Demand for serviced office space leads to McCarthy's expansion

McCarthy's, which is one of the largest privately-owned removals and storage companies in Yorkshire, has announced that it is expanding its business into Harrogate.

It is also building 20 extra offices to cope with demand and increasing the amount of its storage space.

The 2m turnover Leeds-based company, which started with two staff 40 years ago, now has 30 employees.

The company is hiring more staff and has seen an increase in the number of customers requiring storage, workshop and office space.

Mike McCarthy, the managing director of McCarthy's, said the company had bought office storage facilities in Ripon Road, Harrogate which are due to open next month.

He said the ground floor of the company's site at Meanwood Road in Leeds was let out, and an extra 20 offices were due to be built on the first floor.

He added: "Small businesses operating from our site often take a large storage room for their stock or archives as well.

"It's great to see our tenants doing so well in the recession. Our archive storage business has grown as clients have made better use of existing space.

"Our serviced offices have grown as people who have been made redundant are setting up on their own.

"We have also benefited from companies downsizing to occupy our offices.

"The recession hasn't really helped our house moving business as there have been fewer transactions, but we have had an increase in repeat customers as many people have been moving into rented houses.

"I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to secure freehold premises in Harrogate and continue our long association with Yorkshire people and their businesses."

Mr McCarthy was cautious about the outlook for this year, adding: "I think 2010 will be a challenging year for most businesses.

"To be successful in these testing times I believe you need to work very hard, and focus on delivering outstanding service and value to your clients."

Mark Burns, the managing partner of Leeds-based Clarion Solicitors, who has advised McCarthy's, said: "It has been a great experience to be part of the company's expansion."