Member Article

AO World signs on for ten year lease at Heathrow distribution centre

Bolton-based online retailer AO World is set to grow its UK distribution network after signing a new lease for a major South East property.

The North West firm has agreed a ten year lease with property investment firm SEGRO for a 33,500 sq ft facility at its Axis Park development at Heathrow which will be fully operational next year.

Sitting close to Heathrow Airport with direct access to West London and the M4, the lease strengthens the rapidly expanding retailer’s South East footprint and, according to AO’s Logistics Director, David Ashwell, will help it fulfill orders much more efficiently.

He commented: “We were looking for a facility from which we could distribute our range of domestic electrical appliances to our customers.

“The unit needed to have good access to motorways and transport links into the city and West London, to allow us to fulfil our customers’ orders quickly and efficiently.

“Axis Park is an excellent location and ticks all the boxes; we look forward to moving in and becoming fully operational next year.”

AO join the likes of Royal Mail, DHL and Smith News at the SEGRO-owned park.

Alan Holland, Business Unit Director for Greater London, SEGRO, welcomed the firm to the park and said the signing attested to Axis Park’s prime positioning at the apex of the UK’s transport network.

He added: “We are delighted to welcome AO World to Axis Park. As a result of this deal, the estate is now fully let, which is testament to its prime location, providing efficient access to major road networks, allowing our customers to meet consumer demands for ever shorter delivery times.

“AO World is a fantastic example of a pureplay retailer benefitting from the shift in consumer shopping habits and we’re thrilled to be working with them.”