Regardless of where you want to set up shop, preparation before moving into new premises is a must. Whilst it’s possible to move into an office space with haste, there is a risk that you may find yourself in the wrong space at the wrong time. To make sure your business doesn’t fall into this trap, here is a checklist of things to do before choosing new premises.
Work out what you can afford
In London, you’ll find all kinds of office spaces. Big ones, small ones, shared ones – there’s plenty of choice, with 8.2m sq ft of office space in the City of London waiting to be built. That being said, you still need to find value for money. A quick look at your balance sheet will tell you how much you have to spend.
Pick a location in London
In an ideal world, every business would be based in the City. However, there are other parts of London that have great office spaces. Stratford, Twickenham and Islington all spring to mind, whilst Hounslow and its proximity to Heathrow are well-suited to businesses with international client bases. If it’s within reach of your target market and has great transport links, go for it.
Think about how much space you need
To find the perfect office, it should be one that has enough room for all of your furniture, tech and so on. If you’re working alone, serviced office space like that from DeVono would do the trick; Wi-Fi, furniture and even refreshments are usually included in the price. Should you need space for a few dozen employees, a larger office is a must.
Leave room for growth
Every self-respecting businessperson’s ambition is to see their company grow. To accommodate said growth, it makes sense to hire a space that’s bigger than what you initially need. It doesn’t have to be massive – just enough room for a few extra desks. In having a bigger space, you won’t have to keep moving every time you hire a new member of staff.
Is it client-friendly?
An office should be suitable for all your workers’ needs, but what if you’re accommodating clients? If you are intent on inviting them to meetings, make sure the workspace is inviting. A few comfortable chairs, a coffee table and quiet space with some partitioning would be a good start. To make a greater impression, see if you can decorate it yourself before moving in.
Make sure it’s accessible
Accessibility is something you should always take into account before choosing a new workspace. The 2010 Equality Act states that businesses must make adjustments for disabled clients and employees. Wheelchair access, braille signs and sensitive lighting for those with conditions such as autism and epilepsy are good examples of such adjustments
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