TheThe newsletternewsletter forfor thethe ThorpThorp ArchArch EstateEstate SummerSummer 20092011

METROPOLIS NOW!: Wharfedale Property Management Director, Tim Munns, at the new Metropolis imported to the children’s play area with children (L to R) Rosie Moorhouse, Charlotte Munns and Ava Garcia and, sat on his knee, William Munns NEW CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA ENHANCES RETAIL PARK

A SERIES of refurbishments has enhanced Other key elements of the £500,000 “The new lighting, signage and road Thorp Arch Retail Park in time for the busy refurbishments to the Retail Park, which surfacing have greatly modernised the summer months. features outlets such as DFS, Power Retail Park which is important in bringing Electrical, Buywell Interiors and Sharps shoppers to the Estate as well as being The latest in children’s play equipment, Bedrooms as well as the café and garden convenient for the thousands of people who a giant, multi-use, Metropolis, has been centre, include new eye-catching signage, work here.” imported from the USA for the play area lighting and road surfacing. which has been a highlight of Thorp Arch Further moves to re-vitalise the Retail Park Estate since it was established more than 40 Tim Munns, a director of Wharfedale are in the pipeline and are likely to be years ago. Property Management, which manages announced later in 2011. the Estate, says: “We are delighted by Metropolis, imported and installed in a these latest improvements to the play area £100,000 investment by owners Rockspring and Retail Park which are key areas for Hanover Property Unit Trust, measures 32 thousands of visitors to the Estate each year. ft by 48 ft and is 14ft tall and combines a variety of play activities for children “We, like many others, were sad to see the including brightly coloured slides, ladders, old pirate ship depart but it was no longer climbing walls, and coloured canopies. viable and a new generation of children is already fi nding Metropolis and HMS Thorp It has replaced the original pirate ship that Arch worthy successors. captured the imagination of thousands of children since it was installed in the late “Thousands of children play here every year, 1960s but which could no longer be safely while their parents or grandparents go shopping, www.thorparchestate.co.uk repaired and was dismantled and taken and the children’s play area has always been one away last autumn. of the Estate’s best-loved facilities.

Wharfedale Property Management Limited, managing agents for the Thorp Arch Estate, can be contacted at The Estate Offi ce, Thorp Arch Estate, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 7BJ ❙ Telephone 01937 845919 www.thorparchestate.co.uk TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS SET TO GO A STORM FOR MARCUS

A long-term love of gadgets and technology has helped to create a new business for former Royal Mail worker Marcus De Storm.

Marcus, 43, has launched one of the Estate’s newest online enterprises, Storm Multi-Media Technologies (Unit 428A) which opens the door to a range of futuristic technologies – many before they reach the high street.

Futuristic technology which allows home owners to view their homes from a laptop or desktop computer from anywhere in the world and TV set top boxes which allow users to access up to 2,000 channels, are available from Storm Multi-Media Technologies which Marcus has launched with his wife and WE’RE WATCHING YOU: Marcus De Storm and his wife Carol with some of the range of business partner, Carol. surveillance technologies they sell through their new venture at Unit 428A.

Marcus, who worked for the Royal Mail in Leeds, says: “I’ve always been fascinated by technology toys and a wide range of DVD Marcus adds: “There is big interest among technology and really love all types of gadgets. and CD peripherals including retro items such shoppers in new technology but a lot of the There is such a lot of exciting new ideas on as iphone 3G/3GS phone covers which make high street and well-known retailers are pretty the market. Carol and I also love shopping them look like old-fashioned tape cassettes. expensive which enables us to compete with for bargains and I decided to combine the two good-quality products and reasonable prices. interests into our new venture.” Storm Multi-Media Technologies is setting the After looking around for shop premises in the web-based venture as an international website area, we decided to come to the Estate which Among products Storm Multi-Media www.stormmultimediatechnologies.co.uk to is a wonderful location, run by very helpful Technologies has on offer are sophisticated enable the business to sell products by mail people and gives us exactly what we need as a surveillance equipment, cameras, web cams, order. small business to grow.” EXPERTISE ON TAP FOR SECURITY SPECIALISTS Confi dence in their own expertise led security At fi rst they stayed in their existing jobs specialists Paul Richardson and Tristan Freer while planning their new venture during the to leave a large national company in Leeds and weekends. Then they took a leap of faith and start their own venture. set up their joint business.

