Godwin Developments: Residential development of up to 50 homes sold to Places for People

National property business Godwin Developments announces that it has completed the sale of its residential development of up to 50 family homes in Shepshed, Leicestershire, to the UK’s leading social enterprise Places for People.

The scheme, which benefits from an outline planning permission secured by Godwin last year, is situated at a gateway location along the main arterial route into Shepshed. When fully built, residents will have easy access to a range of amenities, including primary and secondary schools, shops, recreational facilities, a wide range of other services, and local employment. The site of the residential development also lies just over half a mile from junction 23 of the M1 motorway and is approximately three miles from Loughborough, the principal settlement in the Borough of Charnwood.

Places for People intend to deliver the scheme of two-, three- and four-bedroom properties through thoughtful design and to high energy efficiency standards. The enterprise has a long-term growth programme that aims to deliver over 18,000 homes in the next five years across the UK. It is expected that the properties will be available sometime in 2024, both as affordable rent as well as with options to purchase through the Government-backed Shared Ownership scheme.

Commenting on the completion of the transaction, Godwin Development’s Founder and Board Director Stuart Pratt said: “We are really thrilled that Places for People will now be the custodian of this scheme, taking it forward through to the delivery and operation of new affordable and environmentally efficient homes for local people. Godwin has deep expertise in identifying the right sites and getting them through planning and Shepshed is a great example of this skill in action. The transaction will enable us to focus our efforts on other development projects across the country where we continue to seek residential, commercial, and industrial opportunities that match our strategy.”

The 79th Group: Company Director Curtis Webster discusses international expansion

Curtis Webster, Investment Director of The 79th Group, discusses the expansion of the company around the world and the importance of local relationships in some of their key strategic territories, including USA and Japan.

As I reflect on my last business trip to New York, I realise just how fast things have been moving here at the Seventy Ninth Group, and our ambitions for international expansion are well and truly being realised. As the Investment Director, I am always keen to navigate new territories as we press ahead with our expansion. Just this year, between myself and the other directors, we have visited all of the regions we have a local, physical presence in: the Republic of Guinea, Japan, the United States and the United Arab Emirates. We have recently opened two of our newest offices: New York and Tokyo, which has not only expanded our business’ horizons but also my own as I learn more about the opportunities in new markets.

In today’s interconnected world, businesses have greater opportunities than ever before to broaden their operations beyond their domestic boundaries. It is no surprise that so many businesses are expanding globally, with 70%[i] of UK-based SMEs planning to expand into global markets in 2023. Global expansion offers numerous advantages and growth prospects depending on the industry you operate in. As an asset management firm with aspirational goals, not to mention our ability to diversify in response to global economic uncertainties, we believe it’s so important to build new business relationships and gain hands-on knowledge across regions.

A go-to-market strategy built for us

Every company needs to look at their international expansion differently. Timing and expenditure are so important. We are incredibly ambitious and our instinct is to get everything done now, at speed, and never miss an opportunity. But we have to balance our impulses with measured goals. We establish relationships first so that we can leverage their insights and help us avoid easy pitfalls. We spend longer on the relationship building[ii] so that when we enter the market, we can move and grow fast. We’re also not afraid to pivot quickly and instinctively based on what the global economy is telling us; being an alternative asset management company, we are always looking for the next trends to be the next opportunity, so if it means moving resources to a previously unexplored market, we tackle it head on and make it work.

Building long-term, trusted relationships

One of the key benefits of expanding your business globally is the opportunity to build valuable relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders from diverse cultural backgrounds. By having an in-person presence with office space, it’s possible to more easily foster collaboration and understanding, all of which are crucial in today’s interconnected business landscape. By establishing a global presence, we’ve been able to enhance our reputation, expand our network, and create a strong foundation for future growth. Having representatives on the ground allows us to capture the nuances of each market – adapting the business model accordingly and avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach that could undermine the entry route into a new market.

The appeal of the United States

The US is world-renowned for its powerful entrepreneurial ecosystem and has a lot to offer for companies looking to invest there. With a population of over 331 million[iii] and a favourable business environment characterised by low tax rates and strict, clear but simple regulatory hurdles, it is an obvious choice to open an office. For us at the Seventy Ninth Group, it is a natural place to have a location as America is highly conducive to business and, in particular, works well as a base for a company like ours. New York, the “city that never sleeps” is our chosen city, where we just opened an office in Manhattan in 2023.

