Choose a location
This Choose a Location Info Guide gives you tips on how to select a location and property. It includes a Property Checklist.
Selecting a location for your business is one of the most important decisions that you will make. If the location is not already predetermined by existing commitments (eg a B&B carried out in the family home), your choices should be carefully investigated.
Making the right decision will give you a huge boost in establishing and growing your business. Seek the professional advice of estate agents, surveyors, solicitors and others, as necessary.
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Consider the following:
- Will your target market be attracted to the locality?
- Do you need to be near other tourist businesses or complementary products such as accommodation, restaurants and visitor attractions, or do you need a location with unspoilt scenery?
- Will your potential customers be interested in participating in an outdoor activity such as golf, hill-walking or water sports? Should you be close to such facilities? You also need to consider the level and type of competition in the area.
Customers have to be able to reach your business. Do you need to be near airports, public transport or major road networks?
- What size or type of premises is required?
- Are car parking facilities important?
- Will you need kitchen, office, or storage areas?
- Are the premises accessible to staff and customers with a mobility impairment?
- What budget do you have for the premises?
- How much would repairs or alterations cost?
- How important is the appearance of the premises? A hotel or B&B will need to appeal to customers.
- If alterations are needed, how long will these take and how much will they cost?
Alterations should be within your budget and should fit with your timeframe for starting your business.
The decision as to whether to buy or lease depends on the availability of suitable property and your budget.
If purchasing a property, always have a survey (a structural assessment and an evaluation of fair value) carried out, and engage a solicitor to handle the purchase.
If leasing a property, always have the lease checked by a solicitor to confirm period of lease, rent and any other charges, your responsibilities, the landlord’s responsibilities, and the terms for renewal or termination.
Remember!
Transactions involving property are typically complex and involve a relatively high proportion of your budget. It is recommended that you engage suitable professionals throughout the process.
Having identified your requirements, you need to find and view locations and premises that meet your specifications. You can use the following to find suitable premises for viewing:
- Property websites
- Advertisements in the property section of local and national newspapers
- Word-of-mouth
- Advertisements and articles in relevant trade press
- Estate agents
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- Visit each property more than once, view it at night as well as during the day and at different times during the week.
- Take someone else with you to get their opinion.
- Survey the area and speak to the local council regarding any future planning or construction.
- Do not compromise on aspects that are essential (eg if setting up a restaurant, having ease of access and parking facilities is likely to be essential.)
Remember!
The search for a suitable location and premises can be frustrating - no property is likely to fit perfectly in all respects!
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Use this Property Checklist to assess business properties, including the following:
- Appearance
- Condition
- Exterior and interior of repairs
- Accessibility
- Costs
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Having selected a property to buy or lease, you will need to consider re-development and fit-out of the property, then upkeep and maintenance on an ongoing basis. You will also need to investigate local property and water rates.
Consider the following:
- Legal requirements and standards, including tourism and leisure industry regulations and building standards, eg kitchen design or construction issues in a restaurant, and equipment, health and safety issues in a water sports centre.
- Planning permission required for re-development of site and buildings.
- Budget for work to be carried out
- Funding for work to be carried out
Ensure that all relevant regulations are taken into account. Seek advice from the appropriate officials in the local authority (eg environmental officers, health and safety officers and fire officers) BEFORE your designs and plans are finalised. Professional advisers such as architects should be involved at all stages.
Property maintenance
It is essential to maintain your property on an ongoing basis to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. It is also vital that your keep your premises in good repair to ensure that is it fit for purpose and appealing to customers. This requires adequate planning and finances.
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