smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

When deciding what sort of property is best to house your business, there are a plethora of issues to consider. This list brings together all you need to think about in one place.

Use the following list to help find the best property for your business:

Space
You need to consider exactly how many square feet you will need? For offices, allow roughly 100 sq. ft per employee.

Also consider any storage space that you will require. If you are in retail this will be considerable as you will need stock to be readily available.

Working environment
Consider how important these factors are:

Appearance - This is important for both customers and suppliers - you want to appear professional so a ramshackle office or retail outlet could harm your reputation.

Light, noise, cleanliness - For both your employees and customers a pleasent environment will mean a better business. Research shows that a properly lit working environment can lead to increased productivity and obviously lots of noise can be distracting.

Fire hazards - It is your duty as an employer to consider the safety of your employees.

Neighbours -  Are the other businesses in the vicinity in direct compeition with you? How will this affect your business?

Ease of access
Do the premises need:

Good access for pedestrians?
To be near to bus stop or railway?
Good parking facilities?
Delivery facilities ?
Disabled access?

Services and facilities

What would you like already-installed? Think about:

Partitions/fittings
Telephone/ISDN line
Burglar alarms
Central heating
Lighting/electricity points
Air conditioning/ventilation
Cooking/refrigeration
Computer network

What about cost?

Consider:

If the rent is per sq. ft
If the rates are per sq. ft
Maintenance
Running costs
Rent reviews
If there is a premium for getting in
Any rent-free period
Decoration
Fittings needed
Phones, electricity, security, etc.
Length of the lease