Starting a business is no mean feat and there’s a lot to consider, but perhaps one of the biggest decisions you will need to make is where your business will operate from. Choosing business premises is comparable to buying a house – you don’t just buy the first thing you see.
It’s easy to think that all commercial offices are the same – a blank box – but they’re much more than that. We’ve put together a list of a few the things you should look out for when buying or leasing a new office property or business premises with a view to highlighting the key things you should look out for.
Location
The first and most important thing you’ll want to look at is the location of the business premises. You’ll want something that’s easy for your employees to get to, but also your clients if you’re going to be hosting client meetings. It’s not always possible to get a completely central location, but somewhere with good transport links is ideal for those who rely on public transport.
In addition to the transport links, you’ll need to consider the general area and what it’s like. One of the main issues you’ll need to be aware of is crime rates – especially business crime rates. You can typically find out information about crime from your local authority.
Facilities
The next thing you’ll need to keep in mind is facilities. Most employees expect a kitchenette area and multiple toilets, but on top of that, they will likely want easy access to shops and amenities to utilize on their lunch break.
One of the most important facilities you’ll need to think about is private parking. The vast majority of employees will not want to pay for parking or have to worry about finding a space first thing in the morning, and neither will any clients or visitors. For this reason, you’ll need to think about the parking facilities associated with any premises you look at.
You’ll also want to think about the layout. Does space accommodate a meeting room or individual offices? Are these facilities you’re likely to need, or are they something you can sacrifice for a larger, open plan option? You really need to think about the space and how you anticipate you’ll use it, and then figure out if the premises you’re looking at has the facilities to accommodate your needs.
When searching for an office space to lease, it’s crucial to determine your needs and evaluate potential properties based on their suitability. If you require a restroom, you’ll want to consider how to measure a toilet to ensure it meets your requirements. By carefully considering the layout and facilities you’ll need, you’ll be able to find an office space that is perfect for your business needs.
Personalization
It’s one thing finding a suitable office space, but for it to really feel your own, you’ll need to talk to the property owner (if you’re leasing a commercial space) and discuss customization options. Think about your growing brand and how it can be represented, and compare that with the freedoms afforded to you by the landlord.
Length of Occupation
Whilst it’s not recommended to move business premises often, sometimes there’s no other choice. This is typically the case for expanding businesses. If your business has experienced high rates of growth quickly, take a look at your trajectory and see if that level of growth is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. If the answer is yes, you’ll need to think more long-term and perhaps consider setting up a shop in premises that can be grown into rather than one that is the best fit off the bat.
Summary
These are just four things you need to consider when looking at a commercial property, but our biggest tip of all is to haggle and shop around. Don’t just go for the first thing you see, and don’t just accept the first price handed to you. Stand your ground and negotiate to get the best deal.
