a sustainable urban drainage system, contributing to its EPC A rating and net zero carbon in operation.
Our development of Exeter Logistics Park continues to meet occupier demand for high quality, sustainable accommodation in the South West. The new RFC is a well designed building that meets individual needs, with a combination of high-quality internal and external spaces. It provides further job opportunities for local people and supports our net zero carbon goals.
Edward Peel, Director, Stoford
A long-term site wide agreement between Stoford and landowner, the Church Commissioners for England, will see the delivery of up to a further c.500,000 sq ft of high quality industrial/logistics accommodation at Exeter Logistics Park.
Earlier phases have developed almost 24 acres of land at Exeter Logistics Park, as well as installing new high quality fitness and wellbeing facilities on site - with a trim trail, outdoor gym areas and bodyweight exercise equipment.
We are delighted to have partnered with Stoford to fund the development of the unit, delivering on the Fund’s strategy to invest in high quality sustainable buildings, in good locations, let to strong covenants.
Sarah
Slater,
Chief
Executive, Eyre Estate Investment Fund
Four completed developments include:
• A 54,700 sq ft parcel distribution service centre for DHL
• Amazon’s 90,000 sq ft distribution unit
• An EV charging park for Amazon
• A 28,500 sq ft speculative unit let to Forgeway
Exeter Logistics Park is ideally located for distribution, with access to the national motorway network via Jct 29 of the M5.
For more information, please contact retained agents JLL and Cushman & Wakefield or visit: www.exeterlogisticspark.com
New £75m logistics development planned at Axis Works, Bristol
Stoford has unveiled plans for a new 394,680 sq ft logistics unit in Avonmouth, Bristol, on behalf of an end user.
A reserved matters application has been submitted for the development of the new unit on a 20-acre plot at Axis Works, a prime industrial/logistics scheme at Central Park, near Jct 1 of the M49.
The development will target BREEAM Excellent, EPC
A, and net zero carbon in construction, and contain environmentally sustainable features such as green roof cycle shelters, rainwater harvesting and EV charging infrastructure.
Plans include the development of a new vehicle maintenance unit, external yards, parking, and the creation of a new estate road off Central Avenue.
Axis Works is a 101-acre site which was previously used as a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility.
Stoford is development manager for the scheme and has secured hybrid planning consent for the creation of c.2 million sq ft of new industrial, warehouse and logistics accommodation.
Axis Works is part of a multimodal scheme of national significance, with the capacity to deliver built-to-suit units of incomparable scale.
This state-of-the-art, sustainable development, will create purpose-built storage and distribution facilities for a national occupier. It also has the potential to create almost 500 new jobs during its construction and operational phases.
A considerable investment has already been made in clearing the site of the former AstraZeneca works, and we are making good progress with demolition, site raising and site-wide drainage infrastructure works.
Dan Gallagher, Joint Managing Director, Stoford
Development agreement signed for 82-acre site in Cheshire
Stoford has secured 82 acres of allocated employment land in Cheshire, for the delivery of units ranging from 100,000 sq ft to 600,000 sq ft.
For more information, please contact retained agents CBRE and Knight Frank or visit: www.axis-works.com
Available:
D&B units available between 273,000 sq ft - 2m sq ft
The development agreement has been signed on land adjacent to Gadbrook, Northwich, with the site located on the A556, 5.8 miles from Jct 19 of the M6.
There are plans for a hybrid planning application to be submitted in early 2025. This will consist of a detailed application for the site access and outline plans for up to 1.1 million sq ft of manufacturing, industrial and logistics accommodation.
We are excited to be bringing forward this development, providing market-leading employment spaces with bespoke options to meet occupier requirements. The site has been allocated for some time without being developed and therefore we look forward to being able to bring value to the local area through a high-quality development and job creation.
Angus Huntley, Director, Stoford
Stoford completes c.1m sq ft
Redditch Gateway scheme
Work has completed on the second and final phase of development at a c.1m sq ft logistics and manufacturing scheme in the West Midlands.
