We’ve all heard the phrase, ‘location, location, location’. In fact, it’s become such a part of our national speak that most of us now understand the power of place when it comes to buying a home. When you are looking for somewhere to live, the right house in the wrong place can be as bad as the wrong house in the right place and the same rules apply to business. You can have the best office in the world, but if it’s in the middle of nowhere and totally inaccessible to clients and staff, you might as well be working in a hut for all the good it’s worth.
So, finding the right premises is key, but finding the right place for these premises is equally important. Whether you’re just starting out, expanding, downsizing or just relocating, if you’re searching for somewhere new for your business, you need to give some serious thought to where you want to be based.
City centre locations are ideal for most types of business. If you’re a retailer, it’s the obvious answer, but any type of business can thrive in a bustling city centre. Many people default to the attitude that London is the only place to be, but don’t forget that England has a busy, lively second city that’s easy to get to and much cheaper too.
Birmingham
Based right in the heart of the country, Birmingham has lots to offer businesses. Excellent transport links make it the ideal place to locate, with superb train services serving the city’s two main railway stations. It is also extremely accessible by car on the M5, M6 and M42, plus there is a good range of buses and coaches that also serve the area. Your clients and guests will be able to easily journey to your Birmingham office space, with no complicated tube journeys or long hauls across town to contend with.
Birmingham is also home to famous and superb conference facilities. The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) and National Indoor Arena (NIA) boast frequent trade shows for all kinds of industry, attracting visitors from all over the world. If your company holds regular conferences or you need space to accommodate international visitors, the facilities there are second to none.
Birmingham city centre is a vibrant hive of retail activity. If you’re in the retail business, you will be in excellent company and you will be privy to high levels of footfall as shoppers and visitors explore this popular city. If you’re in any other kind of business, whether creative, service or professional, you will also find your company benefits from the large number of people in and around the city every day.
There is also a great range of cafes, restaurants and bars, so whether you are entertaining clients or planning a social occasion for your staff, you will find some fantastic facilities right on your doorstep.
Tim Doyle is a business specialist who advises companies on prime office locations. He specialises in city centre properties and has recently advised a number of businesses on the best Birmingham office space.
