Wake Smith helps electronics manufacturer switch to larger base

22nd June 2021

Wake Smith Solicitors has helped electronics manufacturer Pimoroni with a relocation move in Sheffield. Associate Laura Sanderson negotiated a complex commercial lease on Pimoroni's new 26,000 sq ft HQ on Parkway Drive in Sheffield.

Wake Smith Solicitors has helped electronics manufacturer Pimoroni with a relocation move in Sheffield.

Associate Laura Sanderson negotiated a complex commercial lease on Pimoroni's new 26,000 sq ft HQ on Parkway Drive in Sheffield.

The move has seen the company, which has a £6m turnover, double its production, research and development, and warehousing space bringing all its operations and 40 staff under one roof.

Pimoroni Ltd, which was founded in 2012, has grown into one of the best known manufacturers and suppliers of educational, industrial, and hobbyist electronics in the UK with over 100 distributors worldwide.

Paul Beech, co-founder and creative director at Pimoroni, which comes from the first two letters of Pirate, Monkey, Robot, Ninja, said: “We had been looking for a big enough building in Sheffield city centre and bring our whole manufacturing, packing and shipping crew under one roof. We couldn’t have asked for a better place.

“Not only does it allow us to consolidate into one Sheffield site, the modern building gives us the confidence to extend our production lines to meet the increased demand, and have a springboard to expand from.

“We’re proud to be part of the manufacturing heritage in Sheffield and employ 40 crew with diverse roles in engineering, creative, administration, production and logistics, with four new recruits this year. We would expect a gradual increase in staff over the new few years as the market expands.”

Pimoroni started in a Sheffield lock up making the Pibow, the popular Perspex case for Raspberry Pi, with two laser cutters and two fire extinguishers. They now boast 2,500 products sold through their online store by hobbyists through to universities, large businesses and wholesale customers, with new products being launched constantly.

Their state of the art printed circuit board production lines now allow the manufacture of precision electronics, turnaround of production jobs quickly, with easy reconfiguration for smaller R&D runs during development.

As well as developing its own products for a growing market of electronics hobbyists, Pimoroni has worked with Google, Microsoft, universities and academic institutions across the country to create bespoke technical solutions and products. It also buys in and sells products, as well as making electronics accessories and offering a technical support team.

Paul, who started the business with Jon Williamson, added: “There’s a new generation of hobbyists, makers and inventors growing out there. During the past year we have seen our market fare well as more people worked from home and picked up new projects. We have also seen a younger demographic become electronic enthusiasts who blend coding and making.

“We’ve always been keen to build the future we want in Sheffield, and spread the best bits of the global future here with our local crew and suppliers.

“Laura at Wake Smith represented us negotiating a complex commercial lease on this building. The service we received was exceptional. The high level of legal expertise was clear from the start. Professional, but approachable, and always available for any question however minor.”

Laura Sanderson, associate at Wake Smith added: “This move gives Pimoroni the opportunity to better use a much larger space and further develop its innovative electronics, but also remain part of the Sheffield community and alongside some of the city’s most innovative businesses. We wish them the best of luck in their new premises.”

For legal advice on leasing and buying commercial property contact Wake Smith Solicitors on 0114 266 6660.

Photo caption: (Left to right) Marie Wilkins, Katherine Freeman, Laura Sanderson, Paul Beech and Jon Williamson at Pimoroni’s new Sheffield HQ.