Business leaders in Nantwich fear lack of commercial space

Business leaders in Nantwich are calling for more high-quality commercial space to be developed amid fears that employers could locate elsewhere.

They say available space has fallen to an all-time low in and around the town.

It comes amid plans for a new office development comprising buildings from 1,500 to 10,000 sq ft with car parking, access road and landscaping are currently being brought forward at Alvaston, subject to planning permission.

Andy Butler, director at Legat Owen based in Nantwich, said: “Professional service businesses are some of the major occupiers here in Nantwich and are important employers for the local community.

“Due to the lack of modern office accommodation available, they have historically worked from either converted residential accommodation or secondary office space.

“As they have grown, they now need new modern office space for the future.

“This is on top of the demand from other young new dynamic companies setting up in the area.

“With larger requirements for more space on the rise, particularly in light of the pandemic where businesses are looking for more spacious offices, businesses are being left with few options.

“There is a real risk that we will lose those long-standing Nantwich companies to other towns and forfeit jobs and investment as a consequence.”

Andrew Watts, Managing Director of Watts Mortgages, added: “Our firm has grown significantly in the past five years, and now has a headcount of 46 employees based in South Cheshire.

“We are at a size where we require a headquarters which can house our fast-growing Business Services teams, management and accounts tams as well as provide for high quality facilities for client meetings and staff training events.

“We are firmly rooted in the town of Nantwich, but we require a best-in-class facility to support our continued growth.”

Companies like Everything Genetic, are also urgently in need of space.

James Price, the founder of Everything Genetic, said: “We are currently having to rent four different buildings in Nantwich because a single building of the right size is not available and this is not ideal.

“We are very keen to stay in Nantwich, but we will have to look elsewhere if nothing becomes available.”

Andy Butler added: “Watts Mortgages and Poole Alcock Solicitors are committed to taking 10,000 sq ft office buildings on the Middlewich Road Business Park if planning is achieved to provide modern office accommodation for their employees.

“This is in addition to demand from other local companies needing new offices as well.

“With the economic recovery never higher on the agenda, we must listen to our local businesses and support, not stifle, their growth.”