Sweet pre-let deal supports expansion at confectionery business
A multi-million pound business park in Harrogate, which has benefited from financial support through the Local Enterprise Partnership, has given a growing business a platform for its next stage of expansion.
Specialist confectioner Yorkshire Flapjack has signed a pre-let agreement to secure one of 10 new, speculatively developed business units on the Harrogate West Business Park Estate.
Yorkshire Flapjack is the brainchild of Pateley Bridge baker’s daughter, Katie Wilson, who established the business in 2018.
She said: “The business has gone from strength-to-strength and as a result, we have outgrown our old premises.
“Having searched for some considerable time to find anything appropriate in the Harrogate District, we were delighted to have been able to enter early discussions with Teakwood Investments, as they were at the initial stages of this new development at Harrogate West Business Park.
“Taking occupation of one of the new premises here will help us achieve our future goals, one of which is to be able to introduce a gluten-free range of our products.”
The new premises means the company can increase its staff numbers from three to 10, as well as fulfil contracts to supply its new range to Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Yorkshire Co-Op branches, Londis Stores, Yorkshire Universities and a growing number of specialist retailers and cafes.
Christopher Fordy, from Property Consultants Fordy Marshall Ltd, was instrumental in assisting with the initial delivery of the business park.
He said: “Harrogate is a growing town, serving a vibrant and entrepreneurial district which has immense scope to attract very significant inward investment.
“Development of new business units, like Harrogate Business Park, sit at the heart of the Government’s stated aim to see a ‘levelling up’ between the North & South.
“It is always a pleasure to play a small part in that process. Along with the many other similar companies we are in the process of discussing new lease terms with on this park, it has been a real pleasure to work with Katie and her family.”
Construction is under way, with the 10 new business units set to be finished and ready for occupation in August.
These sit alongside two larger HQ buildings, one of which has been pre-sold to Envirovent and the other provided as a pre-let to BioClad.
