BUSINESS INFORMATION
Types of business premises
You can consider different types of premises to buy or lease, depending on your business needs.
Choosing the right location and premises is a vital step for business success.
The type of premises you select will depend on:
- The products or services your business offers
- Customer demographics and proximity
- Financial constraints and budget considerations
Before finalizing a location or signing any contracts, it’s essential to consult financial, legal, and business professionals for informed decision-making.
Locating your business at home
Running your business from home can be a cost-effective option, particularly when starting out. However, you should:
- Seek approval from your local council
- Confirm that your insurance policy covers business activities
- Maintain a safe work environment if you plan to hire employees
Understand the tax implications associated with operating a home-based business
Reach out to your local council to understand their requirements for home-based businesses or use DCK Enterprise’s business licence finder tool. Operating without the necessary approvals can lead to fines and force you to relocate your business.
Buying or leasing business premises
Co-working spaces and business incubators
Depending on your business needs, co-working spaces or business incubators could be a suitable choice. These options provide short to medium-term accommodations tailored to startups and growing businesses.
Co-working spaces typically offer flexible options ranging from single-day access to full-time short-term arrangements. They often include workspaces, meeting rooms, and communication facilities for a fee. Research is key to finding a space aligned with your business goals, as some focus on tech startups, while others cater to consultants and professionals.
Business incubators function similarly but are designed for businesses requiring up to two or three years of accommodation before transitioning to other premises. These facilities usually provide competitively priced office spaces and shared amenities, such as meeting rooms. Depending on the type of incubator, they may also support retail, industrial, or commercial kitchen ventures.
DCK Enterprise offers advice to help businesses choose the right setup for their requirements.
Market stalls
Market stalls are a growing choice for food and retail businesses, offering a low-commitment way to sell products without the expense of a commercial lease. However, operating a market stall requires adherence to regulations and obtaining the necessary licences and permits.
To ensure compliance, check with your local council about the requirements for market operations. Most markets require vendors to have permits and their own insurance. Depending on your product offerings, you may also need to meet standards such as:
- Product safety regulations
- Measurement and labelling requirements
- Food safety regulations
DCK Enterprise provides guidance to help businesses navigate these regulations and operate successfully in market environments.
Food stall operators are required to register as a food business with their local council and notify them of plans to sell food at temporary locations. The Department of Health provides detailed information and guidelines for temporary and mobile food businesses to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
DCK Enterprise can assist in understanding these requirements and setting up your business for success in food markets.
Mobile vans
Mobile food and coffee vans provide a flexible alternative to renting traditional business premises. However, several considerations must be addressed:
1. Consult your local council to identify required approvals and licences.
2. Ensure compliance with planning and health regulations.
3. Be aware of restrictions on:
- Operating locations for mobile vans.
- Height and size limits for vans or trailers.
- Storage requirements for food products.
You must register or license your mobile business with your local council, especially if it operates from your home. Additionally, businesses selling food products must register as a food business.
Pop-up shops
A pop-up shop is a temporary retail space that operates for a limited time, offering an opportunity to test a location and assess your market before committing to a long-term lease.
Even though the signage and setup may be minimal, planning is essential for a successful launch. You should consider:
- Finding a suitable location with high foot traffic.
- Preparing for short-term leases and permits.
- Planning your marketing strategy to attract customers during a limited time.
DCK Enterprise can assist you with resources and advice to effectively set up and run a pop-up shop, helping you test your business idea in the market before making long-term commitments.
INFORMATION GUIDE
10 tips for leasing commercial premises
Leasing commercial premises can be a significant commitment. To avoid costly mistakes, consider the following tips:
1. Understand Lease Terms: Ensure you understand the lease duration, renewal options, and rent increases.
2. Check Zoning Laws: Verify that the premises are zoned for your type of business.
3. Assess the Location: Choose a location that aligns with your target market and business needs.
4. Inspect the Property: Thoroughly inspect the premises for structural issues and compliance with health and safety regulations.
5. Negotiate Rent: Don’t accept the first offer—try to negotiate better terms for your lease.
6. Consider Maintenance: Clarify who is responsible for maintenance and repairs.
7. Seek Legal Advice: Have a legal expert review the lease before signing.
8. Understand Exit Clauses: Be aware of exit clauses, especially for early termination of the lease.
9. Factor in Hidden Costs: Account for additional costs such as utilities, insurance, and property taxes.
10. Plan for Growth: Choose a location that allows for business expansion if needed.
DCK Enterprise provides guidance and resources to help you make informed decisions when leasing commercial premises.
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SMALL BUSINESS HELPLINE
Looking for additional leasing information?
If you have more questions about leasing commercial premises, our expert commercial tenancy advisers are here to assist you with any inquiries or concerns.
- Call us on 000 000
- Book an online or phone appointment
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