Gordons advises Sheffield’s Approved Food on 60,000 sq ft warehouse expansion

Friday 7th November 2014

Online discount food and drink retailer Approved Food has expanded into a 60,000 sq ft warehouse facility in Sheffield as the company anticipates year-on-year sales growth of 20 per cent.

The retailer was advised on the move by Yorkshire law firm Gordons, which secured a five-year lease on the warehouse for Approved Food with landlord MCR. Located close to Sheffield Parkway, the new facility is three times the size of the company’s former warehouse in Dinnington.

Last year Approved Food dispatched more than 110,000 orders comprising almost nine million items throughout the UK and Europe, generating a turnover in excess of £4m. Since moving into the new warehouse, the company has experienced its best ever month in terms of sales, 22.5 per cent up on the same period last year.

Commenting on the move, Approved Food managing director, Andy Needham, said: “Our most recent sales figures are proof that we got the timing of the move just right. We are experiencing significant growth and are on target to have increased annual sales by 20 per cent by the end of 2014.

“Gordons played a significant role in enabling us to be operating from our new base as soon as possible. They knew we needed to move quickly, so they got on with the job and made it happen. We are very pleased with the lease secured and with the speed at which it was done. It’s enabled us to concentrate on expanding the business, which is evidenced by our recent record month.”

Approved Food employs 50 people and it is anticipated that this latest move will create additional job opportunities. Due to the new location and its fast access to the M1, the company is also expecting further growth in its click & collect business.

Gordons managing partner, Paul Ayre, said: “Approved Food is an excellent business with huge potential. It’s always exciting to be involved with a rapidly expanding company and there is a real confidence and energy about the place, which is reflected in its increasing sales.

“We are sure that Andy and his team will continue to succeed and are proud to have helped Approved Food with this latest expansion.”