Business Magazine: the Echo's monthly supplement

JOINING FORCES: John Manley and Matthew Pye launch Fordingtons Commercial

BUSINESSMEN John Manley and Matthew Pye have joined forces to launch a new venture - Fordingtons Commercial.

They have started the new business to build on the success of the Fordingtons group of companies, particularly its estate and lettings agency.

The duo say that they also want to meet a shortage of commercial property agents and help combat the growing number of vacant retail premises, especially in Weymouth.

Mr Manley, who founded the Fordingtons group over 15 years ago, said that the new business was a natural progression following a number of inquiries about shops and commercial units.

He said: "Due to the success of the residential side of the business we noticed that there was an increased demand for a dedicated commercial agent.

"We are two prominent local businessmen who realised that there was a gap in the market and decided to take the plunge.

"We are actively interested in the towns through such groups as the chamber of commerce and the town centre group in Weymouth.

"We want to keep the town centres alive, help them thrive and get people back into the town centres."

Mr Pye, who has run a successful glass business, added: "We need to get the life back into the town centres and strengthen them.

"Commerce is targeting Dorchester at the moment but there are empty shops to let in Weymouth.

"We both understand the market and have vast experience of property in retail, residential and commercial.

"We have both run successful businesses and know what we are about."

The launch of Fordingtons Commercial comes amid a growing number of empty shops in Weymouth town centre and the closure of independent businesses.

The new enterprise is a dedicated commercial agent focusing on shops, industrial units and land for development, letting and sales.

Customers can make contact through Fordingtons offices in Dorchester, Weymouth and Portland.

Mr Pye and Mr Manley said they were bucking the trend as some estate agents and businesses hit hard times.

Mr Manley said: "A lot of agents are falling buy the wayside. Fordingtons is getting stronger.

"We made the decision to be really positive and go forward."

Fordingtons Commercial can be contacted at 01305 261441 and through website www.fordingtonscommercial.co.uk

8:05am Friday 28th March 2008

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