International firm set to build £5m HQ in Exeter

International materials handling company STILL UK has signed a deal for a new £5m facility at Hill Barton Business Park in Exeter.

Planning consent was granted in May for the new 5,100 sq m building that will become the UK HQ for the company. Contracts were exchanged last week.

Nick Smith, managing director of STILL UK, said: “STILL is delighted to have now legally committed to this exciting project.

“Working with Stuart Properties and JLL, we have designed our new facility, which will be our UK headquarters. This is great news for the business and particularly our employees and customers in the South West. This facility will be built to a high quality, synonymous with our brand.”

Terry Murch, director at Stuart Properties, said: "We are delighted to have now received planning consent and signed legal documents with STILL on Hill Barton Business Park. The new building will be ready for occupation in early summer 2016.”

Tim Western, director at leading property consultants JLL, which acted for STILL UK in this acquisition, added: “This is very positive news for the Exeter area. STILL like many other companies were unable to identify a suitable second-hand building within the local market.

“New build was therefore the only route and will provide STILL with a bespoke facility, which provides an improved workplace for its staff, is environmentally sustainable and follows the company’s high quality image.”

Staff at STILL’s existing premises in Marsh Barton, Exeter, will relocate to the new site.