warehousing is vital for many firms. It enables them to store goods before they are dispatched to customers and, without this resource, a considerable number of organisations would struggle to function. In some cases, companies that make use of such provisions also opt to take advantage of pick and pack services.

According to one expert, demand for storage of this kind is rising in one particular part of the country. Making his comments on Peterborough Today, Richard Jonrd, director of Barker Storey Matthews, said the city needs more warehousing.

He remarked: “As a commercial agent we are seeing warehouse enquirers searching further afield, as they struggle to find the right premises. A good example of this is a recent enquiry I received from a warehouse occupier who was searching for warehousing close to Felixstowe, but has been forced, due to lack of available space, to extend that search as far out as Peterborough.”

Mr Jonrd went on to suggest that when the recession first took hold in the UK towards the end of 2007 and the early part of 2007, many businesses failed and the demand for warehousing decreased. However, over more recent times, this trend has been reversed, particularly since the middle of last year.

According to the specialist, the government should consider reversing its policy to charge developers full business rates on empty commercial buildings. This, he claimed, is acting as a disincentive for investors to construct new premises.

Companies looking for storage facilities like this can conduct their searches online. This is also an effective way for them to find pick and pack provisions.

Peterborough is not the only area of the UK that may be suffering a lack of warehouse space. Many towns, cities and more remote areas are also lacking such provisions, which can make operating firms in them difficult.