Last Updated on Dec 24, 2019 by James W
Moving to new premises has the potential to be a complex and stressful project. The motivation behind moving premises is probably related to business growth or improving efficiencies. There are plenty of problems ready and waiting in the wings and, if you aren’t prepared for them, you may find your business affected by inefficiencies and complications after you’ve moved in.
However, with the right planning and organisation, it really doesn’t have to be that way. In this guide, you will learn about some of the key factors you need to consider before you move to new premises to ensure your business doesn’t suffer during the process.
How long will it take to move?
You need to consider how long the transition to the new premises is likely to take. Are you taking furniture and equipment with you or are you ordering new items? Will you be redesigning the layout or even having construction work carried out? Either way, you need to find out how long it will take so you can work out how to keep the business running and if you will need to shut down temporarily. If so, you may want to organise temporary workspace in a coworking office in London.
What IT and communications support do you need?
The last thing you want on the first day in your new premises is IT or internet trouble. Prior to your move, you should check the Wi-Fi at the new premises to see if there are any issues with signal. If there are, you may need to investigate boosters or find a professional. Your computers and phones should be set up by someone who is confident and capable, as it’s rarely a ‘plug and play’ situation.
Have you carried out a risk assessment at the new premises?
According to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, as an employer you have a duty to provide your employees with a safe environment to work in. This means that before you open for operation and before any staff step inside, you need to carry out a full risk assessment to remove or minimise potential hazards as much as possible. You should also consider where you will display emergency exit signs, your fire procedure and the need for a first aid kit.
Are the new premises secure?
In addition to health and safety checks, you also need to think about the security of the new premises. Will you need to introduce CCTV, change locks, alarms or an ID entry system? You are responsible for protecting both your employees, assets and your business, so take plenty of time to consider your business security options.
Do you need to redesign the new premises?
You may want to take this opportunity to redesign and reorganise your office space. When your business is operational from the new premises you will find it challenging to close again should you want to carry out any remodeling or renovation. This is why it’s best to complete any significant work before you move in.
