Tag: jonathan blood

Wareing and Company Secure New Lease for Benford Court Office and Distribution Hub

Posted on by Nancy Gregory

Wareing and Company are delighted to announce the successful letting of 2 Benford Court to Mohawk’s Cycles, who will be utilising the premises as a dedicated office and distribution hub.

 

Jon Blood of Wareing and Company advised on the letting, securing a successful outcome for the landlord and introducing a strong occupier for the well-positioned commercial unit.

 

The location provides an ideal base for Mohawk’s Cycles, offering a strategically located facility to support their operations, with excellent connectivity and a central UK position allowing efficient management of their office and distribution requirements.

 

The transaction highlights the continued demand for well-located commercial premises and Wareing and Company’s ability to match occupiers with the right property solutions through proactive advice and market knowledge.

 

Jon Blood commented: “We are pleased to have completed this letting and secured a tenant whose operational requirements are a strong fit for Benford Court. The property provides an excellent platform for Mohawk’s Cycles to continue developing their business and distribution operations.”

Wareing & Company’s Summer 2026 Warwickshire Commercial Property Market Update

Posted on by Nancy Gregory

Opportunities Emerging in a Changing Market
The commercial property market across Warwickshire continues to demonstrate resilience despite wider economic uncertainty. While higher borrowing costs and cautious investment sentiment have slowed activity in some sectors nationally, demand for well-located commercial premises throughout Leamington Spa, Warwick, Kenilworth, Stratford-upon-Avon and Coventry remains encouraging.

 

At Wareing & Company, we are continuing to see businesses planning for growth, investors seeking quality opportunities and developers looking to unlock value from strategically located sites. Although the market has undoubtedly become more selective, there are positive signs for those prepared to take a long-term view.

 

Industrial Property Remains the Standout Performer
Industrial and warehouse accommodation continues to be Warwickshire’s strongest-performing commercial property sector.

 

The county benefits from its central location within the UK’s motorway network, with excellent access to the M40, M42, M6 and wider Midlands logistics corridor. This continues to attract manufacturing, engineering, distribution and technology businesses looking for modern, efficient premises.

 

Demand for high-quality industrial units, particularly those ranging between 2,000 sq ft and 25,000 sq ft, remains robust. Modern units offering good energy performance, generous yard space and strong transport links continue to command competitive rents and attract multiple interested parties.

 

Supply, however, remains constrained, particularly for freehold opportunities, which continues to support both rental growth and capital values.

 

Offices Are Evolving Rather Than Declining
While hybrid working has reshaped the office market nationally, the picture in Warwickshire is considerably more positive than many headlines suggest.

 

Businesses are increasingly focused on quality over quantity, seeking modern, flexible office accommodation that helps attract and retain staff while providing an environment that supports collaboration.

 

Well-presented town center offices in Leamington Spa and Warwick continue to perform well, particularly those that have been refurbished to a high specification and offer excellent accessibility, parking and strong sustainability credentials.

 

Conversely, older office stock requiring significant investment is seeing increased interest from developers exploring alternative uses, particularly residential conversion where planning policy allows.

 

Retail Continues to Adapt
The retail market has undergone significant change over recent years, but successful locations continue to thrive.

 

Independent retailers, cafés, restaurants, health and wellbeing operators and specialist service providers are helping to reshape many Warwickshire high streets. Rather than competing directly with online retail, successful occupiers are focusing on customer experience and convenience.

 

Prime locations continue to attract occupier interest, while landlords who invest in improving the quality and flexibility of their premises are generally achieving stronger occupancy levels.

 

Development Land Still Attracts Interest
One of the most encouraging aspects of the local market is continued demand for strategic development opportunities.

 

Whether for employment land, mixed-use schemes or residential-led development, developers remain actively seeking sites with long-term potential. Landowners are increasingly recognising the value that can be unlocked through strategic planning advice and promotion.

 

Warwickshire’s strong economic fundamentals, growing population and excellent transport connections continue to make the county an attractive location for future development.

 

Investment Market Becoming More Selective
Commercial investment activity has become more measured over the past 12 months, largely due to higher financing costs and changing investor expectations.

 

However, quality assets with secure income streams continue to attract strong interest from private investors, family offices and pension-backed buyers.

 

There is also growing demand for value-add opportunities where investors can improve buildings through refurbishment, energy efficiency upgrades or lease restructuring to enhance long-term returns.

