Business park to put up ‘no vacancy’ signs

At a time when many firms are battling for survival, the Sycamore Business Park, near Ripon, is 95 per cent full and expecting to welcome new tenants after a recent “rush of enquiries”.

Around 80 people work on the site, which has seen its fortunes boosted by the arrival of high speed broadband.

The park’s owner, Colin Stamp, believes Sycamore’s success shows that you don’t have to be based in a major city to benefit from the latest technology.

The 25,000 sq ft rural business park, which is near the A1M, was acquired by entrepreneur Mr Stamp in a £1.25m deal, which was partially funded by Lloyds TSB Corporate, in March 2004.

Mr Stamp is the former managing director of Litter Boss, a national firm which specialises in the external maintenance of business parks.

He set up Litter Boss 25 years ago, and built its turnover up to £5.5m, before selling the business in 2001.

Mr Stamp said yesterday: “I bought Sycamore Business Park from a local businessman, Steve Greggson, who had developed the park from what was initially a group of holiday cottages, obtaining planning for alternative uses.

“I saw the tremendous potential in the park; which has a beautiful rural setting.”

Mr Stamp said he had a policy of attracting start-up and small expanding businesses, and helping them in their early stages with “sensible rents, simple leases and general support”.

He recalled: “I started Litter Boss in my own home study, and I understand the need for taking small steps when moving into proper offices.

“When I sold the company in 2001, it was number one in its field, providing a maintenance service to pension funds, property investors and chartered surveyors. It serviced retail parks, business parks and industrial estates throughout the UK.

“Sycamore instantly appealed to me as an opportunity to help other young and growing businesses.

“I take an individual approach to every potential new tenant, and tailor the terms of a package to suit their needs.

“Similarly, as they grow, I will happily release them from their lease to move into a larger or different style of unit, making life as easy as possible so they can concentrate on running their business.”

According to Mr Stamp, the park has a “tremendous community spirit”, and tenants are involved in a wide range of trades and industries.

He added: “We are even multi-national, one company, a bridal-wear specialist, is Canadian owned, and an IT specialist, which is part of an Australian partnership, serves the whole of the UK. Another tenant has recently installed illuminated floors in a new shopping mall in Kuwait.”

In 2011, Sycamore became the first rural business park in North Yorkshire to get a high speed broadband connection.

The fibre optic broadband connection was installed as a result of its successful application to NYnet’s Smart Park’s project. NYnet is a public and private sector commercial venture led by North Yorkshire County Council.

Sycamore Storage, which stands next to the park, has 44 storage units which can be rented out on a weekly basis.

Mr Stamp said yesterday: “Many of these are occupied by existing tenants of the business park as part of their expansion plans.

“A testament to the success of the park is the fact that currently there is only one unit vacant out of 34, and this is in the process of being upgraded with new carpets and redecoration.

“It will be ready and waiting for the next tenant soon.”

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