The Essential Guide to Relocating a Business
This definitive guide should be used for any business planning a relocation, and covers the important issues from finding office space to managing your budget.
Relocating your business is an big step forward for any company. And whilst the reasons for relocating a business may vary, the end goal is always the same: a more successful business.
Get an office move right and you have a happy, motivated workforce and a more efficient workplace; get it wrong and you could waste money and lose clients. The end result will be determined by the detail of your Office Relocation Project Plan, as well as a clear understanding of what you are trying to achieve.
Use this business relocation guide as a starting point to help you achieve a successful office move:
Choosing Office Space
Before setting out for your search for office space, take some time to consider your basic office space requirements; including size, location, facilities and cost. Knowing what these are at the outset will enable you to find an office that is inspiring, cost effective and right for your business.
Office Lease Considerations
Think about what office lease terms you might want to be included as part of the deal. A break clause may be essential for your business, as might a shorter office lease length. Having a clear understanding of your priorities as a business will give you more negotiating power when agreeing the final deal with the landlord.
Office Design & Space Planning
Consider the style, type and condition of the each potential office space. Can it be easily adaptable to incorporate many of the office design and space planning elements your business needs? Always take an office designer with you when viewing potential properties to ensure your “wish list” can be incorporated within your office fit out budget.
Staff Considerations
In the midst of organising the logistics of your business relocation, don’t forget to have your staff’s concerns and best interests at heart. Change can be unsettling for staff and how you manage that change can be the difference between success and failure of your business relocation. Fostering open communication with them will help to get “buy-in” and avoid any negativity that may arise from a change in working environment.
Keeping within Budget
Staying within your financial limits can be a challenge for any business relocating. The key here is to make sure you are aware of the costs that are typically incurred during an office move and ensure you set yourself an individual budget for every cost item at the outset. Find out what they are with the Moving Office Budget.
Keeping to Schedule
Making sure your office move happens on time will require a lot of pre-planning and organisation. You’ll need to define the key dates that will drive your office move and then work backwards. Plan your important dates using the Moving Office Timetable so you never miss a deadline.
Don't forget that whilst a business relocation can be a major upheaval which takes a lot of organisation, the end result can bring about many benefits and assets to your business, so it's worth taking the time to plan accordingly and get it right the first time.
