Culverwell Blog

“Paying rent is money down the drain”

A phrase often uttered by business people as they write out another rent cheque which can lead their thoughts drifting towards owning their own premises.  Rent free commercial property - a luxurious sounding prospect?

Well of course nothing is so simple but that’s not to say that it’s not impossible.

Something to keep in mind if you are embarking on a negotiation with a landlord for vacant offices or industrial space. 

Tenants in the current climate really should be taking the advantage that commonly sits with the landlord and using it to their own ends.  Of course, if they don’t have the competence in lease negotiations, they should speak to an expert.

You should be starting by thinking everything through.  The first question when starting a small business is: “Do I really need premises?” Not every business does but if the answer is clearly yes, then what sort?  The answer to that comes from deciding exactly what the business does.  Many more people than you might think run businesses from the WRONG premises and it damages the business.

When trying to decide what type of premise or location would be suitable for your business, you may find it helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

Premises acquisition is not like going to the petrol station or
the supermarket.  The property investment classes - landlords - would like
us to think it is and the information paper looks like it might have been
written by someone with a background predominantly landlord focused.

What do I mean about petrol and supermarkets?  Well, when you go and buy
food or fuel, there is no negotiation.  That is the price and you buy or you

So we know we are living in “interesting times”  some businesses are having a disastrous time some on the other hand, are doing quite nicely.  What makes the difference can be difficult to tell.  What is clear is that all too often owner managers don’t appreciate the impact of overhead on a business.

Culverwell Consulting acts as a trusted advisor for New Voice Media becoming a vital, regular resource for a company busy growing.

Background: these UK market leaders in a specialised branch of telephony are constantly growing in staff numbers.

Challenge: their head office is on a rural estate, with branch offices across the UK. They find themselves needing more accommodation – and renegotiating leases – on a regular basis.

Culverwell Consulting helped Tall Hats Catering take the lateral view for long-term benefit

Background: Tall Hats Catering (with Snackattack) was a business at the
crossroads. The popular sandwich shop
and commercial catering business was trying to renegotiate its Southgate Street
lease.