Moving to a new business premises, whether as a small, start-up organisation, or one that is looking to expand, requires lots of considerations to ensure that the office your choose to rent meets all of your needs.
Research
Before you begin office hunting, make a list of your requirements. Consider the things that are essential to your needs and those things that are less essential. This will help you to focus on the key areas that match your must-haves.
Location
One of the biggest factors when looking to rent office space is the location. It becomes even more pertinent if you are dependent on clients visiting your office, or you want to attract the best workforce. If it is easy to get to with good transport links and adequate parking space then this can be advantageous. Have a look to see what other offices or shops are like in the neighbouring area. Consider how your business might fit in with these and whether it might influence footfall.
Cost
Rental costs for business premises can vary hugely, often depending on location. Find out what is included in the fees you will be expected to pay and whether it fits in with your budget. Capital city rentals will be more expensive than in a remote location, so if you decide to rent a business in the Capital then consider using the services of a commercial property consultants London to ensure you get appropriate advice and the best value for your needs. Find out about aspects such as maintenance costs and whether you might need to contribute financially towards shared areas with other offices, for instance.
Lease
Many commercial rentals stipulate a five-year lease period. Before you agree on a property, make sure that the period on the lease is suitable to your needs. This is especially important if you are not sure how your business will grow in the immediate future. You may be able to negotiate a shorter lease period, so this may be preferable if there is any uncertainty pertaining to your business.
Size
Having an idea in your mind how much space you require can help to narrow down your options when looking at properties. You will not only need to consider space for all of your staff, but also any relevant equipment or machinery that you will need to house. If your goal is to grow the business, then will the space accommodate for this? Moving offices is disruptive, so it is important to factor this into your decision process.
Facilities
Does the office offer everything you need for your business, or would you need to make any adjustments or alterations, which can be costly and time consuming? Before you sign any contracts make sure that there are no restrictions in place that could affect your business operations. If you use specific machinery or equipment, can the space support this infrastructure? Importantly, how does the space serve your employee or client needs? Does it seem a nice place to work, with adequate lighting and facilities such as a kitchen or meeting rooms? Does it have a reception area or reception support? Is it wheelchair accessible? All these factors are worth thinking about when looking around potential office space.
