5 things to consider for international firms relocating to the UK

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Businesses looking to diversify their service offering within the UK will undoubtedly require sufficient business space in which to operate.

As a global business, or an international entrepreneur interested in running a division of your company in the UK, it is important to be aware of the main issues to consider when relocating.

Business relocation is certainly something that should not be taken lightly. While it may present some stressful hurdles to overcome, expanding your business is arguably one of the most exciting aspects of running your own firm.

Here are five top tips to consider for small business owners wishing to broaden their horizons in the UK:

Visit potential premises

Don’t make the mistake of agreeing to let office space without viewing available commercial property in person. Before you make your final decision draw up a short list of your day-to-day essentials in terms of amenities, and view all available sites to give you a feel of working there.

Assess the local community

Prior to signing the lease forms on your chosen work space, it is highly recommended to thoroughly investigate the property and the wider community. An integral factor in the possible growth of your business in the UK is the success rate of local firms. Don’t be afraid to liaise with like-minded business owners in the region and pick their brains to get an objective overview of the area.

Identify your client base

If you are a small business entrepreneur moving to the UK with minimal background knowledge of the major towns and cities it is essential to ascertain who and where your target customer base is located. Although the fast-moving digital world means businesses can operate almost non-stop online, there needs to be an element of strategy in order to provide your business offering with the required levels of exposure.

Stay connected

Telecommunications has never been more important in a 21^st Century business; particularly one that is looking to expand and relocate in the UK. Therefore the suitability of internet connection will be of paramount importance. The last thing your UK division requires is unnecessary downtime. An increasingly common solution for start-ups is to implement an initial Voice over IP (VoIP) system; allowing firms to communicate with colleagues overseas wherever there is an internet connection.

The availability of internet connections very much depends on your commercial property provider or landlord. Firms looking to move to London will more than likely consider firms such as Workspace that offer contemporary premises with fast, reliable connectivity.

Protect your interests

With your business’s best interests at heart it is essential to protect your new office space in the UK should the unthinkable happen. Most types of businesses will require Public Liability insurance cover which guards against the loss or injury of a customer, client or member of the public as a result of business activities. Employers’ Liability insurance is also required by law to guard against employee illness or accident in the workplace. Firms requiring the use of freelance or self-employed staff on an ad-hoc basis should also seek Professional Indemnity insurance.

All of these suggestions can aid small business owners looking to settle in the UK, creating the ideal working environment with industry standard amenities and external protection for a growing workforce.