There are lots of reasons why you might want to move your business to another premises. Maybe you’ve expanded and need something bigger, or you might have more remote workers now and need something smaller instead. It might be to do with cost, perhaps the rent has gone up where you were leasing before and it’s now cutting into profits?
It could be because you want to move closer to suppliers, better transport networks or make your building more accessible to customers, clients and staff. If you’re a retail business, you might make the move in the hopes that getting more foot traffic in a busier area will boost your profits, even if the rent is more expensive. If you’re thinking about moving, look at your business goals and consider the potential benefits to guide your decision.
The Tricky Task of Physically Moving
Physically moving a business is a highly involved task, so you’ll need to plan meticulously, making sure that it causes minimal disruption to your operations. You might choose to do this during a part of the year that your business is naturally quieter, or even over a bank holiday or other day that your business is usually shut.
Create a detailed moving checklist and work with a company like Britannia Beckwith removals who are experienced in business relocations. Inform your clients and suppliers well in advance to manage their expectations and let them know you might be either closed or running reduced hours over the time that the move is taking place. Clear communication is so important in a relocation process.
Update Employees
Keep employees informed about the move’s timeline, the reasons why it’s happening and the impact it might have on their roles. Some staff might be able to work from home during the moving days to keep things ticking over, and others might agree to put in extra hours before and afterwards so that the workflow doesnt get out of control. Keeping them up to date on everything means they can do their best work for you and there’s no nasty surprises.
Transition Your Tech
Moving your business means transitioning the technology seamlessly- you can help to ensure a smooth transfer of IT infrastructure, including servers, computers, and phone systems by going about things in the right way. Contact any companies you outsource IT work to in plenty of time to let them know, and have maintenance on call in case of any hiccups. Test all of the systems in the new location before fully resuming your operations.
Budgeting
Business relocation comes with costs, so budget for unforeseen expenses. This includes business disruption, updated marketing materials and modifications to the new space. Allocate resources for any necessary renovations or upgrades in the new premises.
Settling in
Once the move is finally complete, focus on settling into your new space. Update your branding if you need to reflect the change, and reconnect with clients and suppliers, letting them know about your successful transition.
