Headquartered in Derbyshire, Clowes Developments is one of the UK’s largest and strongest privately-owned property investment and development organisations, dedicated to a simple aim: to build a lasting legacy of strong, sustainable places that will enable future generations to prosper.
Charles W Clowes founded Clowes Developments on 17th September 1964; he did so on the guiding principles of honesty, integrity, passion and innovation. That DNA still runs deep throughout the company, influencing decision-making over half a century later.
The Clowes family still own and run the business, giving relief from the demands of PLC shareholders and allowing the freedom to build an extensive portfolio in creative and imaginative ways.
The group holds over 3,000 acres of land and 15,000 residential plots in 130 development sites across the country, including more than 50 office and business parks and several larger mixed-use sites.
Rooted in the East Midlands, the Group’s extensive portfolio reflects a strategic commitment to sustainable development, economic growth, and community enrichment.
Amongst the schemes Clowes is behind are the recently delivered Fairham Business Park, part of the a 606-acre Fairham site in Nottingham, Beauchamp Business Park, Kibworth, and Stud Brook Business Park, Castle Donington.
Fairham
Fairham is a 606-acre site on the southern edge of Nottingham, set to become the region’s prime commercial and residential destination.
Boasting world-class connectivity, Fairham sits alongside the new £150 million A453 Remembrance Way that links directly to the M1. It is also next to the NET tram terminus at Clifton, within a 15-minute drive of East Midlands Airport and a 15-minute drive or tram ride from Nottingham city centre.
With over one million square feet of commercial space planned alongside 3,000 residential dwellings and a neighbourhood centre, Fairham Business Park is already over 50% complete. Occupiers include high-profile names such as Vision Express (Essilor Luxottica), SLS Medical, ABB, MacFarlane Packaging, Davenham, and Ocado. This development is significantly contributing to job creation and inward investment in the Borough of Rushcliffe.
Beauchamp Business Park
Beauchamp Business Park comprises a mixture of high-quality B1 and B2 industrial units. The development was delivered over two phases and comprises units ranging in size from 1,270 to 10,085 sq ft.
The development is located on the northern side of Kibworth, a large conurbation mid-way between Leicester (9 miles) and Market Harborough (7 miles) on the A6, which also links to Kettering via the A14 and the M1 at Leicester via the A563 ring road.
The site was developed by Clowes Developments together with a trusted and experienced professional team including IMA Architects, TanRo, Millward Consulting Engineers, Gateley’s Legal and Postins Project Services. Philips Sutton and TDBRE were instructed as marketing agents for the scheme.
Construction of the first phase of the scheme began in September 2023 with 80% of the units sold or under offer within two months of being launched to the market.
Phase Two delivered an additional three terraces and a stand-alone unit which following the success of Phase One gave Clowes Developments the confidence in the market to build on a speculative basis.
Stud Brook Business Park
Strategically located in Castle Donington, at Stud Brook Business Park Clowes is delivering a range of high-spec industrial and distribution units, with all units in phase one having now achieved practical completion, and officially handed over to their new occupiers.
Phase one features units from 8,500 to 30,000 sq ft, with industry leaders including Argon Medical, Bucher Municipal, Unilode, and Shawpak now either fully operational or finalising their fit outs, with plans to be fully operational by summer 2025.
The project delivery was supported by a trusted professional team including IMA Architects, Millward Consulting Engineers, Geldards LLP, and Postins Project Services. The completed buildings meet modern sustainability standards, including: BREEAM Excellent, EPC Rating A, and designed and built to deliver ‘Net Zero in Occupation’.
Meanwhile, Roe Developments has commenced construction of Units 1B to 1F, which will comprise five new trade counter units, ranging from 3,229 to 4,606 sq ft. The units will wrap around the now fully operational Starbucks Drive-Thru, located prominently at the front of the park. Plot 1 also neighbours the newly opened Sainsbury’s Local, offering added convenience and footfall for future occupiers. Several tenants are already lined up.
People and culture
Clowes is also committed to investing in its people, nurturing internal talent and supporting future industry leaders, seeing the recent promotions of Kevin McFarlane (Director) and Rob Hopkinson (Associate Director), while Emma Purdy has completed her APC qualification with full support from the Group. Furthermore, graduate Jenny McCrea has joined from Nottingham Trent University, with more graduate and placement recruits arriving this summer, and the Group has also welcomed several work experience students.
ESG
In alignment with its ESG strategy, Clowes actively supports both local and national charities, while advancing carbon reduction initiatives and sustainable development practices. 2024 marked a new chapter for the group as Clowes implemented a charitable giving policy. For the financial period 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025, the Group elected Derbyshire Mind as the beneficiary of charitable fundraising initiatives, with a total of £7,102.61 donated. For the financial period 1st April 2025 to 31st March 2026, the Group has elected Macmillan as the beneficiary of charitable fundraising initiatives.
Clowes Developments has also proudly achieved its first year of Planet Mark Business Certification for reporting year 2023 – 2024, this demonstrates the Group’s commitment to cutting its measured footprint annually. Planet Mark is a leading carbon reduction and net zero specialist. Achieving Business Certification is the best first step to take on the transition towards net zero.
Clowes is a fervent believer that sustainability is more than just a box to be ticked. In designing and delivering its developments, Clowes is committed to doing all it can to bring a balanced approach to sustainability. Wherever possible, the Group makes sure it’s accountable environmentally, socially and economically. That way, Clowes can play its part in ensuring a better quality of life for everyone – now and for generations to come.
To learn more about Clowes Developments please visit https://clowes.co.uk/
