By Liza Helps, Property Editor, Logistics Matters

THE COMPANY has secured a pre-let on two properties Unit 3 and Unit 2 at APTUS Preston Phase 2, which will be linked to form a total facility of some 80,348 ft2 which it will use to consolidate operations to Preston.

In its Trading Statement on 12 June, Virgin Wines said: “This will also provide meaningful synergies, economies of scale and structural operational benefits from FY28 onwards, while removing transport costs between the current Preston and Bolton facilities. The warehouse build and fit-out will be completed during FY27, with associated exceptional operating costs expected to be circa £0.7 million and increased capex investment of around £1.6m. As a consequence, the Company will exit its current Bolton site by the end of February 2027 meaning all fulfilment will be based in Preston.”

Virgin Wines Chief Executive Officer Jay Wright, added: “We are pleased to have agreed a lease for a new warehouse in Preston, streamlining our operations and providing significant synergies and economies of scale, all funded from our strong cash position. Our execution against the key pillars of our growth strategy is delivering encouraging progress, despite that growth now being slightly slower than our original plan due to external market pressures. We are evidencing that the strategy is working, and we remain focused on taking further market share and continuing to invest in our growth channels. 

“We have an exceptionally loyal customer base who appreciate the outstanding quality and value of our exclusive wine portfolio and the exceptional levels of customer service we consistently deliver. We look forward to pressing ahead with our growth strategy and delivering on our medium-term goals.”

Virgin Wines expects revenue growth of around 4% in FY26, adding that it had experienced 40% growth in customer acquisition, boosted by new commercial partnerships and expansion into UK sports stadiums and partnerships with Ocado and Moonpig.

Virgin Wines is headquartered in Norwich, and currently has two fully bonded national distribution centres in Preston and Bolton. It stocks over 650 wines sourced from more than 40 trusted winemaking partners and suppliers around the world which it sells to a large active customer base of over 140,000, the majority of whom are on one of the Group’s subscription schemes.

It listed on the London Stock Exchange’s Alternative Investment Market (AIM) in 2021.

APTUS is a £100million GDV 790,000 ft2 industrial and logistics development close to Preston and just minutes from Junction 31A of the M6 motorway. It is being delivered in joint venture by HBD and Barnfield.

Origin, a joint venture between HBD and Feldberg Capital, acquired part of the scheme known as APTUS Phase 2 in December 2025

Construction of the three unit Phase 2 project commenced in March this year. The £22 million 107,000 ft2 industrial and logistics project is being built by Barnfield Construction on behalf of Origin.

All three units are being built to target BREEAM Excellent and EPC A rating and benefit from 10m eaves and 40m yards. The development is scheduled for completion and ready to occupy by Q4 2026.

The agents for APTUS are Newmark, Young & Co and Eckersley Property.  Logistics Matters is seeking confirmation of the deal from all parties but so far there has been no comment.