Case Study - Grove & Dean

Family business, Grove & Dean, was established in 1974 and provides a range of personal and corporate insurance services together with mortgage and financial products to clients throughout the UK. Under Grove & Dean's Performance Direct brand, the company grew to become one of the UK's leading independent motor insurers, insuring thousands of car, van and motorcycle drivers across the UK.

This company's niche insurance products and high standard of customer service has enabled it to buck the trend - succeeding in a market that is now under intense pressure due to the credit crunch. Raising the bar, Grove & Dean also needed to spread its wings to fulfil its ambition to grow. Its objective was to stay in the locality, secure a building that was a blank canvas for housing state-of-the-art technology and modern furnishings and in doing so, attract and retain staff.

Gateway to London's Role
Grove & Dean approached Gateway to London in August 2007 looking for a 9,000-10,000 sq ft site. Helping them make the right move, Gateway to London provided Grove & Dean with invaluable assistance in finding the right location. After exploring property options, Gateway to London liaised with agents on Grove & Dean's behalf to leverage the sale. Gateway to London supported the company right up until April 2008, observing the double metamorphosis of Grove & Dean and its new office.
 
Outcome
Financial services group, Grove and Dean moved to Romford in April 2008. Following the company's relocation from Hornchurch, assisted by London Thames Gateway's inward investment agency, Gateway to London, the company is now positioned to significantly expand its 120-strong workforce.

Tollgate House, Grove & Dean's newly built Romford site provided them with a large, landmark headquarters, accommodating the company's insurance broking, mortgage broking, wealth management, customer care, marketing and support staff. Meeting Grove & Dean's requirement to retain its valued workforce, the new headquarters is just three miles from the company's former Hornchurch site.

Fulfilling the company's access and parking requirements, Tollgate House is close to shops and local amenities, overlooking the busy Romford Market, an area in the middle of an exciting
re-development. Importantly, the property has enabled Grove & Dean to create a pleasant and efficient working environment for its staff.

Quote from Company
Damian Collett, Commercial Director of Grove & Dean, explained: "Relocating to Tollgate House is a really positive move for us. The modern, landmark property allows us to improve the working environment for all our staff and to accommodate our ambitious expansion plans. Gateway to London highlighted some key considerations we needed to make before making the move, and was a leading light in finding the solutions."

For further information on Gateway to London's free Business Property Service contact Tel: 020 7540 5560, Email: enquiries@gtlon.co.uk or visit Web: www.gtlon.co.uk