By Dave Garness, Managing Director, Garness Jones
It was fantastic to see shipping and fuel specialists JR Rix & Sons begin its phased move into the Two Humber Quays complex on Hull’s waterfront this month, having bought the building earlier this year.
The business, which has a rich heritage in Hull stretching back more than 150, is one we have worked with very closely for many years at Garness Jones.
Indeed, we advised the business when it bought Kingston International Business Park in a multi-million pound deal back in 2019.
We were therefore delighted to support directors again on the acquisition of Two Humber Quays from Luxembourg-registered investment company Colsilverbird.
JR Rix & Sons have now moved into part of the the striking five storey-building in Wellington Street, alongside current residents RSM UK, BCD Travel, and Chameleon Business Interiors.
As experienced commercial property specialists, our team at Garness Jones is of course involved in and advises on property purchases every day in our work.
However, it is always a bit special when it involves a business which is part of the fabric of our city, and premises which are something of a landmark like Two Humber Quays, a building we have also now been instructed to manage too.
‘Well-designed offices central to successful businesses’
It was noticeable that Rory Clarke, managing director of JR Rix & Sons, said the move of premises had come at a time of significant change for the business, including a far-reaching digital transformation.
He also stressed that the business had ‘taken the view that a well-designed, attractive office space that people want to come to is central to a successful business’, despite increased home working over the past two years due to Covid-19.
In Two Humber Quays, JR Rix & Sons – one of our city’s most influential businesses - found a perfect new home when it needed it, and that is worth reflecting upon.
Some years ago there was a succession of big name businesses which chose to relocate their head offices out of the city, citing a lack of suitable space in Hull.
However, in the past year we have seen both JR Rix & Sons and health and safety giant Arco invest millions into relocating their head offices within the city by moving to the ever-evolving Fruit Market and waterfront area.
It has been fantastic to play our part in the development of that area of the city in recent years, where we continue to work for Wykeland Beal in managing the residential element of the Fruit Market.
It is a real example of the benefits of looking long term for our city, and how Hull can attract both inward investment and ensure we hold on to our most progressive businesses as they continue to evolve.
With businesses such as JR Rix & Sons and Arco continuing to show their faith in the city and invest heavily into its long-term future, a hugely positive message is being sent to investors and developers that Hull is a home for growing, ambitious and successful businesses, and that is a great message to spread.
