It might seem like a good idea to search for your own office space, but as I mentioned in the post regarding frequently asked questions, the process takes time. Although some people do succeed, there are many details to consider. Many companies seek advice as trying to do it can take an inordinate amount of time.

Why is it time consuming?

1. To get details of everything that’s available around Central London you would need to contact around 500 firms. That’s a lot of phone calls to make!
2. After you identify the offices that fit our requirements, how do you value them?
3. Can you identify the lease terms you need to negotiate? Having a good  understanding of current market conditions is key to securing the best deal.

At FindaLondonOffice, we have inside market knowledge and contacts, as well as access to databases that allow us to find London office spaces that have not yet hit the main market.

Without turning this into a sales pitch, I would like to point you towards the nature of comments we receive from our clients:

Their great strength from the standpoint of another professional is their diligence in <strong>getting the detail right</strong> – not something that I always come across in their competitors. They follow through on the process and I know when they are involved that the client will have all the back up needed.

Colin Cannings, Senior Partner, Cannings Connolly – Solicitors

This industry requires a meticulous work ethic.

There are so many things to remember when moving into new offices in London. This list isn’t all-inclusive, but will be very helpful to you for starters.

Checklists are an proving to be an ongoing theme here, we cannot emphasise enough how important it is to use them to be efficient with your search.

1. Building survey
Is one needed?

2. Survey of mechanical and electrical equipment
Is one needed?

3. IT and Telecoms
Who will provide and install this?

4. Datafeeds
Are they readily available?

5. Do you need satellite dishes?

6. Do you need more than one data supplier?

7. Furniture
Do you have this?
Can you source more?

8. Rating
Contact the rating authority to check the assessment?
Do you need to appeal against it?

9. Insurance
Contact your brokers to make the necessary arrangements

10. Space planning and fit out
Most people use specialist companies to provide the solution.
Have you selected one?

11. If you want to do anything to the building or the space, you need to get the landlords consent.

12. Stationary and Corporate branding
Change your stationary
This could be a good opportunity to improve your corporate branding

13. Contact with Managing Agent
Introduce yourself and check the management regime.
What is the mechanism for paying your rent and service charge?
Are the security arrangements going to be adequate for you?

14. Utilities
Any direct suppliers?
If so, you need to contact them.

Once you have secured your office space, there are a number of things to consider. Creating a thorough moving out checklist is just as important as your moving in checklist. There are so many things to remember when moving out of your existing premises in London. This list isn’t all-inclusive, but will be very helpful to you for starters.

1. Supplier contracts
Terminate all these in time.
If you want to keep the equipment, be careful; some suppliers insist on relocating their own equipment

2. Dilapidations
Redecorating and reinstatement can take quite some time, so sort out dilapidations early

3. Landlord relationship
During your stay, he may not have become your best friend, but keep him sweet as you may need a reference!

4. Managing agents
Make contact with them and resolve issues such as keys etc.

5. Service charge
Make contact with them and resolve issues such as keys etc.

6. Service charge
Again discuss this with the managing agent if not already resolved by your solicitor.

7. Utilities
Cancel any of these and have the meters read.

8. Rating
Contact the rating authority and close your bill.
If your lease hasn’t expired, get expert advice on rating.

9. Insurance
Contact your insurance brokers to make the necessary arrangements.

First and foremost, it is absolutely essential to take a digital camera with you to viewings; after seeing perhaps 6 properties, the accuracy of your memory can begin to fade!

Writing a comprehensive checklist can save you time and money (our ethos here at FindaLondonOffice) as you will be able to fit more viewings into your schedule. It forces you to avoid being taken with a property that does not fully meet your requirements.

Without further ado, here are 21 things to to add to your checklist for when you inspect office space in London:

1. How much does it appeal to you? This is a simple question, but even if the office meets your criteria, it is important that you like it.
2. You may like it, but will it suit your company’s image?
3. Will your staff like it?
4. Can your staff get to it easily? What kind of transport links are in the area.
5. Are there any car parking facilities and are they sufficient?
6. Is the entrance, reception and the external proximity to the point of entry acceptable?
7. Is there a commissionaire and if so, is he or she up to the standard you need?
8. Is there a video entry phone, and does it work?
9. Do you have higher security requirements than the average company? Does the building have adequate security?
10. If your staff work late, is the route to the transport used as safe as you would like?
11. Lifts; are there enough and are they a sufficient size?
12. Natural light; is there enough to meet your desires?
13. What is the general condition of the building? Is this acceptable, or can you see how you can bring it up to your preferred standard?
14. The shape; does the shape suit the way your company works whether that be individuals, teams or a combination?
15. Is it centrally heated, does it have comfort cooling or has it got full air conditioning?
16. Is it good enough to provide the work environment you need for maximum productivity?
17. Is there a view? Not always important to all, but many like to have a view from say their boardroom or breakout area.
18. Is it a raised floor, has it got underfloor trunking, or has it got perimeter trunking? Again, does it have the facility you need?
19. Who else is already in the building? Could this present a problem?
20. What is in close proximity to the building? Is the surrounding area attractive? This is more important if your office is client facing.
21. What nearby services are there?

Please use the above to start your list as it is not exhaustive.

At FindaLondonOffice we would strongly advise you to make the most complete check list you can – we know from experience it makes the process better, more efficient and much quicker. If you are using us, we will accompany you to your viewings

Register your details and we can help you determine your requirements.