MORE than 24,000 sq ft of space has been let at MEPC Birchwood Park, in Warrington, in the first five months of 2011, with small deals dominating.

The secured 19 deals totalled 24,104 sq ft. Almost 8,000 sq ft was let to new tenants with existing occupiers accounting for the rest.

New occupants included stationery distribution firm Antallis Printall, recruitment and financial consultancy FSR Group and insurance services outfit Nationwide Claims Solutions.

All 10 new tenants agreed deals of 2,000 sq ft or less.

MEPC says it is continuing to nurture this market, claiming a strong track record of facilitating on-site growth by initially smaller occupiers.

Trade-ups by four existing tenants are included in the deals. Optimise Internet expanded from 184 to 495 sq ft premises in Thomson House, while Nuclear Technologies increased its presence at Chadwick House and Hydrosave UK and Skillray Transport Services UK also traded-up.

The average deal size of 1,269 sq ft during the period reflects the trend highlighted in the latest Warrington Annual Property Review, which pointed to a preponderance of small deals.

MEPC Birchwood Park’s head of leasing, Jonathan Black, said: “The park has for a long time encouraged occupation by new and small businesses, and our work with them to support on-site growth continues to be rewarded, as they expand.

“Yes, like all the other business parks we welcome and target large enquiries, and will continue to pursue these with determination and success to grow the park. But we have developed our offer to allow us to play the long game as well, drawing in entrepreneurial businesses and helping them to flourish.

“As many businesses remain cautious in the face of continuing national economic uncertainty, delaying relocations until they believe they have reason to feel more bullish, we are pleased that the smaller organisational sector, that we have for so long championed, continues to operate with optimism both in the park and across the Warrington area.”