Law firm Gordons advises on multi-million pound purchase of new Bradford depot for British Wool Marketing Board

Simon Leonard, Commercial Property Consultant from Gordons LLP pictured with David Nunn, the BWMB’s chief financial officer

Yorkshire law firm Gordons has advised the British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB) on the multi-million pound purchase of a 114,000 sq ft building on Canal Road in Bradford that will become its new area distribution depot.

Located on Bradford’s Euroway Industrial Estate, the BWMB has been situated in the city for over 30 years and operates a central marketing system for UK fleece wool with the aim of achieving the best possible net return for farmers.

The building which has been purchased is the former Empire Direct warehouse and is planned to replace the existing depot at City Road Bradford.  The BWMB was advised on the deal by Gordons commercial property partner, Simon Leonard. Over the course of the next 12 months the building will be refurbished to accommodate a state-of-the-art wool grading depot.

David Nunn, the BWMB’s chief financial officer, commented: “From our Bradford base we grade wool from farmers based in the North Midlands to the Scottish Borders and then distribute it from here once it has been auctioned. We are very proud to be maintaining the city’s historic links with the wool trade and this new facility will enable us to enhance our trading capabilities.

“It was very important for us to find the right building quickly to enable our continued development and Gordons played a crucial role in ensuring we achieved that objective. Simon and his team were excellent throughout the whole transaction demonstrating commercial acumen and the dedication and ability to keep a deal moving. We are delighted with the service we have received.”

A farmer-run organisation, the BWMB was established in 1950. Day-to-day operations are run from its headquarters in Bradford where it employs 42 people, whilst there are small regional offices in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Gordons’ Simon Leonard said: “Having worked with this particular client for over 15 years I am acutely aware of the hugely important role it plays in supporting the wool industry and sheep farmers. We are very pleased to have assisted in this next stage of growth and development as it will create further opportunities for the BWMB to promote UK fleece wool to buyers from throughout the world.”

Published: 29th July 2009

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