New home for leading Academy group in Redditch, with the help of property agents John Truslove

One of the region’s leading Catholic Multi Academy group of schools has established its Central Office in Redditch, aided by property agents John Truslove.

Our Lady of Lourdes Multi Academy Company, or MAC, is currently made up of four Catholic schools in Bromsgrove and Redditch, is now based in 2,890 sq ft of office space at 12 & 13 The Oaks, in Clews Road.

Previously its central offices were the old caretaker’s bungalow at St Bede’s Catholic Middle School in Redditch which was not fit for purpose.

But, explained business manager Ann Cullwick, the offices were no longer big enough for the busy operational team.

“There are 12 members of staff based at the office with about 40 in the central team in all – most are peripatetic, based at other schools. The offices house the group’s finance team, HR and estates teams, and our large IT team – Lourdes IT supports around 30 other schools as well as the four in our MAC.”

Our Lady of Lourdes MAC comprises St Augustine’s Catholic High School and its Sixth Form Centre, St Bede’s Middle School, Our Lady of Mount Carmel First School and St Peter’s First School in Bromsgrove.

“We outgrew our old offices about two years ago and it was starting to affect our effectiveness. We had already looked at one property with Ben Truslove, from John Truslove, when we saw the offices at The Oaks. They were clearly ideal for our purpose and will support us as we grow.

“The landlord had recently acquired the property, they have been very supportive, they invested in the property by installing new kitchens and making energy efficiencies such as LED lighting and new boilers, they allowed us to remodel areas and create offices and a training/meeting area on the ground floor.  We’ve installed extensive cabling to enable our IT provision but the hard work in the setup is worthwhile with the facilities we now have.”

“Ben Truslove and the team at John Truslove were very professional and provided an efficient service.  They did everything they could to support us through the process.  They played a major part in establishing a really strong relationship between ourselves and the landlord.”

Ann added: “The move has significantly improved our working environment and supported the wellbeing our staff.  It has made us more effective and efficient, the training room has enabled us to run a variety of IT based courses and hold all group meetings.”

Ben Truslove, joint managing director at John Truslove, secured a 6 year letting. He said: “This was a smooth transaction for all involved, with our client only recently having purchased the premises and then Ann and her team from Our Lady of Lourdes moving in shortly thereafter. All sides worked together well to avoid any unnecessary delays.

“We are delighted to have been able to help the MAC establish a new head office, which will give them the platform for further growth. The quality of education provided by their schools is a considerable attraction for people moving to the area.”

The landlord was represented by Ms Nishad Akram, head of property at Astwood Law, with Gateley plc representing the tenant.

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