As we look ahead to a new year and the exciting prospects and challenges that brings, we could not start our first blog of 2024 without reflecting on the incredible legacy our late Chairman, David Smith, whom we sadly lost in May last year,  has left behind. David’s determination and nurture of Towngate over a period of 60+ years has seen it become the successful property business it is today and as we go into a new year; we will do our utmost to continue David’s great work to the best of our abilities.

Where Did The Time Go

It is somewhat of a cliché, but it really does feel like 2023 sped by, so much so it can be hard to keep track of when things happened! One of our main projects over the past year, that we will take with us into 2024 has been the planning and subsequent commencement of our development at Walkden, Manchester. The development, due to complete in April 2024, comprises 6 brand new industrial/warehouse units, totalling 45,695 of overall square footage, each unit boasting good sized yard space and integral offices.

The scheme will also ensure a decrease in CO2 emissions over standard building regulations with its green initiative credentials such as EV charging points, highly energy efficient LED lighting and PV solar panelling, resulting in reduced occupational costs for the end user. We are confident that the units will be snapped up and we are delighted to have ended the last year with 2 of them already under offer.

Here’s What Lies Ahead in 2024

2024 will also see our Assistant Managing Director, Steve Forrest, celebrate 30 years of working for the company! Steve joined the company as a Financial Controller in 1994, becoming Finance Director in 1998 and Assistant Managing Director in 2023. It is safe to say that Steve is certainly part of the furniture here at Towngate and we look forward to celebrating this milestone with him later in the year.

Towngate’s current website will also see a revamp in the coming year as we look to keep our online presence fresh and in keeping with current trends.

Whilst we look forward to the new adventures 2024 is set to bring, we are also excited to continue with those traditions we have loved and enjoyed over many years. We will once again sponsor and attend the Ilkley Beer Festival in February, our annual corporate tennis event will return in the spring and those stalwart Leeds United fans amongst us look forward to many a weekend celebrating (hopefully!) at Elland Road!

We couldn’t end our new year blog without mentioning the fantastic suppliers, contractors and partners, who, year on year assist us to the highest standards. It is always a privilege to take you forward with us into each new year and to continue our strong working relationships.

Following the success of our ‘Meet the Team’ Q&A’s across our social channels last year, watch this space for our new ‘Meet the Suppliers’ Q&A coming in 2024!