As companies downsize due to the economy or small companies are started due to redundant ex-employees starting their own businesses the demand for smaller commercial property or serviced offices is becoming greater.
On a recent trip that I did across England I noticed, for the first time, how many farms are offering small business units for rent. They tend to cater for office workers through to light manufacture such as sign makers etc. Some of the more organised are even offering a type of serviced office arrangement with a central dedicated receptionist, boardrooms, central kitchen etc. Personally, I found these farm based work units to be absolutely charming. No noise of traffic, hooting cars and shouting people. No city smells. If you need to relax you simply take a walk outside and look at the cows – there is nothing quite as relaxing as watching a 500 pound animal eat grass!
One of the farms that I visited had gone a step further and combined the office suites with a B&B so that people could have executive training weekends at the farm, give presentations with an overnight stay. He even had facilities for horse riding, clay pigeon shooting and coarse fishing combined with a very reasonable restaurant so that anyone renting his offices could invite clients over for a spot of corporate entertainment. What an absolutely marvellous idea.
Obviously these type of set ups do have their disadvantages over your normal commercial property or standard serviced office – the obvious one being, it’s rural. And by this I mean; the roads can be difficult during the rainy seasons. There are sometimes electricity outs and it might be more difficult to get deliveries and such what. But all in all – I was pretty much sold on the idea. So – the next time that you’re looking for me…well, I’m outside looking at the cow!
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The wider benefits of commercial property development
