Mike Fetherstone, partner in the law firm’s Commercial Property department, advised Tustin Developments Ltd, owners of the Red Scar Business Park, on the lease which has seen distribution giant Menzies Distribution Ltd acquire an expanded operations base in the city.

Menzies Distribution Ltd is a leading provider of distribution and marketing services to the newspaper and magazine supply chain in the UK.

The Edinburgh-based company, which boasts a 45 per cent share of the total UK market, is now leasing a 40,000 sq ft unit to replace its existing, smaller facility in the centre of Preston.

Tustin Developments Ltd is a property company with operations across the region, and is also based at the Red Scar site.

Mike said: “Preston has the facilities in areas like the Red Scar Business Park to house industry-leading businesses, and it is great to see a commitment from a company like Menzies to the area.

“At a time when many businesses are looking to downsize their operations it is great to see a company doing so well – and choosing Preston for its expansion plans.”

A spokesman for Menzies said: “We are delighted with out new facility at Red Scar Business Park. Not only is the building ideally located for us to service our customers, but the building itself offers us everything we need from an operational perspective.”

Paul Smith, Property Director at Tustin Developments Ltd, said: “We are very pleased that our continuing programme of improvements and new development at Red Scar is attracting such quality tenants as Menzies.

“Their appreciation of the building and location confirms that we are providing what businesses want, and justifies our recent substantial investment in making the remaining 40 acres of the Red Scar site ready for developments of this type to provide further business and employment opportunities for local residents.”