A London-based security risk management company has opened a second office in the country, expanding to a unique office development deep in the heart of rural Herefordshire.

Robert Champion, partner of Worcester-based Halls Commercial, announced the deal that sees Ambrey Risk Ltd follow The Site Doctor as the second tenants of the prestigious, eco-friendly new development.

Set amidst some of the most picturesque English countryside, the new Brockhampton office development is hoping to provide a template for the successful regeneration of rural communities, said Mr Champion.

The development is constructed with environmental sustainability in mind. Ground source heat pumps serve the under floor heating in all of the offices, rainwater is harvested to flush toilets and irrigate the landscaping, timber has been harvested from the estate and a lot of the stone, tiles and paving has been recycled where possible.

Unusually, as much thought has been spent on the outside of the offices and how they blend into the landscape as the inside. Tom Stuart-Smith, the internationally renowned garden designer, is responsible for the landscape design.

Ambrey Risk is a security risk management company for corporate and private clients. It offers independent advice and support through a discreet, professional and ethical approach to the provision of security.  Ambrey offers core services of project management, security, risk and technical consultancy in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. 

Ambrey spokesperson John Thompson, director, said: "We are excited at the prospect of establishing ourselves in the heart of rural Herefordshire. We have chosen to locate our business at Brockhampton because it provides us with the high quality, high specification space that we require. The office has excellent transport links and is in a great location between Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire which can draw upon a strong workforce and talent pool. Additionally it is an inspirational place to work with stunning views".

Rural commercial property hasn't always been top of most businesses agendas when searching for new office premises, said Mr Champion. However, he feels that there is a change of emphasis appearing in the market place.

"Whilst city centres and other areas of high population levels remain attractive to many businesses, there is the genuine justification for small, entrepreneurial businesses to locate in more rural areas where equally attractive and well specified commercial premises can be found but with the added benefit of being set in appealing and inspirational surroundings.

"With the benefit of ever improving technology, businesses are relying less and less on the need to be located within urban centres where prices can be high and restrictions on parking or major traffic congestion can apply."

Estate owner Peter Clay said: "When these buildings went up in 1834 they were the fulcrum for the village. Then, everyone in the village was employed on the land, but nowadays only a handful of people work on the estate and those in Brockhampton that are not retired seek work outside the village, often outside the county.

"We need to rebalance the village population and its orientation, and one way is to attract businesses to Brockhampton. The Duchy of Cornwall have shown that well designed rural buildings with good broadband connectivity will attract dynamic businesses who appreciate the quality of life that such an environment affords."

Halls Commercial and Brightwells advised the Estate. Halls Commercial provides specialist commercial property services to a wide range of clients throughout the Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and wider Midlands Region.