The MP for Mid Worcestershire paid a visit to the largest commercial estate in the county to hear about the impact it is having on investment and employment in the region and its plans and concerns for the future.

Nigel Huddleston visited the team responsible for managing and marketing Hartlebury Trading Estate to see infrastructure work ahead of construction of the new 30,000 sq ft warehouse on the estate, and to discuss employment, community involvement and promoting the region.

Mr Huddleston met with with Rupert Jeffries, asset manager, and marketing agents Harris Lamb and Fisher German. 

Rupert said: “As one of the largest employers in the county, and as the largest business estate, we are very committed to investing in and improving the estate to make it as appealing as possible to existing and new occupiers in order to attract them to Hartlebury and boost Worcestershire’s economy. 

“We’ve enjoyed a successful 12 months, welcoming new businesses to the site and investing £3m in the site to refurbish and improve landscaping as part of our ongoing upscaling of the park, and we’re very excited to have a new infrastructure in place for our speculative warehouse project, Hartlebury 30. 

“We’re confident that the £5 million warehouse on-site will play an important part in attracting more businesses to the region, and further cement our reputation as a provider of jobs in the county,” he said.

Rupert added that the team had an extensive conversation about the current concerns over Brexit, in light of the number of occupiers based at the Estate have with customers inside the EU, and who export and import goods regularly.

“Given Mr Huddleston’s business background, I think it was reassuring for us and our tenants to see how empathetic and supportive he was and to know that all concerns are being taken on board,” he said.

Duncan Bedhall, Head of Commercial at Fisher German, added: “Mr Huddleston was very pleased to hear how Hartlebury Trading Estate is continuing to grow and evolve, creating jobs and increasing prosperity. “Demand is very high for new space on the estate, so we’re confident plenty of businesses will look to occupy the new warehouses once they’re built.” Hartlebury 30 will consist of a single-storey steel portal framed building with an eaves height of 10m with dock and level access doors. It will feature fully fitted office accommodation including raised floors, suspended ceilings, recessed lighting, carpeting and gas fired heating.