Two new Grade A warehouse buildings of 161,910 sq ft and 289,011 sq ft have been developed on the southern parcel of the 78-acre Redditch Gateway site, near Jct 2 and 3 of the M42, south of Birmingham.
Designed to meet the widest of occupier demands, they offer 50 kN/m2 floor loading capacities and 15m clear heights, as well as access to high-power supplies of 9.5MVA - more than six times the institutional standard.
Stoford has achieved BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating for both buildings, plus net zero carbon in operation. The prime logistics assets were forward funded by specialist European independent real estate investor, Blackbrook.
Phase one of Redditch Gateway scheme saw the development of a 534,000 sq ft warehouse building that was pre-let to Amazon and included a £6.5 million investment in infrastructure works and a signalised traffic junction.
We have developed two highly specified logistics assets with Blackbrook, that offer significant benefits to occupiers in terms of connectivity, power supply and futureproof ESG credentials. Redditch Gateway is an exciting logistics manufacturing development in a key distribution area that is serving demand in a supply constrained regional marketplace.
or
www.redditchgateway.com
Dan Gallagher, Joint Managing Director, Stoford
Coventry logistics complex set for redevelopment
Stoford and BlackRock UK Property Fund (BUKPF) have submitted a detailed planning application for the redevelopment of a 16.4 acre logistics complex in Coventry.
The proposed scheme would see the construction of Carbon 302, a new 302,000 sq ft unit on a brownfield site at Middlemarch Business Park, Siskin Parkway West.
An existing 1970s building will be demolished to make way for the modern, purpose-built logistics facility.
Sustainability is at the heart of the scheme, which will target BREEAM Excellent.
Energy efficient features include LED lighting and PV roof panels, EV charging provision and extensive landscaping.
The complex will promote employee wellbeing and encourage public transport use through the delivery of an external on-site gym and shower facilities, outside seating, cycle storage, and cycle and walking routes.
This scheme presents the opportunity to secure the long-term future of the site through a replacement complex which meets modern, operational needs.
Our proposals not only support economic growth but will deliver an attractive landscaped environment and a better place for people to work.
Dan Gallagher, Joint Managing Director, Stoford
British Salt’s new 184,493 sq ft warehouse completes
Stoford has delivered a new state-of-the-art warehouse in Cheshire on behalf of the UK’s leading salt manufacturer, British Salt, part of Tata Chemicals Europe.
The new 184,493 sq ft unit has been constructed at British Salt’s existing manufacturing site at Faulkner Drive, Middlewich.
Stoford has developed the building to BREEAM Very Good. It is equipped with a range of sustainability features including EV charging, and has achieved an EPC A rating.
The new warehouse will enable British Salt and Tata Chemicals Europe to store high purity salt and sodium bicarbonate products manufactured at its three sites in the region, and allow the business to streamline its packaging and supply chain operations.
Stoford developed the new facility with forward funding from global alternative asset manager, ICG Real Estate.
We are very pleased to have worked with ICG and British Salt to deliver this best-in-class facility. This is a strategically important development for British Salt, providing a purpose-built facility that will support its ambitious growth plans in Cheshire, where it has been based for more than 50 years.
Edward Peel, Director, Stoford
Welcome Break signs for new 93-acre industrial/warehouse scheme in Somerset
Stoford and landowner, S. Notaro has announced the first occupier at a new 93-acre industrial/warehouse scheme near Bridgwater, Somerset.
Welcome Break has agreed terms to acquire a 10-acre plot at Notaro Park for the development of a new service station adjacent to Jct 24 of the M5.
Stoford is the lead developer for Notaro Park, which has outline planning consent for the development of more than 1.3 million sq ft of accommodation on a design and build basis.
Bespoke units are available from 30,000 sq ft500,000 sq ft to suit occupier demand and will target BREEAM Excellent, EPC A and net zero carbon in operation.
The scheme will benefit from a new consented road network and site infrastructure at Notaro Park in summer 2024, paving the way for works to start on the new Welcome Break service station by the end of the year.
