Overbury's seminar on office relocation in the Midlands

Attendees learned why it is the right time to relocate and received tips on moving office. 

Charles Toogood, Director of Offices for property advisers GVA, explained how the bubble of construction activity in 2008 to 2010  has resulted in an over supply of Grade A space, particularly in Birmingham but also in business parks across the region.  As a result, landlords have become fiercely competitive.  Rents have fallen and tenant inducements are the highest for 20 years.  Such inducements include significant rent free periods, more flexible leases, discounts, cash and subsidised office fit outs.  Rents are expected to start rising again around 2013 to 2015, so now is the time to move.

Before moving it’s essential to examine the terms of your current lease, as advised by Peter Coleman, Head of Commercial Property at Higgs & Sons solicitors.  Ideally the lease will be about to expire or examine whether you can serve notice to the landlord or if there is a break clause. 

With no imminent lease expiry or break clause, other options could be to transfer your lease to another tenant, sublet or negotiate an early termination.  When negotiating a lease with a new landlord, issues to address include break options, fixed or variable rents, possible rental increases, service charges and buildings insurance.  Also consider whether the new space needs fitting out and if so, look at offsetting the costs against corporation tax. 

Higgs & Sons moved offices in 2009, merging staff from two locations into one, with Overbury carrying out their design and fit out.  John Smith, Practice Director at Higgs, described the importance of planning, budgeting, consulting with experts and communicating with staff throughout the process.  Higgs found that their profile improved as a result of moving:  they have seen a 13% increase in turnover since their relocation.

James Quoroll, senior designer at Overbury, concluded the seminar with nine top tips on designing a new office:
1 Appraise the building based on its condition, flexibility, heating, ventilation and disabled facilities
2 Choose an open plan design as this reduces fit out and running costs as well as increasing internal communication
3 Reduce storage – for example, use tall, built-in units
4 Utilise natural light by taking advantage of glass, reflective surfaces and low desk screens
5 Save energy by using natural light, energy saving lighting, smart climate control and ventilation as well as energy monitoring
6 Design around existing services
7 Choose a flexible layout design
8 Invest in furniture such as bench desking that allows for growth
9 Swap meeting rooms for breakout spaces

Following these measures will save money and increase productivity. 

For further advice on relocating, email enquiries@overbury.com or call 0207 307 9000