Global technology firm moves UK base to new home in Warwick

(From left to right) The Wigley Group facilities co-ordinator Pete Burnell, Polar UK finance director John Gibbs and The Wigley Group director James Davies outside Polar UK’s new base in Warwick.

The leading global pioneer in activity trackers and training computers has re-located to a modern new premises in Warwick.

Polar UK has moved into a new 5,000 sq ft property on Wedgnock Industrial Estate with the help of Coventry-based property, risk and facilities management firm The Wigley Group.

Polar caters to all levels of fitness by offering a product range including cycling computers, wearable sports devices and activity trackers, training apps and online services.

The company operates in more than 80 countries and its award-winning training computers are sold through more than 35,000 retailers globally.

Polar’s UK and Ireland base previously operated from a nearby 12,000 sq ft building in Warwick which included an 8,000 sq ft warehouse area which was used to distribute products around the UK until 2014 when shipping moved to Amsterdam.

The company wanted to move to a more suitable nearby premises to ensure it could keep its workforce and called on The Wigley Group to help with the re-location.

Polar UK finance director John Gibbs said: “We wanted to stay reasonably close so we could retain our staff. Essentially we wanted the same amount of office space but without the warehouse which was now obsolete to our needs.

“I knew I needed to find someone with broad commercial property experience rather than someone to simply find us a new building. We wanted an advisor who could help throughout the process including the preliminary negotiations.”

The Wigley Group director James Davies used the company’s network of property agents to find Polar UK its new base. The company guided John through to heads of terms alongside the property agent before solicitors handled the final contracts.

To create the right space for Polar UK’s staff, The Wigley Group’s facilities management division were also appointed to fit out the new building which included dividing up the two floors and creating a new kitchen.

John added: “I was genuinely impressed with James and all of the team at The Wigley Group.

“They helped in anything they could and never quibbled over the scope of what their services included and I would definitely use them again.”

James Davies said: “Many companies find that their commercial space no longer meets their needs but aren’t sure what their options are.

“We’re able to give companies unbiased advice on all aspects of their business strategy connected to property. That includes exiting previous lease arrangements, finding a new property and the negotiations around new rental or purchase agreements.

“We know that finding a space which meets the current and future needs of a business is about more than just finding an empty building – our commercial acumen, knowledge of the property market and negotiation skills are where our team can really add value.

“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to find Polar UK the right commercial property which meets their current and anticipated future needs.”