LGIM Real Assets (Legal & General), on behalf of its Managed Property Fund, and development partner Wrenbridge, announce that they have secured planning permission to transform a 107,000 sq ft industrial development at Gateway Cambridge in Bar Hill. This latest planning permission is in line with the fund’s strategy to evolve its asset holdings and deploy capital into key growth areas, such as the industrial sector, which have retained strong fundamentals. Despite the economic downturn, the fund has continued to drive forward this mandate and recently also announced the acquisition of a significant urban logistics scheme in Basildon for £23.2 million. Once complete, Gateway Cambridge will comprise eight Grade A units, ranging in size from 3,046 sq ft to 45,694 sq ft. Bar Hill is strategically located on the newly improved A14 with excellent connectivity to Cambridge and the M11. The area represents a popular location for industrial occupiers, with excellent amenity on the doorstep and a large workforce available. In line with Legal & General’s wider ESG commitments, Bar Hill has been designed from its inception to be a best in class, environmentally sustainable industrial development which focuses on staff wellbeing. As redevelopment gets underway, Legal & General will look to further bolster the ESG credentials of the new Gateway Cambridge scheme. Rob Codling, Senior Fund Manager, Managed Property Fund said:“Gateway Cambridge, Bar Hill was acquired by the Managed Property Fund in 2006 and is now well placed for modernisation. In line with its strategy, the fund is continuing to maximise holdings where we can be confident that location, occupier demand and sector fundamentals will sustain resilient income streams for the long term. At Bar Hill, we look forward to delivering a high-quality, sustainable development which can provide both economic value and employment opportunities to the local area.” James Feltham, Director at Wrenbridge, added:“The industrial sector continues to thrive, with demand for quality new space outstripping supply. Gateway Cambridge will deliver new units in a size range to cater for a range of occupiers and our focus is to provide a new sustainable development in an environment that will help companies attract and retain staff.” Bidwells and Savills are appointed as the leasing agents for the new development.

If you have many storage containers on-site, it can be hard to ensure that all of them are safe and secured from damage, theft, and break-ins.  More often than not, storage containers have pricey items that need to be protected. If you want to ensure that your storage containers are secured, there’s no limit on how much fortification you can place to safeguard your products and business. Besides, it’s better safe than sorry. So, make sure to read below to know the different ways to protect your storage container and avoid security mishaps:  One way to protect your storage container is by using a quality, heavy-duty shipping container lock. Without a lock, thieves can break open your container when no one is looking.  Choose a lock that is difficult to breach, heavy-duty, and made of steel. Also, ensure that the lock is weather-resistant since you don’t want it to erode due to harsh weather conditions. It’s also a good idea to use two or more locks for your storage containers for backup protection in case one of them is breached or broken.  There are different heavy-duty locks, including the following:  2. Take Advantage Of Perimeter Fencing  Take note that there are many ways to secure your shipping containers. Placing them within a fenced area is deters stealing and keeps your containers out of reach. It is a good idea to put up barbed wire fences around the property.   There’s also an option to add barred or metal fencing around the containers. See to it that local laws allow security fences on your property.  3. Consider Video Surveillance  If your storage containers are on your property, it’s wise to include video surveillance and security cameras. Like alarms, a visible security camera can be a great deterrent to trespassing on your property or breaking into your storage containers.  Even if criminals do break into your containers, your video surveillance system can help you get to the bottom of the theft attempt and give ample evidence to the authorities.  4. Use An Alarm System  It’s one of the best ways to keep your containers secure. If somebody starts messing with your container’s lock, an alarm system can scare them off and alert the authorities. Setting up a camera could be an added deterrent. Conclusion  When it comes to storage containers, there’s no such thing as too safe. Thieves will always find a way to break open any containers storing valuables. So, make sure to follow suggestions in protecting your storage container to achieve peace of mind.

