Expanding a business isn’t a case of going global all at once. You have to take your time and slowly grow outwards. That usually means taking on a new location one at a time, opening up and getting revenue coming in, and then moving on when you’re sure you’ve done a good job.
As such, when you’re about to open up a new set of premises, make sure you take the points below into consideration. Choose your location just right, make sure you’ve got the funds to get going, and then check these items off the list. They’ll help you to make sure you can hit your expansion goals on track and on time.
Consistent Branding
The look of your original location, whether a shop or an office, needs to be carried over to your second location as well. New premises are exciting and offer a lot of development opportunities, but your business’ image is the first thing to get right. Being recognisable is the first step to getting customers through your new door.
Working with experienced architects will ensure that no matter what space you have to build on and/or renovate, you’ll be able to either expand your branding out or condense it down. Get a professional on the case for a proper overview of how you can best use the property, whether you want to incorporate a particular style of architecture or you just need to know where the signage can go.
Ease of Access
Your new location needs to be visible to customers, even if it’s not at street level. It also needs to be easy for all types of people to get into, whether they can walk up the stairs or require a ramp. These elements of ease of access will make your shop much more popular to those passing by, which is what you need when you’re operating in a brand new location.
Indeed, it’s rare to be able to rely on existing trade in this situation. Unless you were a nation wide online business first, you’ll need to do your best to encourage people through the door simply based on the way you design and present the premises.
The Amount of Workable Space
Once you’ve secured premises for your new location and you’re happy to move in and get to work, you need to actually measure and lay out the real workable space you have. Second locations tend to be bigger than the first, but when you step inside you don’t always get as much room as you think you will.
Count up how much equipment you need to fit in, the max measurements of things like desks, shelves, and printing machines, and make sure you have a to-scale layout that’ll show you what is and isn’t possible. This way you won’t hold up opening day and your employees will be a lot happier with their elbow room!
New location on the cards? Make sure you’ve checked this list.
