So, the decision to move has been made. What are the first steps - and what needs to be considered other than cost ? The primary objective should be finding new offices in which your organisation can work effectively and efficiently. The eventual choice, however, will be arrived at as the result of a trade-off between location, the building and the cost factors. Some of these factors are discussed briefly below and in more detail in subsequent articles. The Area Plus factors for an area include; closeness to local public transport; access to motorways, at least one airport and rail transport. Availability of hotels, restaurants and, to a lesser degree, shopping facilities also come into the equation as in some cases so do the educational, recreational and cultural establishments. Should an organisation be moving outside central London it must also evaluate the availability of housing for employees through a wide price range; and the quality and skill levels of the local labour force. It must also learn about the character of the local community - not least the colour of the local authority; its efficiency and its attitude towards business in general and its helpfulness towards incoming organisations in particular. The Building Choosing the right building is as much a function of space and use requirements as it is location and cost factors. The process therefore starts with defining your present and future space needs. Buildings vary considerably in their efficiency. The internal configuration and the floor footprint can have an enormous impact on cost and efficiency when it comes to fitting out and then using a building. The services of a professional space planner should be used to first determine your requirements and then match them to the right building. Business Rates Business rates are local taxes levied on commercial occupiers. All commercial property is ascribed a value intended to reflect its type, size, quality and location. The rates payable epresent a major proportion of a tenant's occupation costs. A rating surveyor should be consulted when comparing buildings - and before entering into a lease. He (or she) will advise whether there is a case for appealing against the assessment. Service Charges and Building Management Not least, a pleasant working environment in a new office building will depend on the quality of its management. Comfort, safety and general well-being of tenants are directly affected by management services. The effects are also financial. A building's operating expenses, including management services, are passed on to the tenants in the form of service charges. The management of the building, therefore, should be the subject of the same careful scrutiny as the physical structure itself. Building Survey Before entering into a lease, you need to be fully aware of future liabilities. A building survey carried out by a chartered building surveyor will determine the condition of a building, analyse the full extent of any defects and provide budget costs to rectify the defects. The findings of the survey will not only be a material factor in the decision whether or not to take on the lease but may also provide useful ammunition in negotiations.