NO sooner have the finishing touches been put on a speculative development of six small industrial units in Elvington, when two have already been snapped up.

Buccaneer Court, part of the airfield business park is the first phase by York-based builders William Birch of a £500,000 project which will eventually consist of 20,000 sq ft of space for small ventures.

And work is soon to begin on a second phase which will also offer flexible leases.

John Burley of agents Briggs Burley reckons that with two quickly down the remaining four should go rapidly, justifying the hunch that William Birch was prepared to back with hard cash and time - namely that there is a big market for small industrial units.

The first phase consists of four 1,500 sq ft units and two slightly larger at 1,775 sq ft, starting at around £115 per week.

The next phase on which work will begin soon for completion by the end of the year will consist of another six industrial units on the site, although two could be combined to create a space between 3,000 sq ft and 4,500 sq ft.

Chris Birch, a director of William Birch said: "In the past at Elvington we have concentrated primarily on the larger space users, but it is clear that there is a demand for smaller units. Given the congestion to the north of York, many people are beginning to realise the accessibility of Elvington and how much time can be saved."