
Why?
It is important for your company to have a clear understanding of why you are relocating. If you find the move is being driven by circumstances or external factors, this process will allow you to look at the opportunities that will arise from the relocation, so you can proactively take advantage of the situation. It is key to have identified what you what to achieve from the relocation so you can keep these objectives in focus throughout the whole process. It is easy to get diverted by smaller things and lose sight of the bigger picture when faced with organising a move.


Most companies will take the proactive decision to relocate, there being a specific goal they have in mind to achieve. These could be:- to consolidate the offices and reduce costs; to cater for rapidly expanding staff numbers; to move to a more accessible location for customers and employees alike; to create a new office environment to which reflects your company culture, allowing you to attract and retain top talent within you industry; to increase productivity and staff morale; to move closer to the target market; as a result of a merger with another business. However, some companies may be forced to relocate due to a lease end with no renewal option etc.
Once you have identified the key requirements for relocating, now is the time to prioritise them. Unfortunately, you are unlikely to find somewhere that is just perfect, but by prioritising your criteria it will become a lot easier to determine which location benefits you the most. Remember that when deciding to relocate, you will need to be able to justify it against the cost - it is never a low-cost exercise! Perhaps if your primary driver was to find a cheaper lease deal you could negotiate with your landlord to see if there is any movement - often they will be glad to hold on to an existing tenant to avoid a period of no income and may be willing to reach a deal. This will often prove to make more financial sense than relocating, even if it means you have to do some works to your offices to bring them up to date and align them with your current and future needs.

Key Points to Remember
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Identify what you want to achieve from the move, even if it is dictated by your circumstances.
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Prioritise these objectives to help you find the best location. Keep these objectives before you throughout the whole process, do not lose sight of the bigger picture.
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Negotiation can open doors, having these conversations can save you money