First you need to decide what areas of London you are after. Can it be local to you where office rents are relatively low? Or do you need a presence in or near the centre? Finding office premises is a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack as vacant property is not necessarily registered with the local estate agent.

If there is a particular area which would suit you, try making a quick tour of the area looking for all the agents boards. However, it is much more likely that you will need to spread your search to a much wider area. When I needed premises, I used a search agent to find a selection of properties for me to inspect and thought it worth every penny. An agent will have access to a computerised register and nearly all vacant office premises and their details will be listed on the register. A good search agent should discuss your needs carefully (location, style, size, maximum rent, facilities needed and so on) and filter what is available to select a shortlist for you. The agent should also help you to negotiate the best possible deal, asking for rent-free periods, repairs, decoration and so on. The range of options on office premises can be wide; it can include 10-year leases with the ability to negotiate a new lease at the end of it or licenses to occupy as a sub-tenant giving just one week’s notice if you want. Many small companies like the flexibility of being able to give notice, because a lease can be a burden on you personally if the business does not work out. Always try to avoid being personally liable for the rent although many landlords try to insist on this. Again your agent can advise you.

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