 

Nationally, transaction volumes remain below historic averages, but industrial and retail assets have shown greater resilience than the office sector, with investor confidence gradually improving as borrowing costs stabilise.

 

Looking Ahead
As we move through the remainder of 2026, confidence appears to be improving gradually across much of the commercial property market.

 

Occupiers remain active, investment appetite is strengthening for the right opportunities and demand for quality industrial accommodation continues to outstrip supply.

 

Warwickshire’s diverse economy, highly skilled workforce and strategic location place it in a strong position compared with many other parts of the UK. While market conditions require realistic pricing and expert advice, opportunities continue to exist for landlords, occupiers, investors and developers alike.

 

At Wareing & Company, our local market knowledge and long-established relationships enable us to identify opportunities before they reach the wider market. Whether you are considering selling, letting, acquiring, investing or developing commercial property across Warwickshire, our experienced team can provide practical, commercially focused advice tailored to your objectives.

 

If you would like an up to date appraisal of your commercial property or would like to discuss current market conditions, contact Wareing & Company for a confidential conversation with one of our commercial property specialists

Wareing and Company Achieve Record Sale for Freehold Office Property in Leamington Spa

Posted on by Nancy Gregory

Wareing and Company are delighted to announce the successful sale of 34 Hamilton Terrace, Leamington Spa, achieving a new record price for a freehold commercial office property in the area.

 

The property attracted significant interest following its launch to the market, with Jon Blood of Wareing and Company inundated with enquiries from a wide range of prospective purchasers. The level of interest demonstrated the continued demand for well-located freehold office opportunities in strong regional markets.

 

Jon provided expert advice to the client throughout the process, carefully assessing the numerous offers received and advising on the most suitable purchaser and terms to achieve the best possible outcome.

 

Following a competitive marketing campaign, the property was successfully sold to a private individual at a record-breaking level, achieving £360 per sq ft, a new benchmark for this type of commercial office asset in Leamington Spa.

 

The vendor was delighted with the result, which reflects Wareing and Company’s ability to generate strong market interest, provide clear strategic advice, and deliver exceptional outcomes for clients.

 

This landmark transaction further reinforces Wareing and Company’s reputation for successfully handling commercial property disposals and maximizing value through a proactive and tailored approach.

Wareing and Company Secure Sale of 17 Trinity Street Following Successful Redevelopment Marketing Campaign

Posted on by Nancy Gregory

Wareing and Company are pleased to announce the successful sale of 17 Trinity Street, a prominent local site offering a potential redevelopment opportunity.

 

The property, which had been occupied as a tile showroom, was brought to the market following the tenant company entering administration. Recognising the potential of the site, Wareing and Company provided strategic advice to the vendor on a range of possible future uses, including both commercial and residential redevelopment options.

 

The opportunity generated significant interest from a variety of parties, reflecting the strong demand for well-located sites with development potential. Following a competitive marketing process, interested parties were invited to submit their best and final offers.

 

After careful consideration, the property was secured by a special purchaser with plans focused on residential redevelopment. The vendor was delighted to proceed with the sale, which was successfully concluded at a level price and completed promptly.

 

Wareing and Company’s expertise in identifying opportunities, advising on alternative uses, and managing competitive disposal processes ensured a successful outcome for all involved.

 

The transaction highlights the continued demand for well-positioned local assets and Wareing and Company’s ability to deliver results through proactive advice and tailored marketing strategies.

A Landmark Deal for Innovation at Middlemarch Business Park

Posted on by Nancy Gregory

Wareing & Company has successfully advised Aurrigo International Plc on the acquisition of a major new UK hub facility at Middlemarch Business Park, Coventry, in a deal that will support the future growth of autonomous vehicle engineering and manufacturing in the region.

The new facility comprises two buildings totalling 130,615 sq ft and will become Aurrigo’s principal UK base for advanced engineering, autonomous vehicle development, high-value volume manufacturing, and wider automotive operations.

With the capability to manufacture more than 500 autonomous vehicles per year, the site represents a significant investment in the future of mobility technology and advanced manufacturing within the West Midlands.

Bill Wareing of Wareing & Company said:
“We were delighted to assist Aurrigo with the acquisition of this high-quality facility at Middlemarch Business Park, Coventry. This is a significant transaction for the business and for the wider Coventry area, helping to retain highly skilled jobs and reinforcing the city’s long-standing reputation as a centre for automotive innovation and engineering excellence.”

