Company unveils plans for new Ludlow headquarters
Derwent Management Services (DMS) has unveiled plans for their new company headquarters on Ludlow Eco Park at a ‘sod cutting’ ceremony, attended by members of the company, McCartneys and The Harper Group – who are involved with the build – plus representatives from Shropshire Council.
The company is an automotive consultancy and provides advice on contract car hire and leasing. It currently employs around 19 staff.
On completion the new 7,250 sq ft building will be capable of holding 60 staff, and provides ample space for the creation of new jobs at the company, many of which are anticipated to be suitable for graduates.
The development will be located near the entrance to the Eco Park on the eastern side, and constructed to the highest environmental rating – BREEAM Excellent – in keeping with the impressive green credentials already in evidence on the park.
Keith Darby, Managing Director of DMS, said:
“In these difficult economic times we have all got used to hearing bad news, so we are pleased to be able to report something really positive.
“Our consultancy business, which we established in 1995, is growing rapidly at the moment, particularly in mainland Europe. This has enabled us to invest in some new office accommodation, but the key message is about jobs. We are seeking to recruit some intelligent, professional and computer-literate people to help us develop our business even further. Our new offices will provide a great working environment, and we hope to move in around early December 2011. ”
Andrew Abbott, Project Director with DMS, added:
“Getting projects like this off the ground is tough right now, but the fact that we have cut the first sod just shows what can be done through partnership. We are grateful for the professional help we have received from Michael Edwards and his team at McCartneys, we appreciate the flexibility and customer focus of Tony Rees and the folk at Harpers, and last but by no means least, we would thank Shropshire Council for the co-operation that made this project possible.
Martin Taylor-Smith, Shropshire Councillor for Ludlow South, said:
“Attracting businesses into our area is vital if we are to provide employment opportunities, especially for the young. I am delighted to welcome Derwent Management Services.”
The Ludlow Eco Park is owned by Shropshire Council, and was originally an initiative by the former South Shropshire District Council, alongside Advantage West Midlands and Shropshire County Council.
The park includes companies such as Premier Medical and Lanyon Bowdler, and is also the location of one of the county’s Rural Enterprise Centres, which offers fully serviced offices and workshops to start up companies in Shropshire.
Further investment is planned with the Ludlow Community Hospital proposing to relocate to the park.
Councillor Mike Owen, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for economic growth and prosperity, said:
“We welcome new investment in Ludlow, which demonstrates the success of the Eco Park and continued interest in Shropshire as a place to invest. We look forward to continued development at this exciting business park location.”
