Ward Group

Ward Group Investments operates as a wholly owned private investment company, distinguishing itself by having no outside investors. The firm maintains an agile and active presence across various sectors of the property market, including leisure, retail, office, student residential, and industrial properties. Established in the early 2000s by Chairman and shareholder Andrew Ward, the company's foundational strategy has been to build a high-quality and diverse property portfolio. This approach is supported by substantial cash reserves, enabling rapid growth and a low gearing ratio for its investment portfolio.

The company's investment portfolio is currently valued in excess of £150 million. Ward Group Investments focuses on a strategic and sustainable approach to building its property holdings, aiming to diversify its assets across a range of markets. The firm is actively engaged in both investment and development, consistently seeking new opportunities that complement and enhance its existing portfolio. This includes projects in the UK, particularly within the North East of England, and also extends to overseas investments, such as the W Tower in Downtown Dubai.

Based in the North East of England, Ward Group Investments is acquisitive and continually seeks development opportunities to strengthen its property portfolio. The company manages a diverse array of buildings and assets within its portfolio, spanning multiple market segments. Many retail, leisure, office, and industrial projects are either under development or have been completed in locations such as Durham City and Newcastle Upon Tyne. Recent acquisitions include four buildings on Bowburn North Industrial Estate in Durham, comprising over 200,000 sq ft of workspace, with three units already let.

Student residential property is a significant area of focus for Ward Group Investments. The company has undertaken several notable student accommodation projects. One flagship development is The Three Tuns, a student residential project in Durham City, valued at £28 million and offering a 194-bedroom new build that was completed in September 2022. Another project, The Printworks in Claypath, involved transforming a former empty factory into a student complex with over 70 beds, including four townhouses and a newly constructed link section. The firm's strategic approach includes investing in student residential properties as part of its diverse portfolio across the region.

Ward Group Investments was founded in 2021 by Andrew Ward, following the £50 million sale of his previous business, Workwear Express, to Bunzl. Since its establishment, the company has significantly expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions across the UK and the UAE. The firm plans for substantial growth in the coming years, building on its current portfolio which was reported to be worth in excess of £100 million in June 2023. This growth trajectory is underpinned by a commitment to a sustainable and effective investment strategy across various property sectors.