APTECO CHOOSES HISTORIC ATHENAEUM FOR ITS WARWICK TEAM

International software company

Apteco has bought the historic Athenaeum building in the centre of Warwick.

The company, which develops and sells software to marketing professionals across the world, has its HQ less than 500 metres away and plans to move its staff into the Grade II* listed building in the summer after an extensive refurbishment.

The premises in Church Street were built in the 1780s. They became offices in the 1980s.

Commercial property agents

Wareing & Company marketed the property on behalf of the owners, Education for Health, which has moved to Wellesbourne.

Apteco, founded in 1987, employs 60 staff primarily in Warwick with offices in Frankfurt, Sydney and Rotterdam.

Founder and Managing Director James Alty said: “We have always provided great working environments for our staff so our buildings are key.

“We have commissioned a historic building appraisal which will identify the historic merits of the building and its features but the main historic asset is the grand stone frontage which was added in 1780.

“Seeking a town centre location was a priority for a number of reasons. For example, we incentivise colleagues to cycle to work and we provide bike storage and showers to make that practical.”

The company will keep its current headquarters at Tink-A-Tank House in neighbouring Jury Street.

Initium invests in trade units at Blackpole Trading Estate

An office and workshop building on the Blackpole Trading Estate West in Worcester has been snapped up for more than £300,000.

The vendors Dolphin Computer Access instructed Harris Lamb to place the freehold opportunity on the market.

The 4,655 sq ft premises, units 96C and 96D, were purchased by

Midlands-based property company Initium Holdings.

Sara Garratt, of Harris Lamb’s Agency team, said: “Commercial opportunities of this type don’t come to market often, and with demand for space throughout Worcestershire being at a premium, we knew there would be a lot of interest.

“Initium Holdings is now set to embark on an extensive refurbishment of the property.”