Whether it's land to build on or a pre-existing office space to rent, deciding where to set up shop for your business is a big decision. Choosing the right location can give you all sorts of benefits and unlock countless opportunities, however, choose the wrong location and you could actively put yourself at a disadvantage to your competitors.

So, what do entrepreneurs need to look out for when they’ve decided to make the move from home office to something bigger? Here are a few ways of ensuring that your business has premises in the right place for you and your customers.

Room to expand

Always attempt to buy a premises which has potential to be upscaled if the circumstances require. Buying a building or plot of land for the business size you have now, may save money on costs in the short term, however a few years down the line could cost you another bout of moving costs and a lot of stress for upheaving the business once again.

Expanding into other offices or having space for you to erect new buildings or structures is the smart man's move and ensures that your business has a home that’s not just fit for purpose now, but can stand to accommodate your business for many years to come.

Proximity to main cities

No matter what industry you’re in, it's always a good idea to set up your business in close proximity to, or within commutable distance to a major city. This is for a number of reasons, all revolving around convenience, an important aspect of business.

For example, your business will be far more attractive to a wider number of potential employees if it is in a location which is easily reachable from where they live. Not only that, but a city location will increase your brand awareness to a wider population, provide easier access to train links for cross country meetings and will bring you closer to a more diverse customer base.

Restrictions, charges, obstructions

Whilst looking for positives about a building is obvious, it’s also important to consider any negatives which may impact your business setting its location in a specific area. For example, does it have plenty of parking space for employees and visitors? Will suppliers have a hard time delivering certain products to this address? Or are business taxes in this area elevated as opposed to elsewhere?

Having a thorough research through the fine details of any premises you’re approaching to buy will ensure that you don’t get stung by any unknowing fines or restrictions. There’s nothing worse than moving into a new space before being confronted with the fact that not all is what it first seemed.