Reading Test

CHOOSING PREMISES FOR A NEW BUSINESS|| GENERAL READING || AMAN IELTS||

Jot Chahal


 

CHOOSING PREMISES FOR A NEW BUSINESS

What you need
Three factors dominate the priorities of small businesses looking for premises: cost, cost and cost. Nobody ever has enough money, so there is an overwhelming temptation to go for the cheapest property. It is a mistake that can take decades to rectify - and even threaten the future of a promising business.

Ironically some firms swing too far in the other direction, committing themselves to a heavy initial outlay because they believe in the importance of image - and that does not come cheap. Finding the right premises is the real secret. That can, and will, vary enormously according to the type of business. But there are some general rules that apply to any operation.

Location
High street premises are important for shops which rely on passing trade - but these are expensive. Rents fall quickly within a few metres of main roads. Offices, however, need not be located centrally, particularly if most business is done on the phone or via email.

Manufacturing and storage relies heavily on access. Think about how vans and lorries will deliver and collect goods from the premises. Nearby parking can be important for staff, and public transport can be even more so, as traffic restrictions tighten.

Size
This is a crucial decision. Health and Safety laws provide basic guidance on how much room is required per office desk or manufacturing operation. But remember to allow for growth.

Growth
Every small business aims to become a big business, but this prospect can be obstructed if the wrong decisions are made early on. It is important to consider flexibility from the start. Can a building be physically altered internally by knocking down walls or by extending outwards or adding extra floors? Is there spare land next door to expand later if necessary?

Landlords obviously have to agree to any changes so it is important that the contract includes details of what will be allowed and how much extra will be charged on top of the costs of rebuilding or alteration. Planning rules must also be considered. Local authorities are not always open to discussion about the future of premises. They may have rigid rules about increasing density of development. The building may be in a conservation area or near housing, in which case it will be much more difficult to consider changes.

Questions 15-20



15. Some people choose expensive premises because they want to create an impressive ..................... for their company.

16. Businesses which depend on ..................... need to be on or near the principal shopping areas.

17. Businesses which produce goods must check there is ..................... to the premises for delivery vehicles.

18. When choosing a building for your premises, find out whether ..................... could be removed to create more room.

19. Make sure that the ..................... states what type of building alterations might be permitted.

20. If business premises are located close to ....................., extensions may not be allowed.

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Created By 124 IELTS | Founder and CEO Ranjot Singh Chahal