Originally based at Paul’s home in Brotherton, “Initially” says Paul “we got lots of sub- TAP Security Systems Ltd – taken from their contracted work both from our former fi rst names Tristan and Paul (TAP) - supplies employers and from other large national and installs electronic security systems for operations including Chubb and Secureplex homes and commercial premises and moved which was useful for them as they knew we into Unit 454 on the Estate two years ago. were experienced and very useful in getting our SECURING SUCCESS: Tap Security new venture off the ground. Systems Ltd directors, Tristan Freer (left) Paul, 35, says: “We both worked for a large and Paul Richardson, with one of their security business. I was a service line manager “Now we’re busy working throughout security systems. and Tristan was a senior service engineer. Yorkshire and have also been able to work We knew each other’s work well and felt for many businesses on the Estate including we had more to offer professionally than The Pure Group, Crazy Tykes, E-Tail and continual inspection of its business operations remaining little more than a number in a large Cellbeam. It is great that there is business right and ethics. The NSI status enables TAP Security organisation. on our doorstep and that it is part of the culture to offer police response and insurance approval of the Estate.” for all customers who require it. “We knew that our work is top class and believed there was a gap in the market for a Last December the company (www. Paul says: “We like being on the Estate. It is small, approachable security company where tapsecuritysystems.co.uk) achieved National a very pleasant place to be based with a sense quality work would be done by the two Security Inspectorate (NSI) status to provide of community, very reasonable rents and a very directors.” its customers with peace of mind through helpful management team at the Estate Offi ce.”

The Archway Newsletter ❚ Summer 2011 www.thorparchestate.co.uk Avacta chief executive, Professor Alastair Smith: “A main attraction of the Estate for us is its location.” AVACTA GROUP RELOCATES TO BECOME ESTATE’S FIRST BIOTECHNOLOGY COMPANY PIONEERING healthcare technology mechanical hardware, software engineers Park was access to the fi rst-class laboratory company, Avacta Group Plc, has completed and development technicians. The Animal facilities but now that we have developed the fi rst stage of relocating its operation to Health team, including sales and marketing the fi rst products and are moving to the the Estate. and customer support, has also transferred manufacturing and delivery stage, we to the Estate. would like to bring the labs and the rest Avacta, which creates analytical tools for of the business together in one, more cost- drug developers and diagnostics for vets, Avacta has its origins in research at Leeds effective, site. has moved half of its 50 staff to four offi ces University and launched in 2006 with totalling 2,700 sq ft at Unit 651 which venture capital funding before fl oating on “A main attraction of the Estate for us is was recently refurbished with a £800,000 the London Stock Market later that year. its location. Our staff come from Harrogate, investment to create the Estate’s fi rst The company, which moved to the Bio Leeds and York so it is ideally placed with purpose-built offi ce suites. Centre, York Science Park, in 2007, has two very good access through the A1. The key operating businesses, Avacta Analytical, newly-refurbished facilities are exactly what The company, which has established a which promotes Optim 1000 and contract we want and, importantly in the current global network of distributors, chose research services to the pharmaceutical climate, more cost-effective than York the Estate to step up the manufacturing sector, and Avacta Animal Health, which Science Park where, because of the amount and business development of its fi rst two is developing AX-1 and also carries out of space we require, those facilities were products, analytical instrument, Optim diagnostic testing services for vets. very expensive. 1000, which helps drug developers identify the best compounds to bring forward as new Avacta chief executive, professor Alastair “The relocation to the Estate represents a new pharmaceuticals and AX-1, a diagnostic Smith, says: “A main reason for our era in our development as we concentrate tool for the veterinary healthcare market relocation to Thorp Arch Estate is that on manufacturing and delivery. Last year’s which may eventually be aimed at human during the last 12 months we have needed published revenues were £2.1m and we are healthcare. to increase our manufacturing facilities and so far seeing signifi cant underlying growth product development capability. in the fi rst half of this year. Everything is Among staff to have relocated are Avacta moving in the right direction and we’re very Group management - administration, fi nance “Only our laboratory services remain in positive about the future.” and purchasing - and product development York and we would like to move those to and manufacturing groups including the Estate in the fairly near future. One engineers specialising in electronics and of the original attractions of York Science

