Searching for Premises

1. What Makes a Good Location?

Start by thinking about where you want to be. Do you need a prime town centre location? Or is an out-of-town business park more suitable?

1.1 Which area do you want to be in?

• Where are your potential customers and suppliers?

1.2 How expensive is the area?

• New towns and developments are often cheaper, but may not be suitable.
• Prices are lower in areas with vacant property - but may indicate that the area is not good for business.
• Setting up in certain locations may qualify you for grants or other financial incentives such as the Business Premises Renovation Allowance. The premises must be in designated disadvantaged area and have been vacant for a year or more.

1.3 Must you be near transport links, such as the motorway network?

• Are the premises easily accessible?
• Will you be able to get supplies and make deliveries easily?

1.4 How will the location affect employees?

• Will you be able to recruit suitably skilled people locally?
• Will the location meet employees' needs for housing, schools, shopping and lunch?

1.5 What local facilities do you require?

• Do you need to be near a bank, post office or local parking?

1.6 How important is the image you project?

1.7 Could you run your business from home?

• Check whether your mortgage or tenancy agreement prevents you from working from home.
• Check whether you are suitably insured.
• Check your tax position. You may become liable to business rates, capital gains and other taxes.
• Will working from home create the right impression?