How to Choose the Best Commercial Business Location

The location of your business can be a hugely influential factor for whether it is successful or not. No matter what the size or sector of your business, or whether you are just starting up or relocating, you should give a lot of thought to where you want to base yourself for the benefit of your customers, clients and workforce. Deciding where to locate your business is already a difficult choice, but if you make the wrong decision it could be very costly to put right. Let’s take a look at some factors to consider before you settle into new premises.

Operating cost factors

Cost of building or rent

One of the clearest costs for your new business location is the price for the property itself or, if you aren’t buying, the rent. Look into average prices for the area you want to set up in – this will help you to get an idea of whether you can afford the postcode and whether the buildings of interest are being offered at a good deal. Be wary of notably low prices though, they could indicate there is something undesirable about the property.

Utilities

Keep in mind the price you will have to pay for utilities when running your business. These will be a recurring cost which you’ll want to keep as low as possible. Check the building’s energy efficiency rating and contact the utility provider to get a usage statement for the previous year. If you’re renting, be sure to check whether utilities are included in the monthly price.

Building infrastructure

It is important that the infrastructure of your building will accommodate your needs. Having a strong internet connection, air conditioning, enough power outlets and a large enough circuit capacity can all affect the running of a business and the suitability of a location.

Customer service factors

Customer convenience

A crucial consideration for a potential business location is how convenient the area is for your customers. Ensure that the premises are somewhere easily visible and not out of the way; ideally there should be good public transport links closeby. Think carefully about your target market to establish what type of location will best suit your individual business. For example, if you want to open an upmarket restaurant, you should opt for somewhere befitting such as a nice area of the city centre rather than an industrial park.

Accessibility

Another vital aspect is the accessibility of the premises. Where necessary, is there suitable parking for customers and employees? Is the building easily accessible for disabled people? Is there easy access for deliveries from suppliers? If you can’t answer ‘yes’ to all these questions, you may want to find premises which meet these requirements.

Competition

Take into consideration the businesses who will be your neighbours in the new potential location. If they are direct competitors, you may end up fighting for business which could negatively impact your success. However, you can benefit from neighbouring companies through overflow custom or increased footfall – for example, by opening a cafe on a high street or near clothes retailers.

Workforce

Your location can impact upon your ability to find suitable employees. Particularly if you require staff with specialist skills, you may wish to establish yourself in an area with similar businesses and, therefore, an existing talent pool to tap into. What’s more, you may wish to consider whether there are easy transport links and amenities nearby for your staff.

Darvills & Benns’ professional removals service can help you have a smooth and efficient commercial relocation. We are able to handle large amounts of equipment and will ensure that all your items are transported carefully and safely. With well-trained staff, many years of experience and services which are insurance-backed, you can rest assured of the quality of our removals service. Don’t hesitate to contact our helpful team today with any enquiries regarding removals across Bradford, Halifax or Ilkley.