Preston-based entrepreneur expands serviced office business with Leyland purchase

An entrepreneur who set up one of the first serviced office and co-working spaces in Preston has added to his portfolio with the purchase of premises in Leyland.

Robert Binns, who has owned and operated the Cotton Court business centre in Preston since 2010, has purchased Oak House, a building that has been a school, care home, and offices down the years.

The building, in Golden Hill Lane, has been rebranded as Cotton Court Leyland and offers serviced office space and boardroom facilities to support local companies.

It also provides a range of administrative services for businesses, including mail, telephone answering, printing and photocopying.

Robert was advised on the purchase of Oak House by Danielle Leeming in the commercial property team at Preston-based law firm Harrison Drury.

Speaking about his latest venture, Robert said: “Since the pandemic, more people are choosing to work close to where they live – something that’s become more important for people’s wellbeing.

“Many SMEs have moved away from the model of having a large regional office, instead seeking smaller serviced office spaces for occasions when they need to be with colleagues or have meetings with clients.

“That’s what my vision was for our new Leyland location. Leyland has a growing population, a busy centre, and lots of SMEs operating in the area. We have 18 serviced units within Cotton Court Leyland which are now fully leased with companies from sectors including recycling, marketing, healthcare, digital security and finance.”

Danielle Leeming, an associate solicitor in the commercial property team at Harrison Drury, said: “Robert has great vision and a fantastic understanding of what businesses need to succeed. Through Cotton Court he has played a key role in supporting small businesses and startups in the Preston area. We’re proud to have supported Robert to expand the concept to Leyland.”

The Cotton Court story began when Robert purchased an empty iron and wire mill, built in 1851, just off Church Street in Preston and renovated the six-storey brick building to accommodate his serviced office business. Harrison Drury advised him on the purchase of the mill.

During the coronavirus pandemic, Robert expanded the business with the launch of Cotton Court Meeting Rooms and hybrid facilities located in Preston’s university quarter, offering safe self-contained serviced offices.

In addition to his property interests, Robert also owns a successful hair products business, For Your Curls, and holds several voluntary roles, including being a board member of the Preston Partnership and Preston Towns Fund Board.

Speaking about the support provided by Harrison Drury, Robert added: “I work with Harrison Drury, because they understand my business. They advised me on the purchase of Cotton Court Mill back in 2010, and I had no hesitation in using them again for the Leyland acquisition.

“Buying commercial property is not always straightforward but Harrison Drury was committed to supporting me and pulled out all the stops to help me complete the deal.”

Pictured above: Amy Blundell and Robert Binns from Cotton Court with associate solicitor Danielle Leeming