What the commercial property market requires to grow out of these troublesome economic times, is new businesses across the UK, which will in turn take up new commercial property space.
One company which is renewing faith in British business, is the healthy fast food chain, Pod. Tim Hall, co-founder and chief executive of Pod, says in his vision for the company on their website: ‘I opened the first pod in 2006. I couldn’t find anywhere near work that served nutritious, natural food so I decided to give it a go myself. After a very steep learning curve I’m blushingly proud to be at the helm of the UKs fastest growing healthy fast food chain, now populated by a group of fantastic, passionate, people…We’re pioneering a new kind of food business.’
Pod has continued its rapid expansion, this year alone Pod has taken commercial property space for three new stores in London.
At the moment, Pod has stores solely in London, however, the company has broadcast plans to accelerate its expansion across the UK, with the announcement that it aims to open a further 20 stores by the end of 2012.
In a wise move, Pod, has sought advice on how to handle this expansion, from multinational real estate organization, CB Richard Ellis (CBRE). CBRE stated they have been ‘instructed to secure new stores in Central London, with the intention to have at least 20 stores open by the end of 2011. The chain has equally ambitious plans for 2012 in and out of London.’
Michael Dibley, CBRE senior director, Central London Retail, is pleased to be in partnership with such a fresh and ethical company, saying: ‘Pod is a pioneering business that differs from traditional fast food retailers by meeting the demand for healthy and convenient eating options. Pod has grown its business carefully by following an expansion strategy that has initially focused on the City of London; however, it is now starting to look further afield to meet the growing appetite for its fresh and healthy food.’
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Fast Food’s Healthy Appetite For Commercial Property