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Moving Office Professionals do it betterMoving Office Professionals do it betterby Richard FentonMost people have seen the "Relocation Relocation" type of television programme where property professionals help cash rich time poor people to buy the house of their dreams. Few business owners realise that similar services exist to help them when they need to move a business. In business, time and money are precious commodities, yet, all too often some poor soul is delegated the job of organising a company business move on top of their usual responsibilities with a consequent rise in stress levels for everyone else and every opportunity to make a costly mistake that could affect the bottom line for several years to come. Lets take central London as an example and see what needs to be done to make an office move happen: - There are over 650 firms of commercial agents in Central London, so youd better get on the phone, try to get hold of the right department and person to talk to, or wait for them to call back, describe what is wanted and then wait for the details to arrive. Now try to assess what is worth seeing, and then arrange and co-ordinate viewing appointments to minimise time spent out of the office for the decision makers. You are going to have to learn about the market so that the best rental and lease terms can be negotiated for the company, not the landlord? Remember, the smiling agent who shows you round the smart new building that you like does not have your best interests in mind. You will have to instruct the solicitors and liaise with them through searches, enquiries before contract, and drafts and re-drafts of legal documentation. You will have to obtain quotations for building, mechanical and electrical surveys, and if necessary, the terms might have to be renegotiated if problems are found. The premises will need to be measured in accordance with codes of measuring practice to confirm the stated floor area to ensure correct levels of rent and service charge payments, and that more importantly, all of the staff will fit in. Plans will have to be prepared for fitting out work and an application made for landlords consent for alterations. Builders, joiners, decorators, carpet fitters, specialist mechanical, electrical, IT and telecoms contractors will have to be co-ordinated and then snagging items dealt with. Quotations will be needed from removal companies, and the move co-ordinated and planned. And whilst all this is going on, the business has to be kept running! The alternative? A telephone call and a meeting with a professional who is used to dealing with this type of exercise day in and day out so that you can be left to concentrate on what you know best, running your business. Richard Fenton is the managing partner of Richard Henry , a London firm of Chartered Surveyors |