Opening of Beverley’s first Screwfix branch creates 14 new jobs

Screwfix is set to officially open its first branch in Beverley at The Trade Yard business park.

The retailer, which is the UK’s largest multi-channel supplier of trade tools, plumbing, electrical, bathrooms and kitchens, has created 14 jobs at its new outlet.

Allenby Commercial, Hull-based owners and developers of the site, believe more jobs will be generated with a second unit available now and from future phases of development.

Work will start in September on three units, providing 9,000 square feet of space for occupation early in 2017.

Screwfix will officially open the new store on Thursday 4th August. Lee Aspin, manager of the store, said the aim was to drive employment in the Beverley area by recruiting local people and by supporting local businesses.

He said: “We’ve created 14 brand new vacancies and have employed local people from around the Beverley area. Our new team includes people of all ages and levels of experience, but the most important requirement is that they have the right attitude and can offer superb customer service.

“Everyone here is really looking forward to the official opening. I’m confident that we’ve got a great location here in Beverley. My team and I have already been out and about getting to know local businesses and tradesmen and we’ve all been struck by how friendly everyone has been.”

Allenby Commercial launched The Trade Yard brand after acquiring the 7.24-acre Swinemoor Industrial Estate in 2015. Existing tenants included Bartoline, which occupies 28,000 sq ft, and Derbybeech modular buildings with 62,000 sq ft.

Allenby’s investment supported Lindera Lodges and Glamping Cocoon in expanding its activities on the site and taking another 13,000 sq ft to increase its space by about 50%. Allenby completed a refurbishment including re-cladding, painting, flooring and improved electricals.

The 5,000-sq ft unit occupied by Screwfix is the first new property to be built on the site and the adjacent vacant unit is identical in terms of size and specification.

Charlie Allenby, the company’s contracts manager, said: “The Trade Yard concept is aimed at supporting jobs and investment in the local community by offering high quality, affordable space for business.

“The arrival of Screwfix and the creation of 14 jobs gives an indication of the potential of the site. The second unit is available now and we will have three more in place early in 2017.

“The timescales for completion of the entire site have yet to be decided but our plan is to build more than 20 new units in total, and that is in addition to the refurbishments which have already supported the expansion of existing tenants on the wider site.”