Choosing the right industrial space for your growing firm is a vital process for any business owner. Moving to a new home can be make or break for your company’s future, so it pays to think it through.
We have broken down some of the most useful practical insights and strategic considerations you need to have in mind when expanding your operations.
Location and connectivity
When looking at industrial units to let, location is arguably the most important factor of all. There’s little point in choosing an industrial space that is hard to get to, or doesn’t put you in range of your existing and potential customers.
Units to rent near motorway connections, airports and sea ports will naturally appeal to businesses that need to get their products to customers on time. That could be e-commerce businesses, manufacturers or wholesalers – but the point is still the same.
Finding a location that connects you to your customers is one of the most important steps when it comes to choosing the right industrial space to help your business grow.
Size
Commercial units to let come in all shapes and sizes so there is always a lot of choice. In fact, it can be overwhelming unless you have worked out exactly how much space you need before looking.
Additionally, consider how much space you might need in the future for both your workforce and product. If you’re likely to increase manufacturing capacity or need more storage space for goods, then you’ll need extra room and should take that into account now. After all, you don’t want to move again in a year’s time.
That doesn’t mean you have to overcommit and overspend. For example, Astmoor Point is made up of a range of smaller new build units, so you could take more than one and expand flexibly without having to commit to huge amounts of additional space all at once.
Specification
One of the most important trends in the industrial and commercial property market is the ‘flight to quality’. More than ever, occupiers are looking for space which will serve them for years to come – and that means Grade A, sustainable space.
Whether a new build or a refurbished space, the most popular units to let are now the ones which offer a high specification that makes your business more environmentally friendly. These spaces will help you with ESG reporting, attract employees in a climate-conscious world and make your product more attractive to buyers who want sustainability.
On top of that, high spec industrial units are cheaper to run and more comfortable to work in. Look for industrial units with high BREEAM ratings like those at Botany Bay or Wrexham Industrial Estate and you will have made a good start.
Facilities and fit-out
Finally, you should make a list of all the facilities you need before you start searching. For example, you might need high eaves, easy access for HGVs or additional open storage space. In all those cases, starting your search with those criteria will help you to save time and focus on spaces which suit your business.
This also applies to the fit-out of the space. Every business has operational fit-out requirements and you should keep those at the front and centre of your search. Make sure to find out whether bespoke fit-outs are available or whether you will have to do that yourself after moving.
Finding a space where bespoke fit-out is included in the lease will save you time and allow you to move in and begin operations immediately.
Learn more about our industrial property for rent and get in touch with the team today.
