If you’re a small business owner looking to set up your first office space, then you’re likely asking yourself lots of questions. For example, where to begin.
Whilst the idea of setting up an office space might seem intimidating, it is also exciting. Your office space is a symbol of growth, which allows you to work closely with a valuable team. The list below has been created to help you establish the ideal office space for your small business.
1. Design a Space that is Right for You
When you are looking to set up an office space for your business, it can be tempting to go for a standardised office set-up or, alternatively, spend hours looking at curated images of office spaces. However, taking either of these approaches can quickly lead you down the wrong road.
In order to set up the ideal office space for your small business, you must consider your own needs. Think about the way that you work, both individually and as a team. Consider how your operations run and how the way you design your space will impact upon efficiency. With enough consideration for business operations, your office space can become a real asset to helping you and your team to work more productively.
2. Create a Budget Early On
It can be all too easy to get carried away when you are creating your new office space. However, this can quickly spell disaster in other areas of the business. Before you start setting up your new office space, it is vital that you create a clear budget.
Setting up a budget early on will help you to keep your costs in check. When you are creating your budget, it is worth considering long-term investments. For example, when buying office equipment, you should consider long-term usage to work out a realistic ROI.
You should make two budgets when looking to create an office space, one for upfront costs and another for ongoing costs. In your budget for ongoing costs, you should consider the costs associated with renting or owning the space. This might include rent payments, mortgage repayments, council tax, and business insurance. If your start-up capital funds are low, you may want to consider taking out a small loan from companies such as Nucleus Commercial Finance. Founded in 2011, Nucleus stands at the intersection of traditional banking and alternative lending platforms and can help businesses hit the ground running, or top up during the early months of a new business set up.
You will also need to account for other costs such as commercial cleaning, WIFI and electricity. Particularly in the current climate, cleaning should be a top priority, so make sure to source the top experts to keep your office space clean and safe. If you delivers services or good electronically then broadband packages need to be researched to ensure you get high speed, reliable and affordable services. Conversely if you provide physical products which need to be delivered then on-demand courier services should be looked into, or postal costs. There are now many delivery options, not just Royal Mail.
3. Consider Wellness in Office Space Design
When setting up a new office space, it’s easy to only focus on costs and equipment. This can mean that business owners forget to imagine what it will be like to work in this space. You and your staff will be spending the majority of your time in this office space.
Since the look and feel of your working area can have a big impact on your mental health, it is important to consider wellness in your office design. For example, look for an office space with a good amount of natural light, as even small considerations can prove invaluable when creating a wellness-focused working environment.