An assistive devices developer has praised Higgs LLP for its support in completing a 15-year lease on a game-changing, purpose-built 30,000 sq ft distribution facility in Worcestershire.
ETAC, an established developer and provider of ergonomic assistive devices and patient handling equipment, has signed the deal for the huge unit at Hartlebury Trading Estate, owned by Schroder UK Real Estate Fund.
Leading Midlands law firm Higgs LLP advised on the commercial property, lease and construction aspects of the deal, with James Adams, Principal Associate, Cherry Elliott, Head of Property, and Rachael Hobbis, Partner, involved in the transaction.
Construction is now complete and ETAC is in residence.
The distribution facility gives ETAC a purpose-built warehouse, office and training spaces for its team to enjoy.
It is a far cry from its previous base in Halesowen, which the business had outgrown. At times a lack of space meant stock had to be held on the car park and covered during wet weather.
Shawn Clarke, Managing Director of ETAC, said: “We are delighted to have completed on the lease for this facility. The Hartlebury development delivers quality and functional workspace for our people and a UK base to be proud of.
“Higgs offered excellent advice from start to finish. We had looked at existing premises which weren’t quite right in one way or another but there were some reservations about the scale and the costs of the plans at Hartlebury Trading Estate."
Shawn Clarke
Managing Director of ETAC
“Cherry showed belief in our project from the outset and was instrumental in earning the confidence of the board and the CEO.
“James was also really proactive and was very quick to respond to any queries that arose.
“Higgs were a joy to deal with. We will definitely be engaging the firm again for all our legal requirements.”
ETAC believes the unit at Hartlebury Trading Estate will serve the business for the foreseeable future and enable it to achieve ambitious growth targets.
James said: “ETAC identified Hartlebury Trading Estate as a suitable location some time ago but Covid-19 caused delays. The pre-let agreement was signed in August 2021 so we're pleased to see this lease finally come to fruition, which allows ETAC to plan for the next 15 years and beyond.
“Built-to-suit opportunities of this nature are rare. We were able to use our legal experience across property and construction to advise the client effectively.”
“It has been a pleasure working with Shawn and the team and we look forward to supporting ETAC in the future.”
ETAC was attracted to the estate’s prime location, which combines a green environment with easy access to the UK motorway network, as well as the estate-wide benefits of high power availability, excellent connectivity and first-class security.
