A Solihull success story and family-owned company is the latest letting at Blythe Valley Park’s Connexion II industrial scheme, taking 42,000 sq ft.
Reeley Ltd, one of the UK’s leading specialists in lifts, escalator and stairlift components will be taking the unit on a 10-year lease.
Founded in 1989 by Harold Reeley and now owned and managed by his daughter, Angie, the business has grown into a multimillion-pound operation, with a turnover of £3.5m.
Reeley is taking one of three units ranging from 25,000 to 50,000 sq ft at the Connexion II industrial campus located off junction 4 of the M42.
It’s sister site, Connexion I is home to Gymshark, Evac+Chair and Hoffer Powertrain.
Explaining the growth of Reeley and its decision to relocate from Monkspath to one of the Midlands’ premier business parks, managing director Angie Smith said:
“I took over the business in 1999 after my dad died from a sudden illness. Mum was dependent on the business for income and I had to step up fast and hit the floor running.
“Working alongside my husband, Gary, we operated from our spare bedroom and soon our can-do attitude, technical knowledge and fast response built us a strong reputation in the industry.
“Here we are now taking space to future proof the business for another 20 years to accommodate growth for the next generation, which includes my daughter and her husband.
“The unit is a big move up, but we’ve been looking for a while and we know opportunities like this don’t come along very often. Connexion II is the full package – the building, the location and the setting.”
Angie added: “It feels like it is meant to be. It’s perfect for the team and the engineers using our trade counter, with easy access to the motorway network and main arterial roads.
“Everyone is really excited to move and enjoy all the business park has to offer including a fantastic Coop and Java Roastery coffee shop which we’ve already become regulars at.
“We have an incredibly loyal team and we work hard to look after them and their wellbeing and here we can create a tailor-made working environment with a few of our trade mark home comforts.”
Angie continued: “We love what our soon to be office neighbours Jerroms and Lounge have done, creating outdoor spaces overlooking the nature reserve and we hope to do the same.
“Some of the staff are also talking about cycling to work and others have talked about utilising the EV charging points. It’s opening a whole new range of possibilities for the company.”
Reeley is looking to relocate in February 2023 with the first unit at Connexion ready for occupation in December of this year.
Deborah Fennel Park Manager at Blythe Valley Park said they welcomed being able to provide room for expansion for a local company.
“Reeley is going to fit right in at Blythe Valley Park. They share many of the values of our forward-thinking office occupiers who want a first-class working environment with wellbeing as its focus.
“Positioned right at the front of the business park, Connexion II offers convenient access for their trade customers and I think their team will enjoy many of our community events too.
“It’s good to hear that they’re looking to be here for the long term and we’re looking forward to playing a big part in their future.”
Blythe Valley Park is owned by Frasers Property combining industrial and offices with occupiers including Lounge Underwear, Siemens, Oracle, GKN Aerospace, Wavenet and ZF Group.
CBRE and Savills are agents on Connexion II.