What To Consider When Opening a New Business Premises
When you are opening new business premises there is so much to consider, from the location and size of the premises to the fundamentals like electricals and heating. This article will look at some of the fundamental things to consider when it comes to setting up a new business.
Fire Protection
Whether you are moving into completely new premises or refurbished premises, one of the first things you should consider is the Fire Protection at the property. Keep your employees and yourself safe with fully functioning and correct fire protection appliances. When it comes to fire protection there’s a whole host of different ways to protect your property including:
- Fire Doors
- Fire Dampers
- Air Sealing
- Fire Rated Walls and Ceilings
New properties are likely to have up to date building regulations, however, should you have any concerns it is always worth having a fire risk assessment carried out at the premises.
Plumbing and Heating
You should identify any plumbing and heating requirements at the premises, particularly if you are setting up an office. You should make sure the boiler is functioning correctly, this will benefit you and your employees. Before you move into the premises a boiler service should be carried out to ensure that there are no issues present with the boiler, and if any issues do show they should be fixed.
You will also want to ensure that the plumbing at the premises is adequate, is there enough toilets? Do the radiators work?
Communication Requirements
Communication methods are essential for businesses, when you are looking to set up new business premises you should make sure that the broadband you can have at the property is suitable for the use, phones lines will need to be installed and you will need internet access points. You may find yourself need Wi-Fi boosters too so rooms further away from the router can pick up the internet.
Furniture
You should identify your furniture needs, you will need to consider the number of employees you have and the number of desks and chairs you will need. Storing and filing should be considered too, will you need filing cabinets or do you run everything digitally? If you are business premises that will have visitors you will also require seating for your visitors and a reception area.
Security Requirements
When you are investing in a new business premise you will want to make sure that it is protected at all times. Some surefire ways of making sure that your business is protected when you are on and off the premises include CCTV, intruder alarms, shutters, additional locks on windows and doors to name a few. You should also consider data security, as it is the law that personal information relating to your customers is stored safely and securely.
Decorate
Adding simple decorations and colourful pictures can make even the plainest offices and premises somewhere nice for your employees to work, and the better the environment the better the productivity. Let’s face it no one is motivated to work if they are sitting in a bland and darkroom. Simple things like adequate lighting and posters can make a world of difference.
Inform Customers
To reduce the risk of losing business, you should inform current customers of your new address and contact details if they change. You can use social media, your website and digital marketing, flyers and leafleting campaigns, and business cards to ensure that new and existing customers are aware of the new premises.
Opening New Business Premises
When you are planning to open new business premises, there’s a whole range of different things to consider, however by following these simple steps your new premises will be and running in no time at all.
