Key Things to Consider when moving your Business
A company’s location is often crucial to its success. That’s because it’s important to customers, suppliers and employees, and can have a significant impact on costs and profitability.
Moving a business to another location may seriously affect its performance in the short and long term. It’s important, therefore, that you choose your new location carefully and that the move goes as smoothly as possible.
Choosing the Best Location
The choice of location when moving your business will often depend on the reasons for the move. Sometimes it’s a case of needing more space because the company is expanding. It may also be due to a lease coming to an end or a need to be nearer your main market. Whatever the reason, consider some factors before making your choice:
-
Employees are your most important resource and they may not be willing to transfer, especially if the company is moving long distance. You may therefore incur additional recruitment and training costs as well as the inevitable reduction in productivity while new employees become used to their roles.
-
Customers and suppliers may be affected by the move unless you’re a national operation or trade online. It’s important you don’t risk the relationships you have because they’re difficult to rebuild.
-
Accessibility is vital to a smooth operation so check road and rail links as well as parking facilities. Employees don’t like long and difficult commutes.
-
Operating costs will be affected by leasing rates, local taxes and incentives offered to businesses. Employees’ salaries will also be higher where there are labor shortages so look for a large pool of workers with the right skills.
A move will inevitably cause some disruption to the business and the aim is to make this as small as possible. This can be achieved by thorough planning, excellent communication, good supervision and a willingness to be flexible.
Planning should start several months before the move and involve a team from different parts of the company. This team should ensure that:
-
everyone affected is notified, including all team members, local authorities and landlords as well as customers and suppliers
-
current leases and insurances are cancelled, and new ones are arranged
-
a detailed floor plan for the new premises is available and space is allocated for teams and individual employees
-
cleaning and moving services are booked
-
temporary storage facilities are arranged if needed
-
existing furniture is labeled and color-coded so its location at the new premises is known
-
all necessary packing before the day is arranged and carried out
-
everyone knows their responsibilities
-
services at the new premises are organized.
Careful planning and communication will ensure the move goes as smoothly as possible and everyone can get back to their jobs without delay. At Movers 101, we’re familiar with the challenges of moving large and small businesses. We’ll work with you to ensure there are no hold-ups or problems and your business can continue with minimal interruption.