Japan: A hub of innovation and technological advancement

Japan is renowned for its technological advancements and innovation-driven economy. With a highly skilled workforce, strong intellectual property protection, and a culture that values quality and precision, establishing an office in Japan can provide businesses with access to cutting-edge technologies, research collaborations, and strategic partnerships. Japan has a strong and fast-growing consumer market, which presents a vast opportunity for businesses looking to tap into new customer bases. And from the B2B side, which we also operate in, it is home to a massive B2B market that exceeds 370 trillion yen. The new UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the UK’s first Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that extends beyond its existing EU accord, was signed in October 2020. According to the Department of International Commerce, the agreement may result in a rise in national commerce of £15.7 billion, a boost to the economy of £1.5 billion, and an increase in pay for employees of £800 million[iv].

At the Seventy Ninth Group we’re excited to tap into the opportunities in Japan – whether it’s seeking new clients, or opening up relationships across the rest of Asia-Pacific. We know that having our physical office in Japan will help to build trust in this new market.

Expanding the Seventy Ninth Group globally is undoubtedly key to our growth and long-term success. Building relationships, gaining hands-on knowledge through real-time experiences, and establishing offices in strategic locations such as Japan and the USA will help provide the company with a competitive edge and open up a world of opportunities. We are building local offices that encompass our values and commitment to our clients. The staff here at the Seventy Ninth Group have become an extension of my family, with our values, such as reliability and loyalty, at the forefront of what we do. This unique culture will be embedded in all of our locations globally.

I understand the importance of global expansion, and as a business, I know we’re ready to support our clients in achieving their objectives – around the world. We’re ready to embrace the global stage, unlock new horizons, and witness our company from the North West of England thrive in the international arena.

Godwin Developments secures Costa Coffee and Wendy’s for Ram Jam Services

Two new brands sign up to busy roadside retail development in Rutland

UK property developer Godwin Developments has announced it has signed up two new food and beverage brands, the Nation’s Favourite coffee shop*, Costa Coffee, and global restaurant brand Wendy’s, at its roadside development Ram Jam Services.

Costa Coffee has taken a 1,788 sq. ft. unit whilst Wendy’s, via its franchisee Blank Table Ltd, has signed up to 3,305 sq. ft. These deals follow Godwin’s letting to Loungers, a leading nationwide operator of all-day café-bars and restaurants, which recently signed up to a 4,500 sq. ft. unit for their new concept, Brightside.

Ram Jam Services is positioned alongside the main arterial route from Peterborough to Grantham, next to an established petrol station and a new bakery, and is only 15 minutes away from Rutland Water – one of the largest man-made lakes in Europe. A busy roadside development, the site serves c. 41,500 vehicles passing the site daily as well as residents of the local area. The area and wider county attract nearly 1.9 million visitors every year who favour it for its attractive countryside and outdoor pursuits.

Following the lettings to Loungers, Costa Coffee, and Wendy’s, there is only one unit comprising 754 sq. ft. available on the site developed by Godwin.

Claudine Tracey, Associate Director, Commercial Development at Godwin Developments, said: “We are pleased to have secured two well-known brands to join Loungers at our Ram Jam Services development. The site has always been prime for a thriving roadside destination, therefore it is fantastic to be able to bring new amenities and consumer choice for the local community and passing motorists here. We are very active in the rapidly growing roadside retail market having built strong relationships with the main market players in this space and are excited to continue supporting them in their expansion plans.”

Paul Thomas, Acquisitions Manager, Costa Coffee, added: “We’re delighted to be opening a brand-new Costa Coffee Drive-Thru as part of the exciting new development at the Ram Jam Services, helping to create new jobs and investment in the area. We are already looking forward to sharing even more great moments with the local community when we open our doors next year.”

Carl Morris, Managing Director, Blank Table Ltd, commented: “This will be our second successful opening working alongside Godwin Developments and we are excited to have additional presence in the local area creating new jobs and allowing our new customers and “fans” easy access to our great fresh menu. Quality is our recipe and there is no better place to be for our signature square burgers and fries.”

Construction of the scheme is expected to commence in Q3 of 2023.

Godwin Developments has commercial and industrial divisions with recent projects in Birmingham, Northamptonshire, Dorset and Cambridgeshire, alongside a strong UK-wide pipeline. Its commercial division develops and delivers projects for leading brands such as Lidl, Costa Coffee, McDonald’s, Burger King, Greggs, Starbucks and Wendy’s. At the same time, the team works closely with electric vehicle charging providers, helping power the UK’s low-carbon future.

Shakespeare Martineau acted for Godwin Developments on the deals. The remaining 754 sq. ft. unit is being marketed by Ogle Properties.