Building partnerships – the rise and rise of Stanton Forge

Left to right, Richard Sutton of NG, David Hartshorn and Lisa Hartshorn of D M Hartshorn Investments.

A commercial property working relationship that is almost a decade old is continuing to bring forward a range of high-quality light industrial schemes across the East Midlands.

Richard Sutton, Managing Director of NG Chartered Surveyors, began working with Lisa and David Hartshorn when he brokered a deal for the pair to build a new head office for their company, Advanced Roofing at Littlewell Lane in Stanton by Dale, Ilkeston.

After the land deal had been completed and the office built, Lisa and David realised that they were sitting on a sizeable chunk of land that hadn’t been used in the build of their offices.

They hatched a plan to diversify and become property landlords themselves under the name of D M Hartshorn Investments.

Lisa said: “When we purchased the land initially to build new offices for Advanced Roofing, we soon realised that there was a lot of extra land leftover. So, we consulted with Richard, who told us that there was pent-up demand for start-up units.

“After receiving some expert advice from Richard, we decided to go ahead and build the first phase of Stanton Forge – four light industrial units.”

The scheme, completed in 2016, was an instant success, with Richard and the NG team inundated with enquiries from prospective tenants. Deals to bring new businesses to the units were completed well in advance of the scheme being completed.

Lisa and David’s thoughts turned to a second phase and they immediately snapped up a parcel of available land to the rear of Phase 1 of Stanton Forge.

Further pent-up demand for quality industrial space saw five new industrial units at the Stanton Forge development brought forward and completed last year. Again, all units were swiftly let by the NG team.

D M Hartshorn Investments is now considering expanding Stanton Forge even further.

Lisa said: “The shortage of start up units and its great location between Junction 25 & 26 of the M1 means Stanton Forge has become a true success story.

“A third phase is something we are toying with as we have land at the rear of Phase 2 of approximately 2.5acres. Watch this space!”

Richard said: “It’s been wonderful to be part of the story of Stanton Forge over the last decade and extremely satisfying to see Lisa and David’s vision become a reality.

“The initial phase of Stanton Forge was the first new-build scheme in Ilkeston since before the recession in the late 2010s.

“These units are perfect for start-up businesses and with Junction 25 of the M1 only 10 minutes away, offer an ideal location and excellent connectivity to the motorway network. Talk of a third phase is exciting and we hope NG can continue to be a part of the success story at Stanton Forge.”

Lisa added: “We enjoy working with Richard as he is honest, down to earth and understands the market. NG has played a major role in the success of Stanton Forge and we look forward to working with Richard and his team in the future.”