Office location checklist

							OFFICE LOCATION CHECKLIST

Why should you complete this checklist?
The location of your business is a major contributor to success and profitability. Therefore, it
must be thought about seriously and many options should be explored. Simply choosing a site
convenient for you will not suffice as you must consider your customers, suppliers and
distributors as well as the neighbourhood, your financial situation and the future of your
business. This checklist allows you to systematically consider these factors.


When to complete this checklist:
It is important to consider office location when starting a new business, when a lease is due for
renewal and when considering expanding your business to include a number of offices.

Follow the checklist and fill in all necessary information. This will allow you to make an informed
decision on your location based on costs, customer demographics, competitors and regulatory
issues, etc.


For every site first consider:

                                  Y/N   Notes
Does it suit your physical
requirements (size, street
frontage, services utilities
etc.)?

Do you propose to lease or
purchase?

Have you made contact with
previous tenants or owners to
determine the history of the
site?

Have any disadvantages
become apparent?

Is the site suitably zoned?

Will staff be comfortable,
satisfied and motivated
working in this location?



The customer
To answer the following questions you need to understand your target market/customer. Refer
to the “Knowing your Customer” guide to help here.

                                  Y/N   Notes
Is the site suitably located in
relation to your target
market?

How visible and accessible is
your location to both foot and
vehicle traffic and car parking
facilities?

How many people and
vehicles pass your planned
location daily? How important
is each to your business?




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If location on a particular side
of the street is important, are
the proposed premises on the
best side?

Does the site project the right
image of your business?



Supply chain
You can refer to the guides and templates within the “Partnerships and the Value Chain” section
for information about suppliers and distributors.

                                   Y/N   Notes
Is the site suitable for any
deliveries you will need to
receive?

Will it cost you extra for
deliveries to reach the site?

Can you access extra supplies
in busy periods?

Do you need to work closely
or regularly with other
businesses? Is this feasible
from this location?



Neighbourhood

                                   Y/N   Notes
Are neighbouring businesses
suitable and do they appear
healthy?

Are complementary
businesses close by?

Are there competing
businesses nearby? How
many? What is their sales
volumes/profitability like?

Are there any vacant
premises? Why? For how
long? Have similar businesses
failed/succeeded in this
location?

Are there any major changes
contemplated in the area? Eg
Roadwork’s will affect access
which will in turn affect
profitability due to lost
business.

Are there any restrictions on
signage in the area? Can you
market as planned?




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Financial

                                  Y/N   Notes
Can you afford the premises?

Have you assessed
alternatives?

How often is rent due and
how much?

Are the terms of the lease
suitable?

How much security deposit or
bank guarantee is required?

What insurance will be
required? What are the costs?

What indemnities must you
give the landlord?

Do you know your position if
you breach the terms of the
lease?

Who is responsible for council
rates, water costs, legal fees,
stamp duty etc under the
lease?

Have you sought professional
advice to review the lease?



Future

                                  Y/N   Notes
Is the area a growth area?

Is their room to expand?

Are your target customers
moving to or away from the
areas?

Will competition encroach on
your immediate market?




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