We are very pleased to see the first phase of Notaro Park coming forward. Welcome Break’s arrival will provide new employment opportunities and on-site amenities, including electric vehicle charging points, which will benefit visitors and occupiers alike.
Notaro Park has the potential to meet regional and national demand for high quality industrial/warehouse space in an extremely well-connected location on the M5 corridor. We’re looking forward to welcoming the new services, and adding the necessary road and infrastructure works required to open up the wider scheme.
Edward Peel, Director,
Stoford
Major new Shropshire employment site brought forward
more information, please contact JLL or visit: www.stoford.com/availability
Stoford has been chosen as the specialist delivery partner to support proposals for 16-hectares of strategic employment land in Shropshire.
A development agreement has been signed with the landowner, Ruckley Estate and Harrow Estates, to bring forward the site on the edge of Shifnal.
It is a proposed major employment allocation in the emerging Shropshire Local Plan and adjoins the existing Shifnal Industrial Estate to the nearby Jct 3 of the M54.
We look forward to working with Ruckley Estate and one of the UK’s bestin-class land promoters, Harrow Estates, to deliver this much-needed commercial development scheme. There are already several parties interested in the site given its accessible location near Telford and Wolverhampton, in a region starved of quality development opportunities.
Andy Hartwright, Land Director, Stoford
This exciting development will mean jobs on the doorstep for the people of Shifnal.
Having seen first-hand the high quality build standards achieved by Stoford, we had no hesitation in joining forces with them.
Keith Ashbourne, Ruckley Estate
Approval for 320,000 sq ft urban logistics scheme in Crayford
Stoford and ICG Real Estate have gained approval for a new 320,000 sq ft urban logistics scheme in Crayford, South East London, less than five miles from the M25.
MLM Crayford comprises three new, highly sustainable buildings with integral Grade A office space, ranging in size from c.34,000 - c.170,000 sq ft.
The job-creating scheme will target BREEAM Excellent, EPC A and net zero carbon in whole life cycle, and contains a range of environmentally sustainable features.
Enabling works commenced in the summer and are due to complete Q4 2024.
We are very pleased to be partnering with ICG Real Estate on this exciting new development. MLM Crayford will regenerate a site that has been disused for more than a decade, delivering a market leading, sustainable industrial/logistics scheme in a supply constrained location in the South East.
Angus Huntley, Director, Stoford
For more information, please contact retained agents DTRE and Savills or visit: www.mlmcrayford.co.uk
Units available: Unit 1 - 170,000
- 36,665
Retirement beckons for Stoford stalwarts
Stoford Director, Tony Nash and Project Manager, Alan Stewart have announced their respective retirements after more than 40 years of combined service.
Tony has been a central part of the Stoford story since its earliest days in 1997. Since then, he has developed a reputation for being involved in some incredible deals, both in the office and industrial/logistics sectors.
They include the likes of Inland Revenue in Coventry and Admiral Insurance in Cardiff, with more recent deals being Pets at Home in Stafford and Stellantis at Ellesmere Port.
Alan’s hugely successful career in construction began straight from school in 1972. Initially a contractor, before moving into consultancy and then client side, Alan has enjoyed several roles including: site engineer, senior engineer, construction director, operations manager, and most recently a project manager. He has been part of the Stoford team for almost 14 years. Both Tony and Alan will be hugely missed by everyone at Stoford and by colleagues across the commercial property and construction sector.
Exam success and a special engagement
Stoford Development Manager, Henry Bradshaw, had cause for celebration, having passed the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).
Henry, who was the company’s first graduate appointment, is now a qualified chartered surveyor MRICS. He will continue to support the delivery of Stoford’s extensive portfolio of new and existing office and logistics/warehouse schemes.
Finally, there were wedding bells at the 21st anniversary of the BRENDAs, the annual spoof event for Property for Kids.
