5 things commercial tenants look for in commercial premises

With a combined experience of over 50 years’ and a managed commercial property portfolio of over 2 million sq ft across the East Midlands & East Anglia, our commercial team draw on their own insights to provide us with a top 5 commercial tenant checklist:

Fast connectivity: As we all know we  live  in  a  world  where  technology  is  at the heart of everything we do, including our business operations. So it’s no surprise that in   the   majority   of   cases  speed  of  internet  comes as a top priority. Ensuring your premises are kitted out with the latest and fasted  broadband  will instantly widen the appeal to modern technology-led businesses. In the past this has proved a major  hurdle  for  owners  of  rural business parks, however with improved technologies and availability of fibre-optic broadband and fixed wireless access, there is no reason why rural businesses should not be achieving much faster speeds. There are also a number of government  incentives  and  voucher  schemes aimed at improving connectivity within rural communities; Wells McFarlane advise, manage and implement schemes on behalf of rural clients.

Air conditioning: Modern day comforts such as integrated kitchens and open- plan work  spaces  are  always  near  the  top  of  the  checklist; when it comes to air-conditioning this is becoming a pre-requisite for increasing numbers of commercial tenants. And  its mutually beneficial for  both parties: tenants enjoy a comfortable working environment with the ability to manage climate which makes for a happier work force. Air conditioning has huge benefits for landlords too; from the ability to charge a greater rental income to increased marketability of the property and interestingly air conditioning helps to improve your premises energy efficiency, even in some cases helping your premises to meet minimum energy efficiency standards required to obtain an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

Unique premises: Wells McFarlane manage a lot of commercial property in the East Midlands and have found over the years an increasing  trend  in  smaller, particularly creative and service led start-up businesses seeking out a premises with soul. Offices with  personality, maybe  a  quirky  barn conversion or a rural business park with countryside views. And of course somewhat unsurprisingly tenants  still expect to be part of the connected generation and actually very similar to many residential property wish lists our commercial tenants are often seeking out period charm with all the modern day comforts.

Flexibility to grow: Square footage is always going to be a  big  consideration  for tenants and requirements are largely driven by the size of the business and future growth plans. More and more we are finding tenants are looking for premises that offer the flexibility to grow and evolve  with  their  business,  from  the  ability  to  take on neighbouring units, or to knock through partition; modern service-led businesses are looking to future proof their

Secure car parking: Ample on-site car parking is always a big  draw  for commercial tenants, knowing their workforce  can  securely  leave  their  cars  on- site as well as offering convenient parking for visiting clients is always on the tenant checklist.