Tag: warwick

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

CEWE Secures £5.6m Freehold Acquisition at Tachbrook Park Following Lease Surrender Negotiated by Wareing & Company

Posted on by Nancy Gregory

 

Wareing & Company has successfully negotiated the surrender of a lease and subsequent freehold sale of a high-quality 45,000 sq ft warehouse/industrial unit with extensive office accommodation at 5 Apollo Way, Tachbrook Park, Leamington Spa.

The property, previously occupied by Grupo Antolin, has been acquired with vacant possession by CEWE Limited for approximately £5.6 million. The off-market deal highlights CEWE’s proactive approach and long-term commitment to the Warwick district, as the company relocates from another premises on Tachbrook Park to the new building next year.

Bill Wareing of Wareing & Company who led negotiations on behalf of the landlord said:
“CEWE had been seeking freehold opportunities in the Warwick district for a number of years and have made a commitment to secure these premises in an off-market deal well in advance of their current lease expiry.”

 

CEWE, a German-based provider of commercial photographic services across the UK and Europe, will consolidate its operations at the site, underlining its commitment to growth in the region. Noyes Lewis Commercial Property acted on behalf of CEWE in connection with the transaction.

The completion of this deal reinforces the strength and resilience of the Warwickshire commercial property market, with high-quality industrial and office assets continuing to attract strong investor and occupier demand despite broader market fluctuations.

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.”

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.”

Specialist blinds firm moving to new Warwick HQ

Posted on by sam

A specialist blinds company whose products feature on striking buildings around the world is set to start a new chapter after a move to a new HQ in Warwick was agreed thanks to Wareing & Company.

Guthrie Douglas creates unique blinds for a wide range of extraordinary buildings, including Covent Garden in London, the Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi, and the Broad Museum in Los Angeles.

After embarking on a large recruitment drive and acquiring another blinds company, Shy, in 2022, Guthrie Douglas wanted to move to a larger office and manufacturing complex while not moving far away from its former base at Heathcote Way in Warwick.

Now, the company is set to move to Unit 3 at Titan Business Centre after Jonathan Blood, director at Wareing & Company, agreed a deal.

David Slade, partner at Leamington Spa law firm Wright Hassall, advised Guthrie Douglas on the legal aspects of the move.

The site features 31,422 sq ft of floor space, including a large warehouse, a two-storey office, and electrically-operated roller shutter doors.

Andrew Kitching, Managing Director of Guthrie Douglas, said: “Our acquisition of Shy and our recruitment push brought the company up from 15 employees to around 50, and we wanted to consolidate the team at a new HQ where we could double our capacity.

“We wanted to stay in Warwick if possible as it’s always been our home, and we knew Wareing & Company has a great knowledge of the market here, so we approached them to help our search.

“When we saw the unit at Titan Business Centre, it just ticked a lot of boxes for us. It has ample space for manufacturing our products, dedicated office space, and a pleasant mezzanine area where we can bring clients.

“We were only too happy to agree terms, and aim to start our phased move-in in April before fully moving in during the summer.

“This will be a new chapter for Guthrie Douglas, and we’re confident our new home at Titan Business Centre will allow us to reach new heights.”

Jonathan Blood, director at Wareing & Company, said: “Titan Business Centre is a popular estate for growing businesses like Guthrie Douglas, and benefits from its superb location in Warwick, being just a stone’s throw from the M40 and A46.

“It’s brilliant to see such an ambitious company choose to stay in Warwick, and highlights the strength of the market in this region.”

David Slade, a partner in Wright Hassall’s commercial real estate team, added: “Guthrie Douglas is a real success story in our region and it’s great to help with the next stage of its growth plans.”