13 December 2019

End of Year Review: 2019

It feels like only yesterday we were writing an end of year review to round up our successes in 2018. Time certainly does fly when you’re having fun!

We started 2019 with a bang at Stirlin, as we experienced one of our busiest January’s in 12 years of business, with deals agreed that totalled over £1m. We have worked tirelessly throughout the year to stay ahead of demand, with plans for new phases of existing developments, as well as brand new sites coming on line.

As part of our ongoing growth and expansion plan, we have seen a number of staff promotions within the team, as well the hire of two new members of staff, Stuart, Contracts Manager and Alan, Site Manager.

Our residential division, Homes by Stirlin, has gone from strength to strength. Our very first development, Lodge Lane in Nettleham, is due to complete in the new year, with all but one of the 40 properties on the original scheme sold and occupied, or under offer. Due to the volume of interest in these, we have just announced the final phase of 4 additional homes on the development. Homes by Stirlin has also seen the hire of new Managing Director, Tony Lawton and secured an exciting partnership with the Kirby and Costall family, to support our ongoing business plan.

New homes on Lodge Lane development in Nettleham

Progress has been made on our new residential development in Saxilby, Parman Court, with all 5 plots out of the ground. The first two plots 4 & 5 are due for completion in Q1 2020 and plots 1-3 due for completion in Q3 2020. As part of the development, we’re also refurbishing and extending a 4-bedroom property, to be completed in Q2 2020.

2019 has been a transformational year for our plant division, Stirlin Plant. At the beginning of the year, the business moved into a purpose-built unit, required due to strong expansion. They have also seen the hire of Sales Representative, Ady.

Most significant of all, Stirlin Plant were appointed by global provider of construction machines and equipment, Wacker Neuson, as its sales dealer for the central region. The partnership has continued to thrive throughout the year, allowing Stirlin Plant to offer a wider range of high-quality construction equipment to the region.

As well as the success of our residential and plant divisions, our commercial development business has seen significant growth. We are continuing to see a high demand for modern, cost effective commercial premises in well-connected locations.

In March, we completed Phase 1 of industrial units on our Kirk’s Yard development in Branston, all 6 of which are now all under offer or sold and occupied. The volume of interest for phase 1 paved the way for phase 2, which will provide 5 additional industrial units.

This year we branched out to new territory with Stirlin Place, securing a site to deliver new industrial space to Gainsborough, on Foxby Lane Business Park. Purchasing this land was a big risk for us, as it was brownfield that hadn’t been touched for years. However, the risk has certainly paid off, as 50% of phase 1 is now under offer.

Last but certainly not least, we have made exciting progress on our most prolific development to date, Leafbridge. Works started on the construction of phase 1 in October, which was named Freya Court after my daughter. We have also made enhancements to the Access Lincoln Transport Hub, which is directly adjacent to the site. Our vision for Leafbridge is gradually becoming a reality. We have already seen a high volume of interest in the development, with pre-sales approaching £1 million.

In 2020 we are looking forward to continuing to seek short, medium and long term strategic opportunities in order to provide the continuity that the company requires. The new year will see Stirlin be particularly more active in the contracting sector and embrace the prospect of delivering our product and services further afield.

James Kirby: “My personal New Year’s resolution is definitely to spend more quality time with my family, while continuing to support the senior management team in providing our high quality commercial and residential property to Lincolnshire.”