Paul Roehricht, UK strategic account manager for Brandsafe, considers the critical role aftersales care and partnership plays in delivering the highest standards of safety and protection in the warehouse and logistics environment. It should really go without saying that taking care of your customers once you have provided and installed products is best practice and the number one priority for any supplier. But too often in the scramble to deliver and look for new customers, it can be to easy to fail to follow through or appreciate that active aftercare can be beneficial for business. Indeed, aftersales care and support reflects a genuine insight into customer needs as well as an opportunity for a supplier to secure additional business in future: it’s been estimated that margins generated by post-sales activities can be several times higher than those of initial product sales. Good customer service does not stop once a purchase has been made, installed and your team has left the building. It’s only right that customers investing significant sums in safety and impact protection systems – indeed, any products – deserve the highest quality service, fast and effective resolution of problems or queries, as well as a touch of added value. Understanding demand and managing the supply chain efficiently to secure product stock levels, supported by the deployment to customer sites of skilled, well resourced service teams, who understand the nuances and critical issues on the ground when it comes to onsite installation of systems and products, are key ingredients in a recipe for getting things right first time, every time. For example, if you cannot supply customers with the right part or product when they need it, and then install properly, they will go elsewhere. Positive experience Customers will be far more satisfied if they see your demonstrable focus on service and aftercare support, too. They’re more likely to purchase from you in the future if they have a positive experience of your company and project management capabilities – they may even recommend the brand to other potential customers as a result. For most companies, better service and aftersales support boosts revenue, delivers greater profitability and inevitably creates a powerful competitive advantage for the brand. Simply put, it’s good business. Undoubtedly, the current pandemic is re-shaping the way many organisations conduct business. And this can be reflected in the role partnership plays in areas such as project management – and how sector suppliers such as Brandsafe go the extra mile. Suppliers and customers who adopt a partnership approach can see rewards and reap significant benefits; particularly in the warehouse and logistics industry, which has been prone to accusations of unwillingness to share best practice and engage collaboratively on safety matters to drive wholesale improvements for the benefit of all sector operators. Supply chain collaboration has a lot to offer. Relying on your supply partner to effectively project manage critical installations, for example, can reduce costs while improving quality and service levels. As we see online sales surge as a result of the pandemic seemingly without end, many retailers and distributors are peddling fast to re-organise and invest to either upgrade or redevelop existing warehouse infrastructures, or build new multi-complexes and international distribution hubs to accommodate strategic growth and expansion. Operators may be rightly concerned about investing at a time when managing the bottom line is crucial but, with so much current change in consumer behaviour and purchasing decisions, there is no time for businesses to rest on their laurels. Indeed, online sales in 2020 are expected to grow 19% year-on-year, up from pre-pandemic estimates of 11%, rising from a total of £66bn in 2019 to almost £80bn this year. Some forecasters suggest UK e-commerce will grow in value by as much as £5.3bn by the end of the year. Supermarket supply chains are also seeing big surges in demand, placing additional pressure on their distribution and supply chain infrastructure. Partnership delivers Skilled labour, which should be utilised effectively, is a resource in short supply, whose use must be effectively deployed. Many businesses in the warehouse and logistics sector might not be able attract or retain all the skills they require to support their capital investment and redevelopment plans, or may need these skills on a more flexible basis. Working in partnership with your supplier, who will have the requisite experience and expertise in place and available for use, will add even more supply chain value and allow people to benefit from skilled resources. Innovative approaches can be shared throughout our sector, opening up advantages and delivering benefits for all. Partnership can make things a lot easier, quicker and cheaper, helping to support your health and safety commitments as you move into new geographical areas, expand operations or enter markets to access new customers and opportunities. It will unquestionably facilitate new dynamics in the supplier/customer relationship, paving the way to mutually beneficial commercial and operational advantages. So in a sector that constantly evolves to meet the ebb and flow of changing consumer tastes and faces challenges around keeping people safe and secure while maximising productivity, surely there’s no better time to explore partnership with your suppliers and the role it plays in delivering the highest standards of protection? More at www.brandsafeprotection.com

