A tile importer is relocating its distribution centre from London to a new warehouse built by Lindum in Ripon, North Yorkshire.
European Heritage is making the move so it is better placed to dispense products to the whole of the UK. It will result in the creation of several local jobs.
Having operated from a building in South West London for almost 15 years, it will be moving into Unit 52, a new purpose-built 11,250 square foot unit on the Potter Space business park.
Although the warehouse facility will be moving, European Heritage will retain its London showroom, which is open to the trade and public.
Speculatively built by Lindum for Potter Group, the interior of Unit 52 has been designed to European Heritage’s specifications, and will include several eco-friendly features including solar panels, electric vehicle charging points and cycle parking.
Speaking about the relocation, Peter Hutchinson, who founded the company with his wife Helen in 1989, said: “We were always planning to relocate the warehouse, as the land we currently occupy in London has been a target for residential development for several years and we felt the time was right to move in order to avoid any potential problems down the line.
“A number of factors for the new site were taken into consideration, which led us to choose Potter Space Ripon, not least the significant reduction in rental costs.
“Its strategic location just off the A1M means it is perfectly placed to distribute our products, outside of London, to regions that are experiencing tremendous growth in construction and property development.
“In addition, as the business has grown, so has the amount of stock we handle and store. Although our existing location has been adapted to suit our needs, it is no longer meeting our requirements. The additional space provided by Unit 52 provides us with room to expand and a purpose-built environment designed to suit our needs.
“As I recently moved back to my native North Yorkshire, I am perfectly positioned to oversee the new warehouse facility, which will employ people from the area.”
Local building company Lindum, based in Elvington, began work on the new unit in November last year. It worked with local sub-contractors and suppliers to get it finished on schedule.
Lindum MD Jonathan Sizer said: “We are really pleased to have successfully delivered this project for Potter Group. It is a well-established, family-run, local business and its values and principles align well with those of Lindum Group.
“Throughout the project, we worked collaboratively with Potter Group, welcoming the team’s input at every stage. This approach, together with Lindum’s can-do attitude, resulted in the successful completion of this unit.”
Rob Barker, property director at Potter Space, is looking forward to welcoming European Heritage to the business park later this month.
“It is a feather in the cap for the North of England when a company, which has operated out of London for so long, recognises the advantages of being based up here,” he said.
“It is even more satisfying that they have chosen Potter Space Ripon, as we meet all their requirements including location, unit build and specification and on-site facilities.”