Professor David Keene, Chief Executive of Aurrigo International Plc, added:
“The new centre marks an important milestone for the business and provides the capacity required to support our next phase of growth in autonomous vehicle development and manufacturing.”

Bromwich Hardy and Box4 Real Estate acted on behalf of the assignor of the lease.

The transaction underlines Wareing & Company’s continued expertise in advising on strategic commercial property acquisitions across the Midlands and supporting investment that drives regional economic growth.

Warwick law firm takes over 12,000 sq ft of space after Wareing deal

Posted on by sam

 

A historic Warwick law firm is growing its office space by 50 per cent as part of an expansion drive after a Wareing & Company facilitated the move.

 

Moore & Tibbits, which has provided law services in Warwick for almost 200 years, has moved its whole operation to the third floor of Westgate House in the town after Jonathan Blood, director at Wareing & Company, was able to secure a deal.

 

Moore & Tibbits previously had an office on High Street for services such as conveyancing and business law, and a second office at a different part of Westgate House for its health and welfare and private client services.

 

Now, the firm will combine both these services by occupying more than 12,000 sq ft of modern office space in Westgate House in a ten-year lease as it looks to add at least 20 fee-earning staff to its current team of 80 over the coming years.

 

James Williams, Partner at Moore & Tibbits, explained the firm had outgrown its old offices and needed larger premises, but wanted to find somewhere in Warwick to keep its roots in the town where it had started.

 

He said: “Our connection to Warwick is part of who Moore & Tibbits are – we’re essentially a high street law firm that has grown organically in recent years.

 

“It recently became clear that our current setup wasn’t really working for us. Our high street office was looking tired and cramped, and there wasn’t much synergy with our existing Westgate House office.

 

“When we decided to move to larger premises, it was a must that we stayed in Warwick town centre, whilst also having an inviting office space for both our staff and our clients.”

 

Having known Jonathan and Wareing & Company through his work, James thought he may have a solution and decided to contact him.

 

“Jonathan understood our criteria perfectly and knew the third floor of Westgate House would fit the bill,” James added.

 

“The new space gives us 4,000 extra square feet compared to our previous two-office arrangement, meaning we will be able to easily accommodate new staff as we continue to grow.

 

“It will allow us to retain that close connection with Warwick that defines us as a firm, while also allowing us to modernise without leaving the town.”

 

Jonathan said: “For tenants such as Moore & Tibbits, location can mean absolutely everything.

 

“While some occupiers are more than happy to take out-of-town locations if the property is to their liking, for others, keeping their business in the same place can be vital.

 

“We felt the third floor of Westgate House would be ideal for Moore & Tibbits to keep them in Warwick and allow them to expand.

 

“It’s great to see the team have moved in and we look forward to seeing the business grow further in its new home.”

How did Warwickshire’s commercial market fare in 2024, and what will 2025 have in store?

Posted on by sam

Against a somewhat challenging economic and political climate, we catch up with Jon Blood of Wareing & Company to discuss the how the commercial property market fared in Warwickshire in 2024, his predictions for 2025 and most importantly, what belongs in a Christmas dinner…

 

How did you find the last year?

As we wrap up 2024, it’s fair to say that Warwickshire’s commercial property market has been a lot busier than in 2023. We didn’t kick off the year with huge amounts of optimism, though. The interest rate hikes from 2023 had left many investors feeling cautious, and with a General Election looming, a lot of people were waiting to see how things panned out.

But the election was called earlier than expected, and by summer, the market really started to pick up speed. Retail, in particular, came alive, with many deals being completed in the latter half of the year.

 

What were the key economic challenges?

The year wasn’t without its hurdles. Early on, the impact of those 2023 interest rate hikes still lingered, and investor confidence was relatively low.

Interest rates eventually stabilised, which helped, but the economic backdrop still had its tricky moments. The government’s Budget could have been better for smaller businesses with the rise in National Insurance Contributions impacting their spending, but its overall commitment to building is a positive sign.

 

And what about sector-specific challenges?

Different sectors had their own issues to navigate outside of the overall economic outlook. In retail, there was a bit of a slow start before rents finally rebased after the pandemic, which paved the way for the sector’s resurgence later in the year.

The industrial market had a steady year. Warwickshire’s excellent location and transport links kept things ticking along nicely, even if it didn’t see the same surge as retail.

