5 tips for relocating offices

Before you start, you need to rough-out a brief that takes into account what the business can afford and what best suits your operation in terms of logistics, appeal to clients and accessibility to staff among other things.

Here’s our top 5 things to consider.

Is the location right for your key people?

In towns such as Ipswich there is broadly a 50/50 split between those companies who take leases on town centre offices and those taking out of town premises. On the one hand, out of town accommodation is generally more accessible by car, with good access to the trunk routes and better on-site parking than the town centre. However, town centre sites have the alternative benefits of being close to central amenities and shops and other transport modes such as bus, train and bike. What would your clients prefer? And consider where your staff live and how they get to work. How will you best retain your existing team and where will you attract new staff from?

Does the space work for you?

The size and layout of premises also needs careful consideration. It is not simply about the amount of floor space required, but the configuration of the space and how that will effect efficiency and functionality. Can you seat the right people together on the right floor? Is there room for a private meeting room or a reception area? Can an area be set aside for back-of-house activities such as catering or storage? Is there the opportunity for the new premises to be a catalyst for adopting more modern working practices – such as hot-desking and informal group working areas?

Is it future proof?

A full technical assessment of potential premises is always required, so you can assess both the physical and financial aspects of the location. A careful audit of IT capabilities will reveal whether the building and the general location is up to scratch in terms of communications and computing networks. For example, is super fast broadband available? And as you look at space-planning and any immediate requirements for alterations, you’ll need to bear in mind your longer term plans for the business. Will the space accommodate further expansion and growth?

Can you afford it?

A careful assessment of costs to occupy the premises is essential. Rent and business rates are just two financial factors to consider – other direct costs and any service charge liability will also need to be factored in.

Are the terms agreeable?

Finally, the devil is in the detail, or at least in the agreed lease terms. It is extremely important to ensure that the tenancy structure suits your business’s requirements now and for the future. It is essential that the terms of the lease afford you both sufficient certainty that you have a stable home for your business and enough flexibility should your business plans change.

Fenn Wright’s commercial team are able to provide full technical support for any acquisition. Irrespective of who is marketing the property, you can instruct Fenn Wright’s commercial surveyors as advisors to help you negotiate the process and secure appropriate premises on favourable terms with full visibility of the future liabilities you are agreeing to.

To find out more please get in touch with the commercial team in Ipswich, Stanway Colchester or Chelmsford.