The Archway Newsletter ❚ Summer 2011 www.thorparchestate.co.uk NEW COMMITMENT: Pictured (L to R are): Mark Dambrauskas and Phil Clarke who manage the warehouse for furniture giant DFS which has moved into a newly-refurbished unit. FURNITURE RETAIL GIANT DFS UPGRADES WAREHOUSE FACILTITY National furniture giant, DFS, has secure yard. The project was overseen Barry Dennis, commercial director at DFS, modernised its warehousing by moving to a by on-site Estate management company, Darley Dale, Derbyshire, which has 79 stores refurbished unit within the Estate. Wharfedale Property Management Ltd. nationwide, including fi ve in Yorkshire, says: “The newly-refurbished warehouse DFS, which has been at Thorp Arch The refurbishment of the unit, originally replaces an older one we used on the Estate Retail Park for 32 years, has moved its built in 1941 as part of the Royal Ordnance which, as an established and popular retail warehousing to newly-refurbished Unit 521 factory based at Thorp Arch, included park, remains a good location for us.” to serve its two retail outlets at Thorp Arch demolishing neighbouring Unit 525 to Retail Park, The Dining Room Centre and create the adjoining yard. Wharfedale Property Management director, Suite Centre, for which it took a new 15- Tim Munns, says: “The Estate remains a year lease last year. An environmental feature of the warehouse sought-after business location in the current refurbishment is two hot-air blowers, linked economic climate and we are very pleased Unit 521 was re-furbished with a £600,000 to the roller-shutter doors, so that they that DFS has extended its commitment and investment by Estate owner, Rockspring operate only when the doors are closed presence here.” Hanover Property Unit Trust, to create a which reduces energy use and operational new 15,000 sq ft warehousing facility and costs.

Archway - Future Editions If so, please email your initial interest and Do you have a story about your business Would you like to contribute the next View an outline of your story idea to: which you would like to see published From The Estate article for Archway? [email protected] with ARCHWAY in in the next edition of Archway or used the subject line and we will respond in as part of a regional media campaign to due course. promote Thorp Arch Estate?

The Archway Newsletter ❚ Summer 2011 www.thorparchestate.co.uk ALARMING INCIDENT LEADS TO PHIL’ S OWN BUSINESS

Not everyone can claim that they owe their career to a notorious serial killer but that is the case for Phil Hocker of F&P Alarms Ltd.

“My parents ran Leeming village sub post offi ce and, back in 1976, when the Black Panther had murdered several sub postmasters, the Post Offi ce helped sub post offi ces install security systems.

“F&P Alarms Ltd came to install the system at our post offi ce. I was 16, fascinated by anything electrical, so I talked to them a bit and was offered an apprenticeship on the spot.

“When I was 18 I was trained and able to go out and do jobs alone and bring money into the business. Even though I was more experienced, the owners Dave Foster and Harry Park, asked if I would stay on the same low salary until I was 21!

“I agreed and when I reached that age I found out why. They retired and gave me the business on the basis that I had paid through accepting the lower wage. I’ve now done the job for 34 years and never had an interview or a spell of ON THE CASE: Phil Hocker of F&P Alarms outside his premises at Unit 165 which he unemployment.” relocated his business to in 2010.

Phil built the business up and another engineer joined. They gained insurance approval and daughter Rebecca Hocker who is in charge of “In our experience a downturn in the economy police recognition for the commercial premises company administration. They supply a range results in an increase in burglaries. It means that we and homes they supply. Eventually F&P Alarms of wired or wireless systems including intruder are a recession-proof business. Like undertakers (www.fandpalarms.co.uk) outgrew its premises alarms, CCTV, swipe-card access systems, we tend to follow bad news but our advice is that and came to Unit 165 on the Estate a year ago. intercoms, electric gates and sophisticated it is always best to install a security system as an integrated systems where CCTV images can be investment rather than as a reaction to a loss.” Currently Phil, 51, has three staff, his senior accessed worldwide by mobile phone along with engineer and fellow director, Andy Emmett and remote control of the alarm system. GOING WITH THE FLOW? EXPANDING PACKAGING BUSINESS JOINS THE ESTATE

Among the latest manufacturing businesses confectionary to plastic cutlery sold through offer fl ow wrapping machines which provide to relocate to the Estate is packaging large retail chains and supermarkets, are the fl exibility to respond to such changing equipment specialist Tisomi UK Limited. increasingly popular with the baking and requirements at prices which provide an snack food industries for wrapping products acceptable capital investment payback. Small but expanding business Tisomi, which such as bread and sandwiches, pastries and “Thorp Arch Estate has far better facilities has moved into Unit 4, Moat House Square, sausage rolls, cereal bars and cakes. than where we were previously and the was founded in Otley in 2005 by managing fact that there are several small engineering director, Peter Miller, who has worked in the Peter Miller says: “Packaging machinery enterprises creates the opportunity for us to packaging industry for 30 years. manufacturers like us have to realise that the do business without even leaving the Estate. large retailers and supermarkets each have The company supplies its own-designed their own packaging styles and preferences. “We have some exciting product and manufactured, low-maintenance fl ow- developments at the design and prototype wrapping machines throughout the UK and “We know that their packing requirements stage and I believe that, as our sales Republic of Ireland. from their consumer goods suppliers are turnover rises in the months ahead, we constantly changing based on a variety factors shall be expanding and creating further job Tisomi fl ow-wrapping machines, used including the time of year, shelf space and opportunities.” for packaging a range of products, from shopper demands, and it is essential that we

