Key Questions When Finding Business Premises

1. Location
The location of your business says more than you think. Whether you realise it or not, the location of your business is critical.

Not only must it look the part, but you need to think about suppliers, customers and employees. Are you easy to find, can people get to you easily, this especially important for employees.

You and your staff must be able to commute to the place of work in a reasonable time, in complete safety and by reasonable means.

Office and factory space is now coming from every type of property as the developers turn ruins and rundown locations into 'prime' rentable space.

What seems like a worthwhile extra commute when you decide to work in the middle of nowhere can become an office too far for you and your staff alike. Likewise you need to get goods to your customers. Are you looking for passing trade? Can you ship your good easily?

2. Cost
Whilst location is important, the best prime locations do come at a cost.
Ensure that you have all the figures for your new premises well worked up, that’s your rent and any service charges, plus any work that might need to be completed.

If your expenses are too stretched then look to find a slightly cheaper place to operate your business from.

3. Use
Not all premises are suitable for every type of business, with laws and penalties in force that will severely punish those who risk workers, the public or themselves: If you are in doubt contact your local council.

If you are not fully utilising your premises then in some circumstances you will be able to sublet, but only if you have the express permission of the, say, landlord.

If you sublet from a tenant, you should ensure that you have the right to be there: failure to do so could invalidate any insurance you have, as well as leave you at the mercy of the landlord. Be sure who bears the cost of maintenance and what the proper procedure is where maintenance is required.

Finally, find out what you are allowed to do internally to the premises: building work, decoration, utilities, down to putting up shelves needs to be crystal clear and in writing. The best way to look at this issue is to think 'if this was my house, I'd expect tenants to...'

4. Security
Low rent can drive the new business into a never ending cycle of break-ins and vandalism. What looks bright and busy during the day becomes dark and forbidding at night. That said, quality security equipment and fittings, properly installed, can make the difference: to the vandal that is!

If you find a suitable spot for your business ensure you see it during the night to see what the area is like and who is around!

5. Technology
It goes without saying (but I will) a telephone is a must in any business. This has not always been the case, but with the Internet there is almost always some benefit to be gained from being online: whatever industry you are in.

Take a good look at the technology capabilities when assessing a premises as many business sites have little in the way of commercial standard Net access. Choosing premises that are serviced by at least two phone/technology providers will ensure that you have choice of product, and price, through local competition (ditto this last comment for any business service).

Also consider your mobile access, does the area you have chosen have a good coverage of all the major network providers? This is not only useful for you, but for employees, suppliers and customers.

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