Finding the perfect premises for your business can be fraught with difficulties.
Regardless if you’re looking for city centre office space or a sprawling warehouse on the outskirts of town, there are several things to consider before parting with your hard-earned cash.
Of course, the decision on whether to rent or buy, with purchase costs and legal fees, not to mention any alterations you wish to make, all important concerns for the first time buyer.
Consequently, rather than choosing the first property that meets your budget, you must take the time to draw up a list of requirements and determine what it is you need from your premises.
Need some guidance? Read on …
Tip #1: Use the Web to Cast Your Net
Once you’ve established your property needs, it’s time to begin your search – but this needn’t mean hours spent trawling the high street or industrial estates for your perfect premises. These days, whether looking for an office in Oldham or a shop for rent in London, your search will typically begin with a click of a mouse and a tap of a keyboard.
By using the web to cast your net far and wide, it allows you to find the ideal property for your business by simply defining your requirements and having a list of suitable premises thrown back at you. Aside from being a cost effective route, it prevents you spending valuable time away from the coalface.
Tip #2: Location, Location, Location
It’s all very well rummaging around the internet attempting to find a property that fits within the parameters of your budget, but if you ignore the importance of location, your venture is likely to crash and burn faster than a paper aeroplane drenched in kerosene. Indeed, there’s a wide range of location-related factors to consider.
For example, if you’re involved in retail, you must take the level of passing trade into account, as well as the level of competition you’re likely to face. What’s more, if you’re based in the middle of nowhere, at least make sure there are plentiful transport links and parking, lest your customers abandon your business like rats on a sinking ship.
Tip #3: Make Sure You’re on the Level
Once you buy or rent business premises, it’s important to understand your legal obligations and any restrictions that may affect your operation. For example, your property must have planning permission, allowing it to be used for your type of business, as well as ensuring you comply with building, fire and health and safety regulations.
Additionally, you must also provide a suitable working environment for your employees and familiarise yourself with any restrictions on when you can or can’t receive deliveries. If you feel like this is rather overwhelming, however, speak to your solicitor about your legal obligations to keep yourself on the level.
Fancy having your say?
Please leave us a comment and let us know if there are any other considerations you’d like to add to the list above – we’d be delighted to hear from you.