The Archway Newsletter ❚ Summer 2011 www.thorparchestate.co.uk FAST GROWTH: Pole Position Indoor Karting founder and managing director, Lyndon Robinson (left) with marketing manager, Ben Hyland, in one of the company’s new fl eet of French-manufactured Sodikarts which are in operation at the Estate. FULL SPEED AHEAD AS NEW OWNERS TAKE OVER ESTATE’S GO KARTING TRACK Life in the fast lane is getting better at one bridge and underpass, have led to the Leeds our website to incorporate the Wetherby of the Estate’s best-known leisure facilities arena’s 600-metre tarmac circuit being venue and all it has to offer. – the indoor go-karting track - after its described as the `most innovative’ in the acquisition by the North’s biggest and most UK. The arena also features a 120-person “The Estate circuit also offers an opportunity successful indoor karting arena. capacity stand-alone conference facility. for us to do something slightly different to Leeds. It is a perfect venue for junior parties The track, previously known as Action The former Action Karts facility had a and we are launching a special £125 party Karts, is being re-vitalised after being 300-metre circuit and employed three package for up to fi ve juniors including bought at the end of 2010 by Leeds-based staff, who have been retained following the pizzas and soft drinks.” Pole Position Indoor Karting (PPIK) which acquisition, and is now being run in tandem is investing in improvements. with the PPIK Leeds Arena. Ben also believes that, as the Estate is home to so many businesses and thousands of Sixteen new French-manufactured adult PPIK marketing manager, Ben Hyland, says: shoppers visit the Retail Park each year, Sodikarts have already been installed at “We’re delighted to have acquired Action PPIK will attract business through the the Estate along with improvements to Karts. The business was an established substantial footfall. the circuit management and timing system going concern and we saw it as a good which has also been linked to PPIK’s opportunity to go back to being a multi- He adds: “We’re very pleased to be here. headquarters in Hunslet, Leeds. venue operation. We’re already working with other Estate businesses and have held events for them. PPIK (www.ppik.net), initially founded in “It was the right time for us to expand. We had a special promotion and went round Bradford by managing director, Lyndon The acquisition is already enabling us to meeting people. We’d like any businesses Robinson, opened its current arena in Leeds increase our York and North Yorkshire on the Estate looking for a special venue in 2005, where it has 24 adult and 16 junior customer base and made sense for us to hold a corporate event or party to get in sodikarts and 20 staff. geographically as it is close enough for us to touch and I’ll personally give them the best manage everything directly from our Leeds deal we can.” A series of special features, including an headquarters through a live software link. elevated pit area, long high-speed routes, a We have also invested heavily in upgrading

The Archway Newsletter ❚ Summer 2011 www.thorparchestate.co.uk IAN BUILDS HIMSELF A BUSINESS AS CUSTOMERS FAVOUR BESPOKE FURNITURE

AN OPPORUNITY for customers to specify their own bespoke furniture and have it made by skilled craftsmen is available from an innovative business which has grown in size and reputation since it launched on the Estate four years ago.

Aspenn Furniture makes a wide range of high-quality fi tted and free-standing furniture from wardrobes, beds and chests of drawers to bookshelves, tables and children’s beds - all to meet precise individual client specifi cations.

Founded by Ian Walker in 2007, Aspenn Furniture, at Unit 182, offers customers the versatility to meet their needs whether it is fi tting out a home offi ce, country woodworking for BESPOKE SERVICE: Ian Walker in his workshop with examples of his work in the kitchens or creating a new children’s bedroom. background.

Ian, 45, who has 25 years’ experience in designing it, we theme it to other features stains and a wide variety of fi ttings. as a cabinet maker, says “We offer what in the property.” people cannot buy elsewhere – genuinely Ian adds: “A transparent approach to how bespoke furniture where customers have an Ian, who started working on his own but has we meet customer’s needs is central to all opportunity to specify design details such as grown the business and now employs three we do. Potential customers can telephone, the size of wardrobes or the space between other staff, has fulfi lled orders from as far e-mail (info@aspennfurniture) or call in and shelves if it is for a bookcase. away as Scotland, Surrey and even Greece. see us at work, so we can discuss and agree Aspenn Furniture (www.aspennfurniture. their specifi cation and price. We then design “We create furniture which looks like it is co.uk) works in durable timbers, including and build their furniture, doing all we can really meant to be there, either because we fi t redwood pine, oak and maple, and uses to be as fl exible as possible in meeting their it precisely to the space required or because, high-quality paints, lacquers, waxes and precise needs and timings.” FLEXIBILITY IS KEY TO GROWTH AS EVENTS BUSINESS BUCKS THE ECONOMIC TREND

