Online beer distributor relocates to Wetherby’s Thorp Arch Estate following growth period

An onliner beer distributor, which has expanded from a £150k turnover three years ago to a projected £10m this year, is the newest business to relocate to Thorp Arch Estate in Wetherby.

Beer Hawk is taking 12,216 sq ft in Unit 16 of a new 37,276 sq ft speculative scheme at Ash Way to relocate its warehouse operation from Saltergate Business Park, Harrogate, on a 15-year lease.

Founded in 2012 by directors Chris France and Mark Roberts, Beer Hawk has grown from two to 20 staff, sources 500 of its own selection of beers from 25 different countries, including several craft beers from microbreweries in Yorkshire, and provides next-day delivery to homes throughout the UK.

The Beer Hawk deal means that two thirds of the 37,276 sq ft scheme at Ash Way is now pre-let, with biotechnology company Avacta Group Plc, which relocated to Thorp Arch Estate six years ago, taking 12,800 sq ft for new office and laboratory space.

Beer Hawk started in 500 sq ft at Hammerain House, Harrogate, and the move to the Thorp Arch Estate will be its fourth expansion and relocation in four years.

Chris France said: “Thorp Arch Estate will be an ideal base for us because of the quality of the new premises, which is being especially reconfigured for us, including a beer tasting bar; the capacity to expand and the estate’s proximity to the motorway network for next-day deliveries.

“The capacity to expand nearby on the estate was also attractive if we continue to grow as projected. We plan to invest millions of pounds into the company in the next few years, including creating 30 new jobs. We also plan to expand our selection of the world’s best beers to 800 and so we will need space for more pallets.”

Tim Munns, director of Wharfedale Property Management Ltd, which manages the estate for owner, Rockspring Hanover Property Unit Trust, added: “Attracting Beer Hawk is another significant coup for us and vindicates the decision to invest in further speculative units.

“The success of this scheme and continuing demand has enabled us to submit a further planning application to Leeds City Council for an additional 48,000 sq ft of space in four units of 6,000 sq ft and two of 12,000 sq ft.”

There are four units in Ash Way, which comprise 3,065 sq ft each with 7m eaves, offices, a WC and beverage area, LED lighting to both the offices and warehouses, loading and parking areas as well as benefiting from the estate’s superfast broadband, onsite management and security.

The two-million sq ft Thorp Arch Estate is base for more than 150 businesses, from startups to large Plcs, operating in local, national and international markets and employing more than 1,800 people.

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