Member Article

Bolton's Aptus Utilities makes Gateshead expansion

Bolton-based Aptus Utilities is opening a new base at Legal & General’s Follingsby Park in Gateshead, as part of its North East expansion plans.

The utilities firm, which employs in excess of 150 people, says the new depot will support its expanding operations in and around Northumberland and Tyne & Wear.

Newcastle-based HTA Real Estate secured the letting to Aptus Utilities for Legal & General Investment Management Real Assets, on behalf of its UK Property Fund.

The firm, an Independent Connections Provider (ICP), has committed to a 10 year lease on a 7,112 sq ft newly refurbished unit on the estate.

Lisa Kerford, Aptus Operations Director, said: “The unit is perfectly placed for Aptus Utilities to serve its new customer base in the North East and is large enough to manage our forecasted growth over the next 5 years.

“It is expected we will be recruiting direct resources from the North East region within the next 6 to 12 months to deliver the service to our new customers.”

Follingsby Park comprises over 1.1m sq ft of industrial floorspace and attracted six new occupiers last year including DFS, Transvalair, Ashtead plc and Shred-It, with lettings amounting to 88,700sqft.

Nick Atkinson, director at HTA Real Estate said: “Aptus Utilities is a rapidly growing business and we are delighted to have been able to assist the firm with its expansion into the North East region.

“Their new lease commenced immediately upon completion of the refurbishment works to enable them to move straight in.

“The firm was attracted to Follingsby Park due to the good quality stock on offer, with the benefit of a large service yard a central location with excellent Motorway access.”