A new high-profile tenant has rolled into occupation of an industrial unit at Nottingham South and Wilford Industrial Estate. 

Global sports equipment distributor Escalade International, advised by FHP, acquired the 6,101 sq ft unit on a five year lease. Landlord, JHL Estates, was advised by national commercial property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH).

Swansea-based Escalade International has been active in Europe since 1992 and has developed a very successful relationship with many leading retail operators through the Marcy and Inspire brands. However, having assumed responsibility for the distributorship of the Tunturi and Bremshey brands from Nottingham-based Accell Fitness in June 2010, the firm took the decision to acquire a unit on Nottingham South and Wilford Industrial Estate for use as its Midlands base.

David Gilson of Escalade International, commented: "Following the purchase of a local company we needed to relocate and Unit 19 fitted the bill perfectly for us. The Unit will allow us to configure operations between Nottingham and Swansea allowing us to efficiently distribute our exclusive ranges of Marcy and Harvard sporting goods throughout Europe and the Middle East. 

"We are extremely grateful to FHP for aiding us in sourcing the premises and also importantly negotiating suitable terms on our behalf.  By involving FHP we were able to concentrate upon our core business without the time consuming distraction of property acquisition."

Alastair Fearn of FHP added: "The acquisition of new premises is often a time consuming procedure and potentially full of pitfalls.  Our advice ensured that the client secured the most suitable premises on the best possible terms.

"This is the latest transaction in a number of sales and lettings that FHP has been involved with at Nottingham South & Wilford Industrial Estate, including the recent sale of Boland House, illustrating the strength of the location."

Since acquiring the unit in 2008, Midlands-based property company JHL Estates has carried out extensive refurbishment and infrastructure improvements on the advice of LSH, which included the introduction of power assisted roller shutter doors, 3 phase power supply, modernisation of the office and canteen space, and the provision of additional car parking.

John Lacey, of JHL Estates, said: "The arrival of Escalade International reflects the level of investment and quality of works we have undertaken, which clearly stands the unit head and shoulders above the competition. We are delighted to have Escalade on board as a tenant and wish them every success in their new location."

Sean Bremner, Head of Industrial and Logistics Agency at LSH's Nottingham office, said: "Nottingham South and Wilford Industrial Estate is a highly successful location, providing occupiers with excellent access to Nottingham City Centre and the region's motorway networks. 

"In order to differentiate the unit from other vacant premises on the estate, we recommended our client undertake a comprehensive refurbishment programme. JHL Estates did a fantastic job in creating superior quality storage and office accommodation, and this was fundamental in securing the letting."  

For more information about Lambert Smith Hampton, please visit their website here: www.lsh.co.uk