A Warwickshire foodbank has moved to larger premises to meet demand.
Warwick District Foodbank is already moving its stocks of food into its new warehouse at Trident Business Centre after concluding a five-year deal with the landlords, for whom Bromwich Hardy acted as agent.
The charity will also move its office to the site after previously basing itself in a church hall.
Bromwich Hardy partner Michelle Mills said the deal was excellent news for all involved.
“We were delighted to be able to help the foodbank find a new home and work with our client to ensure it has everything it needs to be able to continue its hugely important work at this challenging time.
“Everybody came together to make sure this agreement was concluded as quickly and efficiently as possible so that the foodbank could move into its new base without delay.”
Warwick District Foodbank is one of four local charities law firm Wright Hassall is supporting as part of its bid to raise £17,500 to split between them to mark its 175th anniversary.
As such, Wright Hassall offered to negotiate on behalf of Warwick District Foodbank pro bono.
David Witham, chair of trustees at Warwick District Foodbank, said: “When the pandemic started, we had food stored all over the district, which made us less efficient.
“And as time went on during the first lockdown, we received more and more donations. We were very thankful to the public, but we found it difficult to find a suitable space for all the food.
“We started looking for premises in the autumn of 2020, and although the space at the Trident Business Centre wasn’t the cheapest, it was very well suited to our needs.
“The lease was negotiated very quickly, and we’re hoping to start working there by the end of May.
“In an ideal world, we hope we won’t need to operate the foodbank after our lease expires, but the unit will help us reach vulnerable people in Warwick District much more quickly. We have to thank Wright Hassall for their excellent service and their generosity in providing their services for free.”
Kylie Cooper, senior associate in commercial real estate at Wright Hassall, said: “The pandemic put a lot of pressure on the foodbank through increased demand and having to process more donations, so for it to have a bigger space will really help it operate more efficiently.
“And it’s also been tough for charities like Warwick District Foodbank to raise money over the last 12 months with many fundraising events cancelled.
“We’re very happy to have negotiated a five-year lease for the foodbank, and we hope it will serve them well in the coming months and years.”