The office market was less active. With hybrid working now firmly the norm, landlords and businesses were understandably cautious about investing in office space. ESG (environmental, social, and governance) considerations also played a big role, making it clear that the office sector is still figuring out its place in a post-pandemic world.

 

What positives did you take from this year?

Plenty, actually! Retail had a fantastic comeback in the second half of the year. Seeing brands like Jo Malone London and Gail’s Bakery choose to set up shops on Parade and Regent Street respectively in Leamington Spa was a real boost for the area. It’s always great to see big names putting their confidence in the region.

The industrial sector also had its wins. Bracco, a global medical firm, took space at Titan Business Centre in Warwick, showing how businesses are still drawn to Warwickshire’s fantastic connectivity.

Even the office market, with all its uncertainty, delivered some exciting moments. One standout was letting around 20,000 sq ft at Imperial Court in Leamington to Lighthouse Games. It’s one of the town’s most prominent office spaces, so seeing a company of their calibre move in was a real highlight.

 

What are your expectations for 2025?

Looking ahead, there’s a lot to feel optimistic about. Flexible office spaces are likely to become even more popular, with companies leaning into the ‘hub’ model — places where staff can pop in and out as needed. Flexibility is king these days, and businesses are happy to pay a little extra for high-quality spaces that offer just that.

If the Bank of England keeps interest rates steady — or, better yet, brings them down as some are predicting — then we could see even more activity across the board. The government’s focus on housebuilding and growth could also help boost confidence, but investors will want to see tangible progress, not just promises.

Quality will continue to be the driving force. Businesses and investors have become much more discerning, and sub-par spaces just aren’t cutting it anymore. As we step into 2025, we’re ready to help keep Warwickshire’s commercial property market moving forward and thriving.

 

And finally – what is your favourite part of Christmas dinner?

I always look forward to a delicious Christmas dinner, but the food I absolutely must have on my plate are pigs in blankets. Chipolatas wrapped in bacon – you can’t beat it!

I hope everyone enjoys tucking into their own Christmas meal and having a well-deserved break at the end of another busy year! From myself and everyone at Wareing & Company, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

 

Jo Malone opening in Leamington after Wareing & Company agrees deal

Posted on by sam

Luxury perfume brand Jo Malone London is set to open in the centre of Leamington in time for Christmas after Wareing & Company secured the move.

The new store will be opening at 67 Parade on Friday December 13th.

The company, which has more than 50 stores in the UK, is in the process of moving into the 1,523 sq ft unit which sits between Santander and Specsavers.

Rachel Baker, UK General Manager of Jo Malone London, said: “We are delighted to announce the news of our new Jo Malone London store opening in Leamington Spa.

“This elegant Regency town located in the heart of Warwickshire offers a sophisticated setting for Jo Malone London with its regal architecture and renowned spas.

“We believe that Leamington Spa’s charm and rich heritage perfectly complement our brand’s dedication to timeless elegance.”

Jonathan Blood, Director at Wareing & Company, added: “Jo Malone London is a highly-recognised brand that will be an excellent addition to the many great stores on Parade.

“This deal once again shows that the retail market in Leamington is more resilient than many other towns, and that big names are prepared to move in once the right unit is found.”

Car wheel specialists moving back to old Warwick home after 40 years away

Posted on by sam

A supplier of wheels for modern and classic cars, which boasts customers from as far away as Australia, is set for a move back into its old Warwick home after more than 40 years away after Wareing & Company agreed a deal.

John Brown Wheels is in the process of moving into the 22,224 sq ft Taylor Group House on Wedgnock Lane following the deal’s completion.

The firm designs replicas of alloy wheels for a range of modern vehicles as well as classic cars in need of an upgrade, from tiny wheels for 1960s Minis, to larger wheels for classic Volkswagen Type 2 campervans, and supplies to both the public and the trade.

Founded in 1972 in Coventry, John Brown Wheels was founded by the late Jonathan Brown and his brother Chris, who started off storing wheels in their bedroom and directing customers to call a telephone box between 6 and 8pm for any enquiries.

After a loan of £100 from their mother, the brothers grew the business and eventually opened 16 branches around the UK while basing itself at Wedgnock Lane in the 1970s and 1980s.

In that time, John Brown Wheels built up a strong reputation among classic car enthusiasts both in the UK and abroad, with orders being shipped as far as Japan and Australia.

