Use the following checklist 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 the following 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 pleasant 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 competition 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? The key elements you will need to think about are:

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

What about cost?

The main cost considerations you need to make will be:

• 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

Further resources for you to check out if you are in the process of sourcing new office or workshop space: Moving business premises: Five important things to think about.