Stoford’s Finance Director, Julie Craig, who was a volunteer at the event, was left speechless after her partner, Nick Warwick, of Nolan Associates, proposed on stage.
The happy couple were the toast of a packed audience, including hundreds of friends and industry colleagues.
Stoford eyes growth with three new promotions
Stoford has announced a trio of promotions.
Project Managers, Ben Gwilliam and Simon Ganley become Directors of the business, while Claire Harris has been made Head of Branding.
The promotions are part of Stoford’s strategic growth plans and recognise the role all three employees have played in the success of the award-winning developer, which was recently named as one of the fastest growing companies in the UK.
Since joining Stoford in 2018, Ben Gwilliam has project managed the delivery of several major industrial/ logistics schemes including Liberty Park, Lichfield, Pantheon Park, Icon Harlow and Exeter Logistics Park, a premier distribution location that will provide up to c.500,000 sq ft of high quality accommodation when complete.
Simon Ganley joined Stoford as Project Manager three years ago and is responsible for delivering the technical, construction and procurement aspects of new developments nationwide. He has recently overseen Stoford’s delivery of a new 667,000 sq ft UK parts distribution centre at Ellesmere Port for Stellantis. Claire Harris manages the delivery of visual communications for Stoford, including new business proposals, presentations, public consultations and branding. She has been with the business for eight years, and is also its charity champion and supports the management of the company’s sustainability policy.
Huge congratulations to Ben, Simon and Claire on their well-deserved promotions. They are highly skilled individuals who have consistently demonstrated their professionalism and dedication to our business, and we look forward to supporting them in the next stage of their respective careers.
Stoford has enjoyed a sustained period of growth which is due in no small part to the expertise we have developed within our team. We have the capability to lead development and strategic land promotion in the main commercial sectors, at almost any location within the UK.
Matthew Burgin, Joint Managing Director, Stoford
CFO and graduate development manager appointed
Stoford has been strengthened by the arrival of two new hires in its finance and development functions.
Rob Bayliss joins as Chief Financial Officer, with responsibility for overseeing a range of complex transactions and helping Stoford to continue delivery of multi-million pound developments across the country.
He has a strong background in property development and investment spanning more than 20 years, and has worked for the likes of Grant Thornton, Roxhill Developments, BPG, and Nurton Developments.
George Walker also joins Stoford, having completed an MSc in Real Estate at the University of Reading in 2024. He is the company’s second graduate appointment, and will work alongside the development team.
We’re thrilled to welcome both Rob and George to Stoford. Rob brings many years of financial and industry experience which will undoubtedly enhance our existing team, while George reflects the next generation of real estate. I look forward to seeing them make their mark on the business.
Matthew Burgin, Joint Managing Director, Stoford
IAS Award for Sainsbury’s Exeter development
Stoford was honoured with its third Industrial Agents Society (IAS) award in as many years, after scooping ‘Deal of the Year Under 50,000 sq ft’ at the annual event at London’s JW Marriott Grosvenor House.
The award was presented to Stoford Director, Edward Peel, for the development of a new 42,500 sq ft buildto-suit unit for Sainsbury’s at Exeter Logistics Park, Clyst Honiton.
The building benefits from industry-leading sustainability credentials and will serve as the multichannel retailer’s new regional fulfilment centre.
Stoford is a multiple IAS award-winner, and was honoured with two other recent awards for projects in the North West and Staffordshire.
Pets at Home’s 670,000 sq ft fulfilment centre won ‘Deal of Year over 250,000 sq ft’ in 2022, while development of a 667,000 sq ft facility for global automaker Stellantis Group, was awarded ‘Best Asset Management Initiative’ a year later.
Recently retired Stoford Director, Tony Nash, was also presented with an ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Industry’ award. He enjoyed a stellar career spanning nearly 40 years in the commercial property sector, which included roles at Carillion, Redrow and Wilson Bowden, before joining Stoford in 1997.
Stoford named one of UK’s fastest growing companies
Stoford has been recognised as one of the fastest growing companies in the UK.
