Yorkshire firms buying property despite credit crunch

YEOMANS Industries, the York-based engineering firm, has moved into larger premises following strong demand for its products.

The company, which designs and manufacturers control equipment for firms such as Corus and Nestle as well as farmers and small machine engineering firms, has secured new premises at Escrick Business Park following a 12 month search.

Richard Yeoman, Yeoman’s managing director, said that the search for suitable premises as a result of an expanding workforce had proved a challenge but that he was delighted with the firm’s new home.

“We were bursting at the seams at our rented premises in Dunnington and needed to move,” he said.

“Buying a unit was the preferred option but we were surprised at how little suitable freehold property was available in the area. Escrick Business Park fitted the bill perfectly.”

According to the business park’s developer S Harrison, Escrick is fast proving attractive to small owner-managed businesses eager to own rather than rent property as well as to those looking for investment properties. 

Last month inward investor Ashley Associates moved into one of the industrial units on the park and Riccall Carers were the first to move into the office units earlier this month. 

Phil Hill of S Harrison Developments said that businesses were lining up to move in.

“Despite tales of gloom there are clearly many thriving businesses in the region who see the benefit of owning well designed, well built and well located premises, for offices, warehousing or manufacturing,” he added.

“It is very tax effective and at a time when other pension investment options look volatile, long-term commercial property investment is extremely appealing.”

In total there are 14 industrial or warehousing units and 19 two-storey office units at Escrick at various sizes, with remaining units available from £185,000 and £220,000 respectively.

Yeomans Industries was founded eight years ago and currently employs seven staff.