Speculative scheme fully let as Beer Hawk says cheers to expansion
FAST-growing online beer retailer Beer Hawk, which has seen turnover rise from £150,000 three years ago to a projected £10m this year, has completed its expansion to Thorp Arch Estate and has plans to take further space next year.
Beer Hawk, which delivers a carefully curated selection of over 800 of the world’s finest beers to homes throughout the UK, has moved from Saltergate Business Park, Harrogate, to 14,161 sq ft in Unit 16 at Ash Way II, part of a 37,276 sq ft speculative scheme started this spring, on a 15-year lease.
The fitting out by Beer Hawk has included the installation of a tasting room so customers can sample its selection of beers, which include British real ales and beers from the US and Belgium.
Additional work carried out by Thorp Arch Estate owner Rockspring Hanover Property Unit Trust and overseen by Wharfedale Property Management, which oversees the daily running of the 385-acre estate, includes the installation of 2,000 sq ft of additional office space.
Solicitors for Thorp Arch Estate have also completed the letting of a further 3,041 sq ft in the adjoining Unit 9 Ash Way to Beer Hawk, the last remaining space in the scheme, and the company has said that its continuing rapid growth means that it will need a further 12,000 sq ft from autumn 2017.
Beer Hawk was established in 2012 by founders and directors Chris France and Mark Roberts. The company sources its beers from 25 different countries, including those from several micro craft breweries in Yorkshire, and provides next-day delivery to homes and trade customers throughout the UK.
The company, which has grown from two to 30 permanent staff plus a further 10 seasonal workers in the run up to Christmas, aims to invest millions of pounds into its operation in the next few years, creating 30 new jobs and further expanding its selection of beers.
Mr France says: “The additional warehousing and office space at Thorp Arch Estate is badly needed as we continue to expand rapidly to meet national demand for our selection of the world’s best beers from retailers, bar and pub owners, as well as consumers throughout the UK. The estate’s proximity to the motorway network is ideal for our commitment to next-day deliveries. The estate management has been very accommodating in meeting our needs and we plan to expand further here next year.”
The Beer Hawk warehouse relocation means that the estate’s latest Ash Way II scheme is now fully let, with Phoenix Engineering Systems, which has returned to the UK from Australia, taking 3,000 sq ft at Unit 10 and Innocent Pet Care Company, which has relocated from Melmerby, near Ripon, taking a total of 6,000 sq ft at Units 11 and 12.
The online retailer’s move to the estate follows that of national drinks distributor, Matthew Clark Wholesale, which distributes alcoholic and soft drinks to thousands of pubs, hotels, clubs and restaurants throughout the North, and is moving to purpose-built premises at Thorp Arch Estate from Derwent Valley Industrial Estate, Dunnington, near York, where it has been based for more than 15 years.
Director of Wharfedale Property Management, Tim Munns, says: “The rapid letting of all the space at Ash Way II justifies undertaking the speculative scheme.
“Attracting Beer Hawk and Matthew Clark Wholesale brings further jobs and quality businesses here and underlines the fact that Thorp Arch Estate is one of the region’s most important locations for businesses seeking quality accommodation close to the motorway network. We have plans for further expansion in 2017.”