A fast-growing Estate business has moved events for a Virgin Group company, retailer into bigger premises thanks to a fl exible Wilkinsons and have extended our role management approach which makes it easy for for Asda as well as winning more private enterprises to change units when they need to. functions such as weddings, anniversaries and retirement parties. Business has grown In spite of the tough economic climate, AV by 20 per cent in the last 12 months. Matrix has relocated after being allowed to surrender the lease on its previous premises early. “The Estate Offi ce was very helpful in enabling us to capitalise on our expansion by moving AV Matrix has grown from four staff in into bigger premises quickly and smoothly.” 2008 to ten today and has doubled its space from 2,200 sq ft at Unit 438 to 4,400 sq ft Tim Munns, a director at Wharfedale of fl oor space at Unit 366. Property Management, says: “A major advantage of the Estate is that we have a wide Managing director, Mark Parker, 39, says: range of size of units enabling enterprises to USEFUL MOVE: AV Matrix managing “In the last 12 months we have supported expand or contract as required. director, Mark Parker, outside Unit 366 600 events, including conferences, award where the estate management team has shows and staff functions, throughout the “We provide a fl exible approach to letting helped his business to move quickly UK and into Northern Ireland. and are pleased to have enabled AV Matrix and easily to capitalise on growth to expand as we have with many businesses opportunities. “We’ve gained work providing corporate on the Estate.”

The Archway Newsletter ❚ Summer 2011 www.thorparchestate.co.uk MANAGEMENT CHANGES: Pictured (L to R) from Wharfedale Property Management are retiring director, Bob Ellis; newly-appointed chartered surveyor, Chris Hilton; director, Tim Munns and directors’ personal assistant Sue Lataster. ALL CHANGE AS NEW ERA STARTS AT ESTATE OFFICE Changes at Wharfedale Property “I have learnt that small business people tenant issues and the day-to-day running Management which runs Thorp Arch have big hearts and, in most cases, an of the Estate. Chris, who joins from Estate sees the departure of two long- uncanny ability to cope with the many Colin Lilley Surveyors, South Shields, established members of staff - Bob Ellis and varied obstacles put in their way by previously worked with Tim in the 1990s who retired in March and Sue Lataster bureaucracy and recession, but hopefully at Leeds Valuation Office. who will step down in November - and we are seen as approachable on-site welcomes a new face, Chris Hilton. landlord representatives who can be Chris says: “The Estate is an attractive contacted easily.” environment to work in with a diversity of Back in 1981 Bob returned to his tenants. As we support business owners Yorkshire roots to take up the post of Sue has also enjoyed her working life on with the development of their enterprise Estate Manager with Cluttons on behalf the Estate. She says: “It has been fun - there is a great deal of job satisfaction of a Middle East consortium. Sue joined almost like appearing in a long-running and no two days are the same.” the firm at the same time as secretary and soap opera. There can be weekly dramas receptionist and so started The Estate that take centre stage along with the As Bob, and eventually Sue, say their Office team which was to last for 30 underlying day-to-day storylines about goodbyes they agree it has been a pleasure years. everyday folk. If a TV sit-com were to to work at The Estate Office. be based on a business and retail park, Bob says: “Although the Estate has we have met all the varied and wonderful Bob says: “Sue and I have been here long changed, the management team has characters who would play a part.” enough to see our regular contractors’ and remained stable and 30 years working some tenants’ businesses pass down from with Sue has been a long and enjoyable Joining the Estate Office team is father to son and seen the management partnership which has benefited tenants chartered surveyor Chris Hilton who team grow from those early days, but we because they have gained support from will assist Estate Manager Tim Munns, know that with Tim and Chris in charge people who know the Estate inside out. who is now sole director of Wharfedale we could not leave the Estate in better Property Management, in dealing with hands.”

Wharfedale Property Management Limited, managing agents for the Thorp Arch Estate, can be contacted at The Estate Offi ce, Thorp Arch Estate, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 7FZ ❙ Telephone 01937 845919 www.thorparchestate.co.uk This newsletter was printed by Think Colour and packed by Paperworks preparing disabled people for work. www.paperworks.org.uk