A century-old stationery company famous for equipping pupils worldwide has retained its Black Country links with a move to its new UK headquarters.
Helix, which created the Oxford mathematics set, has taken 34,823 sq ft at the prime Vantage Point development on the Pensnett Estate, Kingswinford, which is owned and managed by London and Cambridge Properties Ltd (LCP). LCP spent £380,000 building two-storey offices and other necessary works to meet the tenant’s specific requirements.
The company, which was previously based in Lye, Stourbridge, employs 29 people in design, research and development, administration and distribution at its new flagship HQ.
Mike Pell, General Manager for Helix Trading Ltd, said: “We wanted to remain in the Black Country and chose Vantage Point for its modern facilities and striking appearance. It gives us the spacious offices and warehousing we need. Our old facility was too big for the needs of the business and also required significant renovation.
“We wanted a location which would enable us to retain our local workforce and be central in the UK with good communication links.
“We are now looking to grow the business both in the UK and internationally, working in close partnership with our parent company, the Maped Group. Our history spans 125 years as a market leader supplying innovative school stationery and office equipment.”
Margaret Hopkins, Marketing Director of LCP, said: “This high quality accommodation is a very good fit for the Helix business and we are delighted that they have chosen to join many other well established businesses on The Pensnett Estate, a key business location in the region.”
The 185 acre estate is one of the largest secure industrial estates in Europe and home to almost 200 businesses. Accommodation currently available to let ranges from offices of 111 sq ft to warehouse and production units of up to 36,525 sq ft.
Owner LCP is based there and is one of the UK’s largest private owners of industrial and retail property. Its total commercial property portfolio in excess of 14 million sq ft is held for long term investment purposes.