1st Premises for Business - Enterprise Centre

lday77

Hi

I am thinking of moving in to premises to run my Graphic Design business, I am currently working from home but am finding it hard to switch off.

The place I am looking at is part of the local University and it is and innovation centre that is run on a not-for-profit basis and specifically for creative industry. The utility bills are included in the rent (which is free for the first four months) the only thing I pay for is the phone and broadband which is heavily subsidised. I would also have access to specialist equipment which I don't currently have.

Has anyone else had experience of working in one of these enterprise centres? My O/H is really dubious about it and he is the only person I really have to talk to about it so would appreciate some advice. Also it is about 14 miles from home.

I have been in business for 10 months, and have done quites well so far, the last four months have gone really well and the business seems to be consistent and I have got lots of repeat business, but am still a bit scared.

WHA

Just check the terms of your lease for any "hiddens". I've had a client who was charged thousands when they left their serviced office in an enterprise centre for dubious things such as redecorating, replacement carpets, etc - when they could have done it themselves at a fraction of the cost. Make sure you do an inventory and take pictures of the unit when you go in, to help you in any arguments later on as to who has done what damage! A bit like renting a house really.

lday77

I will check the terms and conditions, they do ask for £100 deposit. But the units are brand new.

MORPH3US

Hi lday77,

Do you mind if I ask what University it is?

I work for a University that has 3 enterprise centres (and I run one of them) and we also have one creative enterprise centre.

Our T&C's are quite comprehensive to cover our backs, but we are very flexible offering "easy in, easy out terms" (officially 3 months notice required to move out but realistically we would accept a weeks notice because we are really friendly and have a good rep with people for that reason!!!).

We also offer fully inclusive rates, the only extra charge are our extremely reasonable telephone rates. So basically with us you pay one cost (which some people think is expensive!!!) but thats it, furniture, computers, internet, standard software package, heating, lighting, meeting room use, kitchen use, car parking, business support, networking and business skills classes, business rates etc etc all included.

Not saying that will be the case for the place you are looking at though....

M

Savvy_Sue

Has your husband been able to explain why he's so dubious? It is a big step from working at home to getting your first premises, so maybe he's being ultra-cautious, or maybe he just doesn't want you away from home?

The only other question I'd have is how easy is that journey? If it's the pits, I'd see what might be available more locally. If it's not too bad by car or public transport, I'd be leaping at it, I think. And if you can ONLY sensibly get there by car, have you thought about what happens when the car's on the blink but you've GOT to get a job finished?

lday77

Ooh, lots to think about, but thanks, those are the sorts of things I would never have thought of.

I think O/H just wants me at home so is being a bit of a pain.

The centre is at Univ. Northampton, it's not the best journey (1 long road) but it is on the right side of Northampton to me so I don't need to go into the town. There is a bus service but my car is quite new and o/h works locally so if we were desperate we could get by in the short term. I believe there are buses from the village I live in but I need to look at that in more detail. Oh I also meant to say that I have a lap top with all the relevant software on that I will keep at home so if I get a job that needs to be done overnight (it has happened) I can do it at home, but the building does have 24/7 access with reserved parking at the front (also CCTV).

lday77

actually I have found a link to centre have a look:

portfolio

MORPH3US

Had a quick scan and looks very good, very similar to what we offer.

Did notice though that "broadband internet connection" is included in the "additional services". Don't forget to find out exactly how much that will cost for installation and ongoing subscriptions and take this into account.

We also provide computers and IT support (with a 1 hour response service level agreement) but I couldn't see it on the list - maybe not a problem for you but something to consider.

I think you will enjoy it though. Its not just the fact that you have professional looking premises to work from, its the fact you have a seperate space from where you live so you can get on with stuff without distractions and most of all, the community feel of places like this, as soon as you get in there, get networking with the other businesses in there, hand out cards and make contacts, you'll have offers of work coming out of your ears in no time......

Good luck!! Let us know how you get on!!!

M

Kilty_2

Wish you the best of luck and think if you are getting enough work to warrant it then it's a really good step forward.

lday77

Thanks for the sound advice, I'm going to go for it!

I spoke to O/H for hours about it last night, and he finally did come round to the idea. I think the main thing that swung it was that it is pretty low-risk and if it all goes wrong then I can still come back and work from home, but I hope that it will generate more business and go from strength to strength, it still feels like a bit of a hobby at the moment so you're right it will help me 'do work at work' without distractions, there are network opportunities at the centre once a month with outside local businesses and every Friday internally - but I did speak to someone there yesterday who said that they need a logo so I thought that was a good early sign.

The broadband in 8mb but £20 a month all in (the line etc is already installed) the other expense is the phone line which is £11.70 a month but for the first four months apart from travel this is the only proper expense. So I think I can manage that.

I'm a bit scared but really excited now, I will let you know how it goes! Ta