Choosing an office is no easy task. Both old and new businesses can't take a new place of work lightly and there is a lot that you need to consider before you make a firm decision. If you're looking to relocate or buy for the first time, here are some things to take into consideration while you are searching.
Your work requirements
Before choosing your future place of work you first need to consider your business's requirements. Ask yourself how much space you will need, what sort of equipment you need, what facilities you and your employees need etc. Make sure that you have all of the tools necessary for running your business and make sure to ask questions about properties you view. For example, if your employees work mostly on computers and electronics you need to ensure that you have a good supply of electricity and space for computers. If you own a design or creative business you need to make sure that there are areas within your office to allocate different pieces of equipment. Make a list of what you need before you start looking to optimise your search and work efficiently.
The wellbeing of your employees
It's vital that you take into consideration the health and safety of your employees while looking for a place of work. As an employer, you are legally obliged to provide your employees with a certain amount of space for them to work, drinking water and toilet facilities as a bare minimum. There are also requirements regarding the quality and safety of the property to ensure that your employees are not in any possible danger while at work. So, your new office needs to have a supply of fresh air and adequate lighting and must be kept clean and at a comfortable temperature. These are only the basics of what you need to offer your employees and if any of your current employees have special requirements you should do your best to meet them. For example, if one of your staff members uses a wheelchair you must ensure that the building you choose is wheelchair accessible. If you intend for any of your employees to work after hours you should do your best to ensure that your work place is situated in a reasonably safe area so employees leaving the office late at night are not putting themselves in danger.
Competition and relevant location
The location of your place of work needs to be thought about carefully and differs depending on the type of business you own and its size. You need to ensure that the location of your office is relevant to your business and that you're equally matched with any surrounding competition if you intend to receive any foot traffic. For example, if you own an estate agents you will likely be relying on foot traffic to get business. You would be displaying current houses for sale in your office window and people walking by will be viewing them and entering your office to enquire about them. So, your office should be located in an area where there is a lot of foot traffic, like a high street with shops and restaurants nearby that attract pedestrians. Of course, you should avoid situating your business too close to any serious competitors that might detract from your business. So, take your time to browse commercial properties to rent in the UK and thoroughly research each of the areas you're considering.
