Moving home is considered to be one of the most stressful situations we have to face during our lifetime. Not only do we have to arrange everything, all the legalities, removal companies, making sure we can get into our new home on the day, but, for better or for worse, we also have to get to know our new neighbours.
In the fields of industry and commerce the situation is very similar. For businesses, the smartest move is to build business relationships by moving to a thriving business park. Especially on mixed commercial and industrial estates which specialise in units for small niche businesses and start-ups.
And, just as happens when moving home, the smart owners take the time to meet new neighbours.
The Beauty of Mixed Start-Up Units
There are a number of reasons why a low cost unit on a mixed use estate is the best option when starting a new business. Flexibility is a big plus, of course: why spend more on space you don’t really need? Struggle in a unit that is too small? Or commit yourself to a long lease when you don’t know what’s going to happen? But it goes much deeper than that.
On a mixed estate, from day one you have the opportunity to promote your products and services, and maybe even pick up some new clients. They say no man is an island, and in business this is especially true. Getting to know other businesses on your Flexspace estate can have a very positive effect on both yourself and your business.
Begin your Business Networking
More digital speak. In the world before the internet it meant quite simply, go introduce yourself to your neighbours, or put an advert in the local newspaper. Promote yourself, and your new business. Begin your business networking. Luckily, most of us are gregarious, or nosy, or maybe a little of both. The chances are, when your neighbours see you arrive at your new unit they will make themselves known. Even if you would rather get on with what you are doing take a few minutes out.
Invariably offers of help will be made. Would you like to use the phone or other facilities if you’re still waiting for yours to be connected? First contact can be made very easily and if there’s a fit, business can be transacted.
Is there a Cafe on the Estate?
Does the estate you’ve moved onto have a communal cafe? A cafe is the ideal place to get to know a few more of your neighbours, and others. Company reps, truck and van drivers will regularly call in for a coffee, sandwich, breakfast or lunch. Often a large cork board will be fixed to a wall.
Local businesses, delivery companies, maintenance companies, and others will pin business cards up, to promote their products and services. Make sure yours is added, and take the numbers of possible future contacts.
Shared Projects Mean Reduced Costs
Although it is generally accepted that effective digital marketing can produce an effective return on investment, for many small start-ups it is still an expensive item. Sharing a website with others in a similar or complimentary business can help reduce costs, while still getting you known to a local or national audience.
Refuse disposal is becoming an increasingly expensive business. If each unit is responsible for their own waste collection, getting together and approaching the waste collection companies for quotes on bulk collections using large communal skips will often bring reduced collection charges.
Other possibilities of shared cost could be product delivery to the same area. Organised joint promotions, or shared stands at trade and business fairs. Local businesses thrive on local clients and customers, sharing space in the local trade magazine or newspaper can have a positive effect for all involved.
That other old adage, ‘strength in numbers’ can take on a whole new meaning when it comes to negotiating the best price for certain services. Just as friends and family are likely the first ‘friends’ you added on Facebook, so to your business neighbours should be your first friends in your new world of business networking.
So, make a start. Start local with Flexspace.
Flexspace have helped me turn my little dream into a profitable reality! Being a small business owner looking for premises can sometimes be daunting but Loraine and the Flexspace team helped me with every step in finding the perfect solution for my business and I couldn’t be more grateful.
The team go above and beyond to look after their tenants and nothing is every too much trouble. Premises are clean, well maintained and I always feel extremely safe when I’m at work even on those dark winter nights! I have highly recommended Flexspace to fellow business owners – a hidden gem in Peterborough!
Dorinda Vosloo
Easily accessible
Our offices in Blackpool are easily accessible for the people we support, some of whom are in wheelchairs, there is a ramp to the entrance door and disabled facilities. Our offices are nicely decorated, comfortable and affordable.
Our Area Manager is very helpful and readily available should we have any queries or problems. The public areas are kept clean, safe and presentable. She goes over and above the call of duty for the clients.
Mary Carr
Very helpful and easy to get on with
I have enjoyed renting from Flexspace for the last 3 years and hopefully will be there for a good few years to come. Found the staff very helpful and easy to get on with.
Thelma Taylor
Friendly, professional and knowledgeable staff
Excellent service, the Centre team are happy to assist with meeting rooms at short notice. They ensure that repairs are carried out quickly. I needed several new sockets in my room and these were provided very quickly with no inconvenience to myself.
The staff are friendly, professional and knowledgeable and nothing is ever a problem.
Liz Pattinson
The dedicated on site team are always on hand to assist
Flexspace Dunfermline has had a big impact on the growth of my business over the last 3 years. Offering the ability to offer in-house training to clients with the use of the meeting room facilities. The team always ensure that the rooms are set up to the exact requirements I need to deliver the training to my clients. From equipment set up to the supply of refreshments to my delegates.
Having a dedicated team onsite that are always on hand to assist with anything from reception to administration is a real benefit to my business. The staff are always very approachable and nothing is ever too much for them when I ask for their assistance.
Lisa Forster
Dramatic improvement and investment in the facilities
RDM Group has occupied buildings on the Bilton Industrial Estate for over 22 years and we have seen many owners in our time. In 2007 ‘Flexspace’ acquired the estate and through their resident manager, we have seen a dramatic improvement in the overall operation of the estate together with a continual investment and improvement program into the buildings, security and facilities which makes the estate an extremely good place for our company to be located.
David Keene
Efficient Handling
Big thanks to you and Alan for your efficient handling of the whole process.
Giles Turnbull, The Human Voice
Everything has been really smooth and easy
Many thanks for your support in our move into new office space, everything has been really smooth and easy even down to ensuring locks were changed and secure.
The facilities are excellent and spotlessly clean throughout and it’s so helpful for us to have access to additional rooms for booking for training events when we need it. We are so glad we made the move into a really pleasant and well maintained working environment.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.