Fraser Group’s Potential Exit from Shirebrook: What We Know

As previously mentioned on Facebook and X, I received a response from Fraser Group (FG) regarding their planned headquarters relocation from Shirebrook. In short, the matter appears to be in limbo due to delays in the planning permission process.

THE GROWTH IMPERATIVE
Fraser Group continues to expand rapidly, and to maintain this growth trajectory, they require a location that offers greater opportunities. Junction 2 of M6 represents an ideal location for an investment project of FG’s planned scale. Business is business.

Fraser Group’s Senior PR Manager, Katie Glover, stated: “…since submitting the planning application last year, we have been working with various stakeholders and are awaiting a decision. As this is ongoing, we cannot share a formal comment.“

IMPACT ON SHIREBROOK
This decision will undoubtedly impact Shirebrook’s residents significantly. Unfortunately, neither the local community nor authorities can match the conditions the Warwickshire site offers. The PR representative also included in her response a press release containing typical corporate rhetoric (full text attached under article). Notably, this information was dated 29/09/22, indicating an unusually prolonged planning application process. What’s causing the delay? The FG representative diplomatically avoided this question, and at the time of writing, I still haven’t received an answer. However, I suspect the local Council, rather than FG, is responsible for the delay.

FUTURE PROSPECTS
Will FG achieve its goal? It’s uncertain, but very likely. If not in Ansty, they’ll find another council, more receptive to an investor prepared to commit £200 million in infrastructure investment plus tens of millions in employee wages. Simply put, Shirebrook is too small and too far from the motorway to meet FG’s current needs. There is nothing we can do to keep Mike Ashley’s baby in Shirebrook.

SHOULD WE BE CONCERNED?
As a resident, I’m genuinely scared about the prospect of Shirebrook without SportsDirect. When the local mine closed, approximately 800 people lost their jobs, pushing the town into decades of stagnation. Now imagine the impact of losing a company that employs 3,000 people. The impact will be felt throughout whole region, not only our little town.

Thanks to the Labour Party, we’re a town with the highest council tax rates in the UK. A substantial portion of our tax base could disappear within a year or two, while the current leadership focuses on concealing various scandals rather than addressing this critical issue. From my point of view Labour completely ignoring storm on horizon.

THE WRITING ON THE WALL
This could be catastrophic. I believe some local politicians, investors, and property owners are well aware of this. If you use property market tracking applications like I do, you’ll have noticed the collapse in Shirebrook’s property demand and prices. House prices have fallen by 12% over the past six months, and this isn’t solely due to Labour’s disastrous economic policies.

Contrary to left-wing rhetoric, people with money are typically smart, resourceful, and forward-thinking. They recognize the gathering storm clouds. These savvy individuals understand the need to divest from properties that could soon be situated in a town facing 10% unemployment, high crime rates, and an ageing population.

CALL TO ACTION
For investors: the time to sell is now. In a year, it may be too late. For those of us who have chosen to put down roots here, it’s time to remove from power those who have raised taxes to the highest levels in the UK while offering nothing in return except scandals, corruption, and questionable investments.

If voter turnout remains at 20% in local elections, Labour will win again and residents should brace for significant tax increases, as Labour’s approach to fiscal management consists solely of spending and raising taxes. Tellingly, none of the councillors responded to S247’s interview requests, which speaks volumes about the current situation.

Sylwester Zwierzynski
Lead photo: made with Midjourney