Business Scene, July, 2009
Businesses weather the storm
Commercial and industrial firms in Uckfield appear to be "ticking over" through the recession. There are no obvious signs of a meltdown on the Bellbrook Business Park.
Redundancies have been made but the economic crisis has not forced firms to call in the receivers and shut up shop.
Lawson Commercial partner Chris Lawson said there was very little demand for premises and very little supply.
"It is as if businesses are ticking over enough to pay the bills and not doing badly enough to be in distress. There is no evidence of bankruptcies," he said.
There were, however, instances in north Wealden of businesses not renewing their leases.
As in the High Street, some landlords are trying to stimulate demand for units by cutting rents.
An £8,000 per year cut has been made in the rent for business space at Horsted Square on the Bellbrook.
Mr Lawson said: "This is a very competitive £7.38 per sq ft for good quality ground and first-floor offices ideal for a wide variety of office-based businesses including those that involve some storage or light assembly."
(Added to site Wednesday, July 1st, 2009)
