28 commercial property


Why Chineham Park is a smart move for businesses


This summer sees the launch of a new campaign 'Chineham Park is Smart for Business' – a strapline which Rupert Batho, managing director of the MEPC-owned mixed use business park, believes perfectly sums up its appeal


He describes the Basingstoke business park as “best in class” and says the team works hard to ensure it maintains its reputation for diversity and flexibility, both in terms of the organisations who call it home and the range of options available.


“We have spent a lot of time looking at what we do and where we are placed in the market, that’s led us to go one step further and say we believe we are Hampshire’s premier business destination,” said Batho.


“The fact we are under single ownership gives us a real sense of continuity, underpinned by high levels of customer service for both existing and potential occupiers. There may be bigger business destinations, but they are typically more fragmented, with no sense of community.”


'Our customers feel they belong here, among successful companies, with fantastic facilities ...'


Flexibility is one of the reasons why many companies choose to make Chineham Park their home, helped in no small measure by the fact MEPC owns the land and has its management office on the 95- acre site, allowing it to respond quickly to tenant requests.


Accommodation ranges from small offices with an all-inclusive monthly fee, through to large, modern buildings capable of housing hundreds of staff.


In addition,


a series of industrial units provide a combination of warehousing and office facilities, ideal for growing businesses.


One example of ongoing development work is the recent refurbishment of the Beechwood complex, which has seen the industrial space completely transformed into contemporary hi-tech units. The MEPC team worked closely with new occupiers including DigiPOS, ensuring bespoke solutions were provided to meet its requirements.


The success of IT distributor Micro-P is another example of a company that has really found its feet at Chineham Park. When it first moved in two decades ago, it employed just 20 people, but over the years the company has grown and


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both office and warehouse space for its operations.


Looking ahead, Batho says demand continues to be “very strong” with Yorktel due to move its Basingstoke operation onto the park in the very near future, NHS moving into Central 40 and Sanmina Corporation planning a move into one of the park’s hi-tech industrial buildings.


... ongoing plans include the sharing of 'best practice' ideas from MEPC’s locations across the UK ...


“Future demand looks very positive, we’re seeing a great deal of interest from companies who haven’t been here before, but are realising this is a really good place to be,” he added.


One of the reasons Chineham Park’s popularity is so high is its ability to offer employees on the park a healthy approach to worklife balance and, as part of its commitment, MEPC has recently reinvigorated its green travel plan.


Among the initiatives to encourage walking and cycling have been improvements to the new footpath entrance from Hanmore Lane, and the upgrading of surfaces, lighting and CCTV systems to make walking a more attractive option.


recently moved into its sixth location, now employing around 170 people.


'Future demand looks very positive ...'


“Chineham Park offers real versatility, it is perfect for companies looking to trade up in terms of space and it is an attractive destination for businesses planning to grow,” said Batho.


“Our customers feel they belong here, among successful companies, with fantastic facilities, a great environment and a strong workforce who like being on the park.


"We regularly work with companies post- merger and acquisition or sale to ensure they have exactly the right amount of space they are looking for and ensure they can continue to grow for the future.”


2012 saw a number of high-profile new arrivals, including the largest office move in Basingstoke for a decade, when Computer 2000 transferred over 530 staff into its new 48,000 square feet of office space with a 10-year lease.


Earlier this year, global lighting specialist Tridonic moved into two buildings, taking


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A "buddy walking" scheme puts employees in touch with each other if they don’t want to walk alone and phase two of the work will see directional signage installed, together with more attractive planting.


A free courtesy coach runs from Basingstoke town centre to encourage staff to leave their cars at home and Chineham Park is also working closely with the My Journey website (www. myjourneyhampshire.com) to promote different travel choices.


In addition, ongoing plans include the sharing of “best practice” ideas from MEPC’s locations across the UK, including Milton Park near Abingdon, proving that good ideas can go a long way towards business success.


Details: Rupert Batho 01256-486680 rbatho@mepc.com www.chinehampark.co.uk


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