An award winning entrepreneur is breathing new life into one of Derby’s most iconic buildings – and is set to create 100 jobs in the region.
Alan White, founder and managing director of Fresh Logistics, is transforming the 5,000 sq ft Olivetti Building on Downing Road into a state-of-the-art headquarters for his expanding firm and his new business venture, the East Midlands Logistics Centre.
Fresh Logistics, is a family run refrigerated courier service, transporting frozen and chilled goods around the UK. Founded in 2008 in Alan’s spare room with just £5,000, the business has just recorded a £2m turnover and has won a number of industry awards.
Alan has ambitious growth plans for the business. The new office will be twice the size of their current home in Long Eaton. Currently employing 50 members of staff, the expansion plan allows for an additional 100 once the headquarters are complete.
“We are a company in growth with a business plan to recruit 100 members of staff over the next three years,” said Alan. “Since forming the company, we have grown, on average, more than 260% per annum.
Undertaking much of the refurbishment work himself along with his team, Alan is delighted to be moving into such a significant building.
“We looked at a number of properties but we knew this one would be perfect for us,” he said. “We pride ourselves on being creative and innovative and I wanted to inspire my staff as we move into our next phase. I couldn’t do that from a standard, grey warehouse building, we wanted something a bit different.
“This fantastic building had so much potential and we are thrilled to bring it back to its former glory.”
Alan completed the sale in a deal brokered by leading property consultants, Bruton Knowles.
“The building has some unique features, including a south facing glass wall which will be ideal for the visitors and staff alike,” said Sam Spencer of Bruton Knowles. “It is a fantastic building and we are delighted that Fresh Logistics will be preserving this piece of architectural importance.
“We wish them all the best in their new headquarters.”
Alan is also launching his new venture, the East Midlands Logistics Centre, a first of its kind in the region. A one-stop shop for businesses and individuals working in the logistics industry, the facilities will include a full conference centre complete with offices, catering facilities, breakout rooms and garden. It will also pay homage to the building’s heritage with a display cabinet full of original Olivetti typewriters from the 1900s.
Its offices will house a number of hot desks, meeting rooms and networking spaces which will be available for rent.
The workstations will be available for anyone who works in the logistics industry,” said Alan. “We hope to share the space with designers, consultants, even vehicle brokers – anyone involved in transport and warehousing.
“We have already secured significant bookings for the next few months and we hope our colleagues will take full advantage of the facilities.”
Fresh Logistics are looking to officially open their new offices in early July.
Last year Fresh Logistics won a top industry award for their corporate social responsibility, being noted for going above and beyond donating to charity but also instilling, from day one, the company’s family values for pay, progression of staff and supporting the local community. It was also noted for being a Living Wage Champion.
The building is one of four in the UK built British Olivetti in the 1970’s, designed by architect Edward (Ted) Cullinan of Cullinan Studio’s, London.
