Four Factors SMEs Should Consider When Moving Offices

After starting your business from scratch and building it up gradually, the time may have come for the next chapter for business growth: relocating to a new office. With ambition to hire more employees and acquire new clients, finding the right office space is going to require a lot of time and attention. Here at Savoy Stewart, we have come up with four main factors SMEs must consider when going through the process of selecting the ideal office space and moving offices. 

What must you consider when moving offices?

• Employees 

Whilst your mindset will undoubtedly be focused on future possibilities, such as hiring new employees, it is crucial to keep in mind your current employees when moving offices. Is the location of a prospective office accessible for the majority of existing employees by public transport? If most of your staff drive, are there enough parking spots available?

Additionally, consult every department on how they would ideally like to work in terms of layout and location. If the preference is flexible working, such as hotdesking, then there should be no issues. On the other hand, if your work departments would like work amongst themselves, then an open plan office may not satisfy their needs. 

 Photo credit: Stokkete/Shutterstock 

• Clients 

Current and new clients will be a vital part of the businesses strategy, as they will provide the financial injections needed to fund and sustain the new office. Consequently, it’s very important to consider where an office is based relative to how flexible your clients can be. If clients regularly come in for meetings, you don’t want to be too out the way for them.

Moreover, to attract new clients, prioritise areas which already have a strong business presence – the association of being in such locations will only add to the reputation and credibility of the company’s name. One aspect businesses forget, is the availability and accessibility of local amenities such as restaurants/cafes/shops – which are often needed for entertaining clients and of course somewhere for your employees to go at lunch. 

• Environment

Think about the type of office environment you want to create. If you’re going for a corporate setting, then your criteria shouldn't be too hard to achieve. Contrastingly, if you’re going for a more creative and vibrant feel, then it’s imperative to consult your employees as to what they would like included – this will inevitably help to increase office morale too.

Some of the biggest trends currently include ergonomic furniture, gaming areas, creative zones and syndicate rooms. Remember such inclusions will be on top of making any structural changes, basic installations, new equipment and re-decorating – so remember to budget accordingly.  

Read more: “Tips and Tricks on How to Make a Small Office Look Bigger”

 Photo credit: Imageflow/Shutterstock 

• Basics

When upgrading and moving office, remember to consult your insurance for the building and employer liability insurance. Likewise, ensure any intended changes or readjustments to an office are in line with building regulations set out by the government and or local council.

Whether you are making an investment and purchasing a commercial property, or deciding to rent, what you can and can’t do varies significantly. If you have decided on an office and think it needs some renovation work, ask first and if agreed, make any surrounding residents and businesses aware, so it does not cause any problems further down the line.

Once settled in, make sure all health and safety signage is visibly displayed, and all electricals and appliances are frequently tested. Lastly, to ensure hygiene, create some basic house rules all employees should follow and hire a regular cleaner to come in on a weekly basis.  

If you are toying with the prospect of moving offices, Savoy Stewart are here to help. Browse our selection of properties here, and please don't hesitate to give us a call 020 7495 3666 if you would like some more details. Alternatively, we are also available email at info@savoystewart.co.uk, or use our contact form.