The Pros and Cons of Office Relocation

Whether you have outgrown your current office space or are looking for a better location to work from, moving to another location is a huge decision for companies. Before you start planning the move, you need to understand whether it is the right decision for your company at this time. Consider your motivation for relocating; for example, do you need more space to recruit new staff or do you need to move closer to your target market? Whatever the motivation, an office relocation company can help you decide if moving is a good idea for your business and help you with the process should you decide to go ahead. In the meantime, we’ve outlined some pros and cons of moving offices.

The Pros

1. It allows for a better use of space

Upgrading to a bigger office space allows for a more productive environment and gives you the ability to increase workloads and staff levels. If more staff are working from home or you’re struggling to find room for new recruits, files and parking spaces it’s clear that there is an urgent need for change. At the other end of the scale, there is no point spending money on office space if you are trying to downsize. Moving offices can be one of the simplest ways to reduce costs. In some cases, it may be prudent to relocate into shared office space rather than leasing entire premises. This solution means that businesses can share the costs of services such as reception facilities.

Natixis Global Asset Management Office Case Study Image
Natixis Global Asset Management

2. Proximity to Clients

Perhaps you feel that you are not reaching your target audience or staff have to travel long distances to reach clients. If that is the case, it almost certainly implies that the client finds reaching your office inconvenient too and you should consider moving. Make it easy for your most important clients to reach your office; a well-located office could be the decisive factor in them to choosing your business over the competition.

3. It gives businesses room for uninhibited expansion

Your current office might be cheaper and in a good location but it is too crowded, impersonal and confining. It’s difficult for a business to realise its fullest profit potential in those circumstances. By relocating, you are acknowledging your ambitions and showing the world that financial growth is important to your business. Some larger groups own companies that need to be consolidated into one premises. We were responsible for the creation of the European Headquarters of SunGard in a 75,000ft2 office in Canary Wharf, which brought together offices from five different locations in the City of London. The move allowed SunGard to operate cohesively in a central location.

Sungard open plan Case Study Image
SunGard

4. Lower costs

The expense of moving could be offset by taking your business to a lower cost area. Consider the cost of living, commuting and lease prices and how it could save you money in the end. It’s important to weigh up the proximity to clients in a prestigious area versus the money saved by being further away in a less expensive area. It completely depends on your business: How important is it for your company’s image that it is based in Mayfair?

5. Gives the company a fresh start

Much like people, companies can get stuck in a rut, but an office relocation can inject some much-needed energy into your workforce. For many companies, an office move is just what it needs to motivate staff and boost company performance. If staff are more comfortable and inspired by their work environment, they will be more productive and loyal to the brand. Interactive Space recently helped marketing company Arnold KLP move into an 8,000ft2 office, with the brief that the office should reflect its creative and collaborative culture. The new client meeting rooms and breakout areas for staff clearly express the company’s character.

Arnold KLP Case Study Image
Arnold KLP

6. It gives your business a makeover

Office relocation usually means your brand gets upgraded to a more professional look. First impressions are important and by moving to a better-designed office, it is easier to win over new clients and retain old ones. Since most small businesses start off in very basic premises, a new office space signals to clients that your company is growing.

Cons

1. It can be expensive

One of the biggest things holding business owners back when it comes to moving premises is the expense. Not only does a move involve relocation costs, but it can also result in a big loss of productivity during the move. It’s essential to plan the process, or seek professional advice, so that you’re not losing business while you’re moving. At Interactive Space, we take control of the move and undertake it in well-organised phases so that staff face minimal disruption in their daily work activities.

2. It involves a lot of planning

Moving offices takes dedication to ensure that it happens on time and within the allocated budget. There are properties to view and contracts to be read and scrutinised, which takes a lot of time and resources. The business needs to appoint one person to manage the entire process. However, hiring a professional services company can take away a lot of the management and stress, particularly regarding contracts and legislation. Interactive Space project managed website design company Dare Digital’s office relocation to accommodate its significant expansion. We took care of the planning and moved staff to the new office as quickly as possible in order to take the pressure off the existing space which was struggling to accommodate ever-increasing staff numbers.

3. Upheaval for Staff

Some employees are more welcoming of change than others. It’s essential to discuss the move with key staff members and see if alternative arrangements can be made such as flexible hours if necessary. However, as mentioned above, with thorough planning, an office move can be barely noticeable and with a fully engaged contingent of staff it can be enjoyable and reinvigorating. Put plenty of time aside for the move so that it is not stressful and rushed. Most importantly, plan ahead so that you don’t move during a busy period for your business.

Emirates Airlines Case Study Image
Emirates Airlines

4. You will need to install new furniture and technology

The new premises might not have the appropriate furniture and IT infrastructure. If you are trying to grow your company, it might be a good chance for you to invest in good quality furniture and future proof your business. Spending money now on a top-level infrastructure could save you a lot of future expense, particularly when the costs of relocating old and outdated items from your old premises are considered. Alternatively, a serviced office may provide the solution since the space is work-ready without your company having to bear the brunt of the costs.

As you can see, there are several factors to consider when planning an office relocation. It has many benefits in terms of image and making your company future proof, but sometimes a fit out or design would be just as effective. Interactive Space can help you find a space to match the strategic needs of your business, so please contact us for more information.

 

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