A north-east firm plans to create five new jobs after becoming the first tenant to set up shop in the area’s newest business park.
Inverurie Paint & Body Repair Centre, an offshoot of Aberdeen Paint & Body Repair Centre, will occupy new premises there.
The first letting at Thainstone Business Park is a milestone event for the 65-acre site.
Collaborative project
Farmer-owned co-operative ANM Group and family-run commercial property firm GSS Developments teamed up to create the park.
It is already being hailed as a major boost for the local economy.
ANM Group executive support manager Avril McLeod said: “Despite the ongoing challenges currently faced by many companies, our investment in the park positively impacts the north-east economy, and underpins the demand for new premises.”
GSS Developments’ director Tim Stevenson said: “By working in partnership with ANM Group we have been able to bring these exceptionally high-quality facilities to the area.
“We hope their addition to the local business landscape contributes to an upward growth trajectory.”
Our investment in the park positively impacts the north-east economy.”
Avril McLeod, executive support manager, ANM Group.
The park is expected to appeal, in particular, to businesses seeking to slash costs operating from multiple ageing sites which are no longer efficient or fit-for-purpose.
Paul Richardson, partner in agency and development for marketing agent Ryden, said: “Thainstone Business Park is set in an outstanding location which enjoys excellent links to the rest of Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen city and beyond.
“The added benefits of 100% rates relief for the first year of tenancy and modern, fit-for-purpose, high specification premises are huge advantages and we are sure others will be quick to follow suit.”
Strong interest in units
The first phase of the development features six industrial units targeted at potential occupiers including oil and gas, storage and distribution, and trade counter operations.
Strong interest has been reported for the 1,500-2,500sq ft premises and wider design and build opportunities.
Inverurie Paint & Body Repair Centre signed a 10-year lease for nearly 2,500sq ft of space, giving the business room to expand and prompting its plans to recruit new staff.
Roundabout appeal
Sam Murray, a director at the firm, said: “We are expanding our successful Aberdeen operation into the thriving Inverurie area.
“Thainstone Business Park represented ideal commercial space for our business.
“Its proximity to the A96 (Aberdeen to Inverness road) roundabout was a big factor, bringing customers conveniently to the premises.”
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