Everyone at Stoford is especially proud that Tony has been recognised by his peers. He is a hugely popular and respected figure in the sector, who has shown the ability to take a long-term view on a site’s deliverability, and the perseverance to see through deals that others might have passed on. We have enjoyed working with him enormously and wish him a very happy retirement.
Dan Gallagher, Joint Managing Director, Stoford
The leading commercial property developer has been named in The Fast Growth 50 for the Midlands and East of England, an annual index of the top 50 fastest-growing companies in six regions.
The achievement underlines Stoford’s significant impact on the regional economy and its capacity for growth and innovation.
Formed in 1996, Stoford delivered more than 2.6m sq ft of new accommodation nationwide last year alone, including several office and industrial/logistics developments currently under construction.
We are incredibly proud of Stoford’s continued growth and success. We have a proud record of delivering industryleading schemes for many of the UK’s biggest companies, forging relationships with national and international funds, joint venture partners, local authorities and landowners.
Everything we do is underpinned by a team of outstanding and highly experienced professionals. They ensure we continue to deliver a seamless process throughout the entire lifecycle of every development scheme we deliver.
Dan Gallagher, Joint Managing Director, Stoford
Funding for new community meals partnership
Stoford has partnered with Food Justice Network and The Active Wellbeing Society to sponsor the newly launched Community Meals Partnership. The new initiative is aimed at using food to build networks and strengthen communities across Birmingham. Stoford has funded three tonnes of fresh fruits and vegetables for members of the Food Justice Network – enough to feed up to 2,000 people per tonne.
Boots made for walking
Team Stoford took in the spectacular countryside of Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, during a 15-mile team building walk (followed by a well-earned meal!). It’s the latest such event the team have completed, having taken in the Shropshire hills of Long Mynd last October.
Great things can happen when people sit down to eat together. Sharing meals can break down barriers, introduce people to new experiences, overcome loneliness and even support mental health. A community that eats together can become better connected and stronger, and we want to play a part in that.
This sponsorship from Stoford not only contributes towards tackling food insecurity by providing quality food for people across the city, but also helps promote long-term community resilience.
Vicky Hemming, Food & Justice Business Development Lead, The Active Wellbeing Society
Elves off the shelf
Stoford’s elves wrapped almost 600 Christmas presents for the Snowball 2023, an annual networking event and charity fundraiser organised by Property for Kids. Gifts were donated to Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid, which distributed them to children across the Midlands. To make a donation to PFK, please visit: www.propertyforkids.com
On a mission to support Malawian entrepreneurs
Heidi Brennan of Lodders Solicitors LLP, is one of eight women from the UK property and construction sector that are supporting female entrepreneurs in Malawi. Stoford sponsored Heidi’s visit to Malawi, where she shared skills and advice on running a business and standing out in typically male-dominated industries.
If you would like to make a donation, please visit: https://lnkd.in/ejCfpJ8y
Christmas at St. Anne’s Hostel
St. Anne’s has played a vital role in caring for Birmingham’s homeless for more than 30 years, with many finding new homes and starting new lives thanks to its dedicated team. Stoford supported the hostel’s Christmas day meal, purchasing food items for residents to enjoy.
Travelling to Malawi was an amazing opportunity only made possible by the generous sponsorship received from Stoford and other local businesses. The skill sharing workshops were a huge success and the feedback from the Malawian businesswomen was that it made them feel “motivated, supported and inspired”. The visit to the secondary school was very humbling and we have received the fantastic news that our group has raised enough sponsorship to fund four girls through the entire four years of secondary school. This will not only benefit the girls themselves but also their families and local communities.
Heidi
Brennan, Lodders Solicitors LLP
Source to Sea - Industrial REIT
Stoford’s Angus Huntley joined six team mates from the commercial property sector as part of ‘Source to Sea’, a non-stop relay race along the full length of the 295 km Thames Path. Eight teams took part in the event to raise funds for LandAid. To make a donation, please visit:
www.justgiving.com/team/industrialsreit-sourcetosea
