So, you’re finally looking into a new office location. That’s great! Now comes the hard part: picking where to relocate.
Companies of all sizes and sectors in New York City need to take many factors into account when planning for a corporate relocation. Keeping these five tips in mind can help make your new move much easier.
Take Your Company’ Future into Account
After costs (make sure you can afford to move there!), one of the most important things to look for in a new office location is something that most businesses overlook when it comes to moving: their long-term future.
Businesses with an intent to grow in the future should also take that factor into account and choose a location with ample room to grow. If your company is downsizing, a smaller office space is of course in order. Startups should look for smaller offices that accommodate their current needs – although an eye on future growth is needed too.
Consider Your Customer Demographics
Customer demographics are an overlooked but critical factor as well. Law firms should pick locations convenient to nearby courthouses and government agencies, for example, while manufacturing companies that sell locally should keep an eye out for spaces with easy access to nearby highways.
Transit Access is Key
Transportation access is vital in determining a new business location too. Consider where your employees commute from: if most are millennials who live in Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan, a Financial District location probably makes the most sense, while a company with a large number suburban commuter should look for Midtown Manhattan office space convenient to intercity transit hubs like Grand Central Terminal, Penn Station or the Port Authority Bus Terminal. It’s also important to gauge access to nearby subway stations and bus stops too.
Look for a Location that Makes Sense for Your Services
Try to stake out a location that makes sense for your business services. A printing or shipping company would be wise to locate to a busy commercial zone like Midtown or Downtown Manhattan where their services could be utilized much easier than a far-flung location in the outer boroughs.
Determine what Infrastructure and Floor Plans Are Necessary
Finally, it’s important to seriously take infrastructure and floor plans into account. Tech companies, for example, will likely require state-of-the-art digital amenities and should therefore look for a location with fast Internet connections, Wi-Fi, open floor plans and a top-flight digital infrastructure. Large, multinational businesses should probably target buildings with big floor plates and abundant space for receptionists, fax machines, photocopiers and other administrative needs.
For floor plans, tech firms and marketing agencies will likely prefer open floor plans that facilitate easy communication between employees whereas businesses focused on sales and finance should look for floor plans that accommodate cubicles to help employees concentrate.