However, after two decades at its current premises in Stockton, Chris and his son Rich felt the time was right to find a new premises to help the business grow.

During a visit to Warwick, Chris happened to see that Taylor Group House was up for sale through Wareing & Company, and called the agents soon after.

From left: David Brown (John Brown Wheels), Chris Brown, and Jonathan Blood inside Taylor Group House
From left: David Brown (John Brown Wheels), Chris Brown, and Jonathan Blood inside Taylor Group House

 

He said: “When I saw Taylor Group House was up for sale, I thought it was fate.

“Our premises in Stockton was becoming a little tired and we were in need of a new place to call home. But I never thought we might be able to move back to our old place in Warwick.

“I was initially told the premises had just been sold, which was a real shame. But a couple of months later, Jonathan Blood at Wareing called me back to ask if I was still interested as the original deal had fallen through. I said I was and we quickly arranged a viewing.

“Seeing the building again on our first viewing brought back a lot of memories – not only of our success there, but of my brother too. The decision to come back just felt right.”

John Brown Wheels is now in the process of fitting out Taylor Group House and transferring its inventory over, with a planned opening date in the new year. It is also hopeful of hiring new staff once the company moves in.

“Demand has generally been good in wholesale and export, and we’re hopeful the retail side of the business is picking up too,” Chris added.

“And Warwick is a busy town – the Wedgnock Industrial Estate is full of useful suppliers for us and we expect business will move more quickly once we’re moved in.

“We think our move back to Warwick will be a real step forward for John Brown Wheels, and we’re really looking forward to being back in the town and grateful to Jonathan at Wareing for his patience in securing the property.”

Jonathan Blood, Director at Wareing & Company, said: “Not only is this a great example of a successful company choosing Warwick as their new base, but an incredible story for the Brown family.

“The business landscape at Wedgnock Industrial Estate was a clear draw for Chris, but the personal connection to Taylor Group House made it particularly appealing.

“We’re delighted to have made this deal happen for Chris and John Brown Wheels, and we hope their return to Warwick brings them great success.”

Multinational medical firm opens first UK warehouse after Wareing deal

Posted on by sam

A multinational medical firm making products for diagnostic imaging has opened its first UK warehouse for repairing and testing after moving the service in-house.

Bracco UK has signed a lease on a 5,685 sq ft warehouse and 1,549 sq ft of office space at 8 Titan Business Centre in Warwick after Jonathan Blood, Director at Wareing & Company, secured a deal.

Bracco, headquartered in Italy, creates and distributes products used in contrast imaging – such as chemicals that can be detected in X-rays, MRI scans, and more, along with devices that can administer them.

While the UK arm of the company had a strong sales presence in the country from its Oxford offices, and saw its products used in both NHS and private hospitals, it used to rely on third parties to repair defective equipment and to test new products.

Bracco UK decided to bring this part of the business in-house so its customers would not have to deal with anyone new when it came to servicing and repairing.

As a result of this decision, Bracco UK needed suitable premises to base the service from.

Mark Pittaway, Service Manager for Bracco UK, said: “We knew we wanted somewhere fairly central to base the service in as our products are in hospitals all over the country. The warehouse also needed to be a blank canvas with associated office space, but that we could move into right away without any remedial work.

“We looked in Birmingham, Coventry, and similar areas, but when we came across the unit at Titan Business Centre, we thought it could be a good option.”

Mark was shown the warehouse by Jonathan, who understood Bracco’s requirements around having a turnkey premises and was able to demonstrate that the unit at Titan Business Centre was an ideal choice.

The team of six has now moved into the warehouse and is hitting the ground running.

Mark added: “It was clear that Jon understood what we were after as a business – which is something we couldn’t say for other agents we worked with in trying to find a suitable warehouse.

“Many other properties we were recommended by others were either too run-down or not quite right for our needs.

“We haven’t long moved in but we’ve already settled in nicely. The warehouse is exactly what we wanted and will enable us to kick-start our in-house repair and testing service in the UK, which will significantly improve our customers’ experience.”

Jonathan Blood, Director at Wareing & Company, said: “8 Titan Business Centre’s open space, high specification and excellent links to the motorway network via the M40 made it an attractive proposition for Bracco UK.

“We’re really pleased that Bracco UK has made itself at home so quickly, and we hope it will be an excellent base for its repair and testing operations for years to come.”