How to Set Up your First Office

If you are ready to launch your business, employ your first staff, or finally move out from the garage or the spare bedroom, you will need to make a decision on what type of office you would like to set up, where you would like to be located, and how the venue will fit in your long term plans. If you are unable to make an informed decision, you might end up losing money. Below you will find a few tips on how to decide on the location and style of your business premises.

Pay Attention to the Location

The most important thing you have to consider is the location. If you have been working from home for a while, you will need to make sure that you don’t have to spend hours commuting every morning, unless it is absolutely necessary. Your staff will need to be able to get to the office without getting stuck in traffic, so you might want to choose an area with good public transport and motorway links.

Facilities

You have to consider what type of facilities and services the office offers. If you are new to business, and would like to budget carefully, it might be a good idea to look for serviced offices first. This means that your internet, heating, and reception services will be taken care of and included in the rent. Likewise, if you are setting up a manufacturing unit or repair shop, you will have to ensure you get professional industrial cleaning services at your location.

Talent Availability

If there is one mistake people make when deciding where to set up their business, it is not thinking about the talent pool. You might want to talk with a recruitment agency before you make your final decision, so you will know that you can employ the right people for the job without having to pay a premium.

Flexibility

Your first office is not likely to be ideal. You will need to find a place that is flexible and allows you to increase or decrease the size of meeting rooms, build a canteen, or get more parking space. You don’t want to be stuck with a contract that doesn’t allow you to do the things you need to do to take your business to the next level.

Planning for Growth

If you already have a growth plan in your business, you will need to ensure there is space to grow. You could find a contract that allows you to ask for modification and extra space when you need it. At the same time, you might want to start off with a larger venue, so you can later on fill it with employees when you start scaling up your operations. You need to be confident that your plan will work, though, to take that risk.

To make the most out of your new business premises, you will have to ask yourself about who you want to serve, who you want to employ, and what services you will need to succeed.