What type of premises do I need?
Obtaining business premises can be one of the largest financial commitments for most small businesses. Making the right decision is crucial to the success of your business.
Consider how much you want to pay and whether you want to buy or rent premises. It is important to build the cost of premises into your business plan. Think about how important location is to your business, how much space you need and what facilities you require.
Other issues such as access, security, parking and working environment also need to be considered.
Where can I find premises for my business?
The City Council provides an on-line listing of business premises currently being marketed by commercial agents and local authorities.
The Southampton Region Industrial and Commercial Property Register is updated regularly and gives detailed information on the different types of premises available including location, size, rent and terms (where given), letting agents and contact details.
The listing covers, and is produced in partnership with, the local authority areas of Eastleigh, New Forest, Southampton, Test Valley and Winchester.
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Does the City Council have premises to let?
Yes, and these are all included in the Southampton Region Industrial and Commercial Property Register, an on-line listing of properties currently being marketed through commercial agents and the local authority areas of Eastleigh, New Forest, Southampton, Test Valley and Winchester.
If you require further information on particular council premises in Southampton or wish to make general enquiry please contact Southampton City Council Valuation and Estates Services, Marland House, Southampton SO14 7LT. Tel: 023 8083 2593 Fax: 023 8083 2129.
CLICK HERE TO USE THE PROPERTY REGISTER
Where can I find serviced / managed business space?
Many new businesses choose to rent business premises because of cost and having the flexibility to move as the business grows.
Managed workspace can help you to keep your initial capital outlay to a minimum and avoid the commitment of a long term lease.
Most are let on flexible, short term licences (easy in - easy out terms) and have rental charges that are inclusive of most overheads. Many offer administration and secretarial support, conference and training rooms and staffed reception areas.
There are a number of premises that provide serviced and managed office space and workshops in the Southampton region. Accommodation ranges in size from 6 sq m to approximately 300 sq m and can cost as little as �50 per week depending on the size of the unit.
The Solent Business Centre, owned by Southampton City Council, has units that are suitable for light industrial or office use. In sizes from 12 sq m to 95 sq m the units are available on flexible short term licences. Located at Millbrook Road West, Southampton, the centre is well situated on the A35 within easy reach of the City Centre and motorway network. For further details contact the Centre on 023 8077 8591 or visit the website at www.solentbc.co.uk.
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Will I need permission to use a premises for business purposes?
This depends on the type of permission the property already has. In general, if you want to carry out the same activity that the building was last used for you won't need permission.
However, if you need to change the hours the business operates or make some other variation you must check that this does not affect the permission in any way. Before entering into any contract agreement to lease or buy a premises which you intend to use for business purposes, you should check with your local planning authority about the operations you can conduct at the property. Alternatively, you need to check that your solicitor or agent will do this on your behalf.
Also remember that if you want to change or extend a property in some way, or attach certain types of signage, planning permission may be required and you should check with your local council. Remember too, that these works are likely to require the approval of your landlord and building regulations approval from the local council.
For information on Building Regulations in Southampton contact Building Control Services tel: 023 8083 2558.