Gordons Advises Hermes UK on Ten New Depots Since Lockdown Began

Consumer delivery specialist Hermes UK has worked closely with Yorkshire law firm Gordons to prepare for the opening of ten new depots in response to continued growing demand for online shopping since lockdown began.

Over the past three months, a team led by Gordons commercial property partner, Paul Young, has advised its long-term client on all property legal matters relating to leasing the new sites.

Totalling 564,166 sq ft of warehouse and distribution space, the ten locations include a 75,719 sq ft new depot in Nottingham which will create 100 jobs.

Leeds-based Hermes is the UK’s biggest dedicated parcel delivery company. Hermes delivers more than 400 million parcels a year, working alongside 80 per cent of the UK’s top retail brands including Next, ASOS and John Lewis.

Commenting upon the rapid site acquisition activity and Gordons’ involvement, Hermes’ Director of Operations – Planning & Development, Ashley Walker, said: “We’re delighted that Gordons has been able to support Hermes and quickly secure leases for ten additional sites.

“The pandemic has accelerated the shift from high street to online shopping, so our business needs to be extremely agile and have the ability to swiftly scale up when demand is high.

“Additional depots allow us to continue operating safely and to support our clients, so we can meet demand from the end consumer.”

Gordons’ Paul Young added: “We are very pleased to have been able to help Ashley and his team at Hermes expand capacity at pace to deal with the surge in online shopping since lockdown.

“We had to work quickly, accurately and commercially to secure the depots. It is great to know that we have enabled Hermes to achieve its objectives despite the challenges that the pandemic has presented to doing property deals.”