A thriving business park in Wiltshire has called ‘full house’ with the arrival of the latest occupier.
Ashcourt Rowan plc, which provides wealth management services in the UK through its subsidiary companies, joins what is now regarded as the new epicenter for Salisbury’s financial and professional services community.
The arrival of the listed company’s local network branch means London Road Office Park, on the A30 London Road, is fully occupied.
Other occupiers include Swedish bank Handelsbanken, insurer NFU, law firm Trethowans, wealth management firms Argentis and Quilter and business publications specialist Brunton.
Julian Pepin, who works for the office park’s commercial property agent, Salisbury-based Myddelton & Major, said: “The arrival of Ashcourt Rowan means that this thriving business hub, on the north-west outskirts of the city, is now full.
“The moving in coincided with official data which shows that Britain enjoyed the fastest quarterly growth rate in five years, ending the UK’s first double-dip recession in 37 years.
“London Road Office Park is now regarded as the city’s epicenter for the financial and professional services community, with companies attracted to the rare and sought-after Grade A office space.
“It is also worth pointing out that a number of the occupiers have told us they intend recruiting – a sure sign of demand and confidence as UK plc starts to shake off the worst economic slump since the 1920s.”
The park was developed by London-based Danecroft in 2007 before being sold through Myddelton & Major in January 2012 to Spreakley Associates LLP for an undisclosed figure.
Ashcourt Rowan signed a five-year lease on a full repairing and insuring basis on the Suite B ground floor, providing 88 sq m (952 sq ft) of space, with a quoting rent of £14.65 per square foot – equivalent to £13,950 a year.
Michael Neve, who heads up the new Ashcourt Rowan office with colleague Robin Harper and two administrative colleagues, said: “The office park is very much the place to be, with superb facilities, parking and transport links.
“Also, there is no doubt that the companies here will be doing business with one another and making referrals, and we now have the space to grow.”
Mr Neve, a Chartered and Certified financial planner who lives locally, added: “We anticipate generating more jobs to meet demand and we are actively seeking a financial planner.
“Meanwhile we would like to thank Myddelton & Major for the highly professional way they dealt with the letting and associated paperwork – they are courteous, efficient and understanding.”
The branch, which relocated from Shaftesbury in Dorset, advises more than 200 clients, including retired couples, families and trusts, and has regional roots going back over three decades.
Ashcourt Rowan itself provides a wealth management service for private and corporate clients, trusts, pension funds and charities.
