Who knows what new heights of growth, prosperity and productivity 2019 will bring for your business? You may well find that this is a transitional year for you. A year in which you outgrow the limitations of your current business model, throw out the rule book and rewrite a new one as you go along. This can be extremely exciting and liberating… It can also be kind of scary! As you take baby steps down the path to sustainable growth you may feel like a novice all over again, grappling with the inherent challenges of growth like you’re still a year one entrepreneur.
This is all part of the learning curve of entrepreneurship and should be embraced. Take searching for a new premise, for example. When you first started out, your selection criteria for a premise was probably pretty simple. The only real question was “what’s available”. Now that you’ve reached a period of growth, however, you need to think a little more strategically. You’ll need to consider.
- Knock-on effect on punctuality
Your new premises’ location may well have a knock-on effect on your employee punctuality and productivity. How easy is your new premises to get to from where they live? What is the parking situation like compared to where you currently do business? You may find that even if you’re able to find a spot in a great location in terms of customer footfall, it may be harder to get to and park in for your employees which could have a residual effect on punctuality and productivity, especially if employees wind up fighting over parking spaces.
- Legal and logistical considerations
Your new premises need to be legally fit for purpose in relation to your chosen field of business. You may need to contact engineering firms for municipal engineering work and surveying. You’ll need to ensure that it fits all the legislative requirements for your specific kind of business and that it is fully accessible to those in wheelchairs.
- Layout
Your premises’ layout can have a knock-on effect on productivity and profitability whatever the nature of your business may be. For retailers, for example, it’s essential to have your store set out in a way that makes the products easy to find and showcase, while lending a sense of journey and progression as customers move around the store.
However, even office environments must consider the space’s layout to safeguard their productivity. Consider who needs quick access to who? Who needs to be able to see who? Can some employees be separated by a barrier or a corner? The layout of a workspace can be a surprising impediment to communication and collaboration.
- Security
Security is an important consideration for all kinds of businesses. Will your site be safe and secure from prospective thieves or saboteurs? Will the site have its own security staff or will you be expected to provide your own? Will the lease agreement prohibit the installation of CCTV cameras, fencing, window bars or other anti-theft measures?
Physical security is important, but let’s not forget digital security too. Premises using a shared WIFI network, for example, can face potential security risks that could compromise your data.
If you shop around for a new premise in mind, you’re very likely to find a great fit for 2019!
