Hull pet shop opens grooming parlour at thriving retail park
A family business which has seen sales more than double in just over a year is opening a new grooming parlour next door to its pet shop in Monks Way, Hull.
Owners of the Pet Van Store Paul and Leanne Nightingale have taken on a second unit at the community retail park developed by Priority Space - the ‘LA Dog Spa’ is due to open early December.
Their additional 1,000 sq ft of space will also provide the business with a larger stockroom facility to the rear of the premises, from where they’ll be able to load up vans for deliveries of premium quality pet food and accessories direct to customers’ homes all over the UK.
As dog ownership has rocketed during lockdowns, online customers of the Pet Van Store have increased from 150 to 5,000 in just over a year, with footfall in its new store also up by 50 per cent every month since it opened six months ago.
Paul said: “We’ve built the business both through our website and in-store over the past year and now need more space to meet rising customer demand for our products and services in both directions.
“We’re not just a High Street or online retailer. I’m proud to say we’ve developed a real rapport with both the people who come into the shop and those who contact us online and over the phone. Our aim is to offer the best possible advice on nourishment and care of pets whatever their needs.”
The Pet Van Store sells 2,500 products online and specialises in good diet advice for dogs and cats, especially those with allergies or health conditions, as well as specialist food for more rare pets.
Its online sales of fresh locusts and mealworms for reptiles have rocketed from five packets a week to 250 since being launched three months ago.
Paul says the hybrid business model of ecommerce and community-facing sales has been core to their success; and their spacious, easy-access Monks Way premises has proved the perfect base to meet both sides of the business.
“Without a doubt the business has thrived on having both an online sales outlet as well as a community-based shop.
“Monks Way looks smart and is a great place to be based. We love serving the people of Kingswood and Bransholme face-to-face and we’re part of an excellent little selection of community shops and services for convenience here. We hope the new dog spa will prove another asset to our customers.”
The LA Dog Spa, which will be run by Leanne, with colleague Amanda, will offer clipping, stripping, washing and grooming and all other pet care services.
Pet Van was founded in 2019 when the business was run entirely from its company van and focused on deliveries of specialist pet foods direct to customers’ doors. It moved into its first premises in Partington six months later, before establishing it base at Monks Way in June 2021.
The company still delivers direct to people’s doors within 48 hours, but now offers this service nationwide and uses couriers rather than their own van.
Director of Priority Space Adam Richardson said: “Paul and Leanne have put in such a lot of work to develop their business against the backdrop of the global pandemic and lockdowns, and we are delighted that Monks Way is proving such a great location for them to operate both their online and local community-facing offer.
“At Priority Space, we are committed to developing commercial properties which help local enterprises meet the needs of local communities and contribute to economic growth.”
Monks Way is part of the wider Kingswood development of 1,700 new homes developed by the Hull Citywide Developer Partnership (HCDP). Paul found the retail park when driving around and house-hunting on the new Kingswood estate.
Pet Van Store’s neighbours at Monks Way include One Stop convenience store, Cooplands bakery, a veterinary practice, pharmacy and two takeaways. Just one 1,600 sq ft unit remains for sale or let. Contact Garness Jones with any enquiries.
Photo caption: Paul and Leanne Nightingale outside their units at Monks Way, Kingswood in Hull
For more information about the Pet Van Store visit www.thepetvan.co.uk
Andrew Manning-Cox
Phase two will create a further nine units, covering 17,250 square feet in total which will be ready to buy or let by autumn 2022.
Adam Richardson, director of Priority Space, said: “We’re delighted to announce our plans for phase two of Centenary Park, which will complete our £8 million investment in Hereford. We’ve worked closely with the HEZ team on this development which has already helped to meet the demand for industrial stock and office space in the area.
“We look forward to delivering these final units for 2022 and we’re sure they’ll attract a diverse range of businesses looking for high-spec sustainable premises.”
Chair of Hereford Enterprise Zone, Andrew Manning-Cox, said the latest investment demonstrated Skylon Park’s continued attraction as a dynamic business park where companies could grow and thrive.
"We are able to offer real choice for businesses whether they’re looking to buy land and develop their own premises or buy or lease high quality workspace such as that built by Priority Space.
“The successful initial phase of this development saw new jobs created and new inward investment from overseas. We’re looking forward to working with Priority Space to bring further investment in the Enterprise Zone.”
ProSys Automation moved into Centenary Park in December 2019. The engineering company specialises in electrical and mechanical systems, services and software to boost productivity and energy-efficiency and its six-strong team work with clients all over the UK and Europe.
Phase one and Stirling House with land to be developed in foreground
Director of ProSys Ben Morgan said: “We chose to move to Centenary Park because we needed room to grow and develop. The new unit gives us modern facilities, low maintenance and running costs and good, easy access. It’s been great for business and we’re actually already looking to move to a larger unit on site as we’ve outgrown this one.”
Stirling House, at Centenary Park, is home to US surgical equipment manufacturer LeMaitre Vascular, which set up its first UK base here 18 months ago and has since increased sales by 25 per cent; the SureCare Group, which set up its regional office and training base here last year and is creating 100 new jobs over two years; and the flagship community newspaper, the Hereford Times.
Stirling House in Skylon Park
Enquiries to buy or let the new units or remaining office space at Centenary Park and Stirling House are being handled by commercial property agents Harris Lamb and Jackson Property.
Priority Space is committed to developing sites across the UK to create high-quality and sustainable workplaces which stimulate regeneration and economic growth. Every Priority Space commercial development is built to a high specification with environmental sustainability in mind. BREEAM, EPC and Secured By Design accreditation are always aimed for when designing and delivering spaces.