Office space location - Factors to consider
Location is one of the most key factors to success in your business. Does your work space need to be presentable? Does it need to be accessible? Does it need to be geographically specific? Location can be split into two specific areas - the first is geographical. Do you need an office in Scotland, or is most of your business in London? The second is the specific location. Do you need to work in an office park, or would a small office above a kebab shop be more appropriate? We will deal with Geographical first: Many businesses are location specific. For instance, a recruitment company may recruit only in the Midlands or perhaps a property company may be selling only to a specific region. Many businesses take the view that they have to be located in a central point (often London) so that regular meetings are convenient. Where you decide to rent your office space will affect the price you pay, and it goes without saying that Central London is more expensive than rural office in the middle of a field. Sometimes compromises have to be made. Central London maybe ideal but if the prices are too high, check where else you could be based. The outskirts of a city are likely to be cheaper and as long as the transport links in are good, you shouldn't have a problem. Now we will look at specific location: It wouldn't do very well for a high prestige financial company to rent office space above a chippie! First impressions are everything after all, and architecture (internal and external) has a massive effect on your potential customers and suppliers. There are some very presentable and professional offices at reasonable cost so don't consign yourself to a dilapidated or unsuitable space. Shop around. Sometimes it isn't necessary to work from a high prestige office. If customers and clients won't be visiting you may be happy to pay a little less for a worse location &ndash and why not? Remember however, that if you are looking to recruit new staff the place of work can have a serious impact upon whether they will want to join you or not. After all, who wants to spend eight hours a day in an unpleasant location? Whatever option is best for you, shop around and make sure you consider all the options.