A HAULAGE, removal and storage company has acquired a new plot of land which it is marketing to fledging North East businesses as a cost- effective start-up base.
The new site covers 17 acres, just off the A189, in Sleekburn, north of Blyth and currently comprises of 45,000 sq ft of buildings including warehousing, storage and offices.
It has been bought by Fergusons of Blyth and the company’s owner Alan Ferguson said: “In times of financial uncertainty it is particularly important to keep trading where opportunities arise so the market and regional business world doesn’t grind to a halt.
“The Arizona site presented a good opportunity for investment so we were quick to take it, especially as we own the 50 acres next door, which will give us the chance for redevelopment in the future. As we funded the purchase through our own resources it enables us to be able to offer cost- effective space for anyone wanting to start up or looking to control their own costs.”
The office space at the site is being renovated and will shortly be made available to be rented by businesses looking for space at reduced prices, said Mr Ferguson.
Mr Ferguson, who is also chairman of the North East Chamber of Commerce, added: “We are just doing a quick tidy up and then the offices will be suitable for occupation.
“I am keen to help businesses that are just starting or need to relocate for financial reasons, to ensure that we are doing what we can to encourage business start-up and survival in our region.”
This investment follows last year’s launch of Fergy Space, which is a 90,000 sq ft storage facility just off the A19 in Cramlington, in a building that also acts as the company’s new headquarters.
Fergusons, which has an annual turnover of £35m, has branches across the UK employing 300 people. The company, which was launched in 1926, also invested £3m in Fergy Space to further strengthen its business as rising fuel costs continued to hit its haulage operation. The business opened last October and was immediately called upon to start work storing goods for those hit by the flooding in Morpeth.