Three new separate instructions received from GLP, Wrenbridge and Tungsten Properties at prominent developments in Northampton, Dartford and Eastways, Witham Glencar, an expanding construction company specialising in the industrial, logistics, distribution and manufacturing sectors has today announced that it has secured three new contracts valued at in excess of £20m for logistics/industrial development projects at sites in Northampton, Dartford and Witham, Essex. The projects include A 130,000 sq ft warehouse/logistics unit being developed speculatively by GLP on the final plot at its successful G-Park Northampton development A five-unit 177,000 sq ft speculative industrial scheme for Wrenbridge and its funding partner Railpen at The Bridge in Dartford A two-unit warehouse scheme totalling 45,000 sq ft for Tungsten Properties at Eastways, Witham All three projects are set to commence on site before the end of the year. Speaking about the announcement Glencar Managing Director Eddie McGillycuddy said: “We’ve continued to make significant advances this year in the industrial and logistics sector securing a succession of major contracts for some of the industry’s most prominent developers. We’re delighted to announce these latest contract wins and to be working for the first time with GLP, Wrenbridge and Tungsten Properties – three of the industry’s most prominent and respected developers who have chosen Glencar to develop these key new schemes. We look forward to getting started and working closely with the project teams”

16th December 2020 Icon Industrial has let a 69,295 sq ft speculative warehouse and logistics development in Harlow to an international logistics firm. Verhoek Europe has agreed a 10-year lease on Unit C at Icon Harlow in Essex, a highly specified warehouse building which was speculatively developed by Icon Industrial. The Dutch-based firm expects to be operational in the new building by the beginning of January 2021. Verhoek Europe is the latest occupier to move to Icon Harlow following the sale of Unit A, a new 69,872 sq ft head office and logistics development, to specialist food importer and distributor, SOP International. A third building is available for immediate occupation. Unit B is a highly specified 98,533 sq ft warehouse with three-storey integral Grade A office space, 15m clear eaves height and a 50m yard. Icon Harlow benefits from a detailed planning consent for phase two of the scheme, which consists of two additional build-to-suit units of between 70,000 sq ft and 200,000 sq ft on adjacent land. An additional detailed application was recently submitted for 112,000 sq ft which, if approved, will provide occupiers with the flexibility to have a unit delivered within six-months to a base build specification. Icon Harlow is situated within the established London-Stansted-Cambridge corridor, conveniently located just 30 miles north of central London and nine miles from the M25. It is the second development by Icon Industrial, a strategic joint venture between leading commercial property developer Stoford Developments and global private investment firm TPG Real Estate. Angus Huntley, Development Manager, Stoford Developments, said: “We’re pleased to welcome another dynamic and successful business to Icon Harlow. Verhoek Europe joins a strong and growing list of occupiers that have chosen to expand their operations and benefit from Harlow’s excellent connection to the north London, M25 and M11 corridors. There is increased demand for high-spec warehouse and logistics accommodation in the London-Stansted-Cambridge corridor and we’re excited by what we can offer occupiers at Icon Harlow.” Jake Huntley, Partner at DTRE, said: “Icon Harlow provides much needed warehouse accommodation in one of the most constrained markets in the South of England. The letting to Verhoek, a third party logistics operator, illustrates the strength of the location for distributors. The industrial and logistics market has shown its resilience over the past 12 months and we expect this to continue into 2021.” Verhoek Europe was advised by Newmanor Law. For all enquiries regarding Icon Harlow, please contact the scheme’s retained agents: JLL, DTRE and M1 Agency.

Development of a major new employment scheme in Skipton is beginning to take shape, with enabling works now well underway and progressing quickly. Wyvern Park is a 58-acre scheme being brought forward by property developer HBD, providing 250,000 sq. ft. of industrial and office space, 188 new homes and creating up to 800 new jobs. Units will range from 1,180 – 50,000 sq. ft., providing a wide range of options for SMEs and each designed to suit occupier requirements. Esh Construction is completing the enabling works on behalf of HBD, which includes a new crossing connecting Carleton Road with the A629 Skipton bypass. A new roundabout on the A629, providing access to Wyvern Park, is already nearing completion, while landscaping and new open green space – including a new play area – will also complete in the coming months. New access roads will allow Bellway to begin construction on the new homes. Andrew Milne, Senior Development Surveyor at HBD, said: “Wyvern Park is an important scheme for Skipton, providing much-needed employment space for businesses looking to grow – we’ve seen a lot of interest from local companies as well as new firms considering relocating to Skipton, which is really positive. “We’re on track to complete the infrastructure works by Spring 2021 and development of the new employment units will begin shortly afterwards.” The agents on the scheme are Richard Harris of JLL and Mike Atkinson of Atkinson Associates.