Corporate Relocation. It’s exciting. A new workplace, a new start.
Perhaps you’re relocating to access a larger market, or you want increased proximity with your clients. You might just need more space to expand as a business. Whatever reason you have, you’ll want to ensure the move is done with minimal fuss and time involved. That way, you can concentrate on settling in and exacting your business plans.
While moving to new premises can prove rewarding for your business, without a strong plan in place, you won’t be looking at a smooth move. With so much to consider, a little preparation goes a long way. After all, there’s more to the move than just a few desks and chairs.
Changing location can be daunting, and it will take time to adjust to your new workplace. However, by avoiding these five mistakes, you can cut down on the stress involved with relocating your business.
1. Deciding on a property without determining your business needs
You may have fallen in love with a commercial property you’ve seen for its appearance or location. However, there’s a lot more to choosing premises for your business than aesthetics. Remember, the property you choose will have a great impact on your business, so choose wisely. It may seem obvious, but ensuring that the property has the correct Use Class for your company’s intended purpose is essential. Drawing up a list of requirements you have for your business premises is a great way of ensuring the property you choose meets your needs. For example, you should consider:
- Your long-term business plans
- Facilities for staff, clients and visitors
- Any specific structural requirements (need for certain rooms, disabled access, high ceilings etc.)
- Power requirements for IT & Telecoms
- Whether you want the ability to expand the premises in future
- Costs of rent, service and utility charges for electricity, water and gas as well as any maintenance or repairs
- Security requirements
- Parking space
2. Not using a commercial property solicitor
With so much to consider, you need an expert on board to help you reduce risk and maximise on opportunity. By this stage, let’s assume you’ve researched the property you would like to relocate your business to, and decided it’s right for your company. The next step is the transaction. However, buying commercial property is vastly different to purchasing residential property, and comes with a range of regulations and additional legislation that you need to comply with. For that reason, it’s vital you seek qualified legal advice from the earliest possible stage. Commercial property law is a complex and constantly changing sector, and any issues in relation to tax, title deeds, licensing or the condition of the property should be dealt with by a professional. With an in depth knowledge of local authority planning and a close relationship with many construction and property professionals, you can only benefit from seeking our help.
3. Failing to make a relocation plan
From the earliest point, it’s smart to put together a relocation plan. You might want to designate this task to just one or a group of your employees, to ensure each step of the move is being overseen with precision. Creating a detailed relocation plan is vital in being prepared and that no stone is left unturned. Included in your relocation plan should be an accurate relocation timescale, a detailed relocation budget and an ordered list of tasks involved in the move. It’s also important to make a floor plan of the new property prior to moving in, so as to avoid making snap decisions about furniture on the day you relocate.
4. Choosing a removal company with no prior research
When it comes to choosing a removal company, you’ll want to ensure you’ve hired professionals you can trust to handle your equipment and furniture with care. While we recommend you have your valuable items insured just in case, it’s within your best interests to do some research rather than just choosing the first removal company you come across. Instead, contact several companies and compare quotes and quality. Remember, cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean better – or vice versa. Read online reviews to help you get a better picture of which company to use. Book them well in advance rather than assuming they will be available at request.
5. Not updating your address (online and offline)
This may seem obvious, but it’s alarming how many companies forget to update their address in their business materials, marketing collateral and across their online platforms. From letterheads to email signatures to Yell.com, it’s essential that prospects and clients know where you’re located, so they don’t turn up to your old address for an appointment. Make a list of all the areas your address is listed, and take the time to update each one. That way, you can be 100% sure you’ll send your clients the right way.
Bonus tip: don’t leave everything to the last minute!
When you leave everything to the last minute, you panic. When you panic, you make mistakes. You need to leave ample time for the relocation, not only for the removal, but for the resettle. If you’re working in an office, you’ll need to allow time for installation of computers and telephone lines and ensure everything is in working order. Overall, we suggest giving your company at least a week for the move itself.
At Preston Redman, our commercial property solicitors have been helping businesses large and small to relocate for years. You can rely on us to oversee every step of the transaction and ensure your move is smooth. Call our commercial property team today on 01202292424 or email office@prestonredman.co.uk.