High demand for employment land continues in Worcestershire

The Worcestershire business community joined together at Potter Space, Droitwich, to discuss how the region can be supported for the future.

Industrial and logistics property firm Potter Space has operated in Droitwich for 40 years and is now set to make an £18m investment to create more space for small to medium-sized businesses.

Top L-R: Derrick Potter, John Dillon, Jason Rockett. Bottom L-R: Mark Powney, Sharon Smith, Nick Owen, Anna Cooper

The breakfast event, hosted by TheBusinessDesk.com’s assistant editor Anna Cooper, was headlined by keynote speaker, Midlands-based broadcaster Nick Owen, who discussed the challenges facing businesses based in the region, as demand for space outstrips supply by 40%.

An expert panel delved into how the I&L sector can be supported, with data coming from research between Potter Space and Savills – Big Things in Small Boxes. Jason Rockett, managing director of Potter Space and Mark Powney, director in Savills’ economics team called for the planning system to listen to the needs of the region and shift its focus away from residential developments.

Rockett also outlined Potter Space’s five-year strategy with plans to build another 54,000 sq ft unit in Droitwich and engage with the local community.

Sharon Smith, CEO of the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce gave an insight into what support the Chamber can offer businesses in the region but also those that are looking to move into it.

John Dillon, commercial and industrial property specialist and owner of GJS Dillon said a cohesive plan needs to be created for the whole of Worcestershire so everyone can get on board with one vision for the county.

Rockett said: “It was a real pleasure to host this event at our newest industrial unit, giving our guests a unique perspective into what we do and showcasing the latest stage of our investment programme in Droitwich.

“The panel focused on a range of vitally important topics for the local area including the nationwide issue of demand for warehousing space outstripping supply – something that we are focusing on in great detail.

“By unlocking more development land for the industrial and logistics sector alongside residential space, we can ensure that business continues to boom not only in Worcestershire, but across the whole of the UK.”