Whilst the economy continues on the uphill struggle to recovery, optimism has been seen in one of the UK’s hardest hit sectors: commercial property. The Times reported in November 2009 that confidence is on the increase, with observations that the current level of demand is even exceeding the supply of prime retail property and office space.

One savvy developer in Bedfordshire is certainly echoing the trend with recent news that they have secured substantial planning permission for 18,000 square feet of office space on the highly desirable Liscombe Park estate.

Ongoing upgrading to Liscombe Park’s existing office buildings has secured the future at Liscombe of major multinational VWR International whose strong growth required a trebling of their office requirements which, through close cooperation between Landlord and Tenant, was delivered in less than 3 months ensuring continuity for this large multinationals export arm.
Continued interest from small and medium businesses looking for conveniently located, aesthetically designed property is being experienced.

Liscombe Park, based near Leighton Buzzard, has retained its positioning as one that provides flexible, easy rent office space so critical for businesses in the existing unpredictable climate as well as longer leases for those seeking greater certainty. As such, they have secured flexi-lease clients away from the more expensive, hard contract lettings in neighbouring town centres. Often these tenants grow and need more secure leases and larger premises which Liscombe Park is ideally placed to offer VWR International being a case in point.

David Tonnison, Managing Director of the business park, has strategically retained land with direct access to the new bypass for future development making the location even more suitable for those seeking a base near Milton Keynes, Luton, London, Oxford and Aylesbury. The setting provides an added bonus for those businesses that require an office that impresses clients and attracts the right staff.
We’ve managed to strike the balance between urban and rural working with all of the features of both”, explained Mr. Tonnison.

To find out more about future developments at Liscombe Park, visit www.liscombepark.co.uk

Local beauty spot, Liscombe Park is giving frustrated businesses in the larger towns of Milton Keynes and Luton a new choice in commercial property with the launch of it’s office & land development plan for 2009.

At a time when small businesses are either looking to downsize or cut their spend on office space and rent, Liscombe developments have created a hub of new flexi-rent, contemporary offices away from the congestion, minutes from the traffic-free bypass connecting the major towns in Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

The stress free features of the park’s work environment are carried throughout the development. With flexible contracts, ready-offices and a strong work-life balance philosophy offering all tenants a healthy way of working, Liscombe is much more than a low risk property solution.

This innovative new offering from the renowned historical park includes ‘Get In/Get On’ rented offices with free broadband and a complete office-ready set up for workers to hit the floor running. The development plans also allow for easy expansion of office space to suit the changing business needs of each client.

For those who are looking to take advantage of the recession to purchase land and build assets, Liscombe has various investment opportunities available. Over the past 12 months, the savvy developers have gained planning permission for commercial, equestrian, leisure and agricultural construction on their 300 acres of available land at the park and they’re offering it to interested investors.

Visit www.liscombepark.co.uk for gallery images, videos and further information.

Continuing on from our last blog on the pros of renting, we explore the benefits of purchasing commercial property in the current climate.

Clearly, buying premises should only be considered if you have the capital behind you to support such a purchase. Whilst a commercial mortgage is the more common means of funding such an investment, being in a stable position financially is vital in this unpredictable economy.

Purchase of land or property for commercial use is a long-term asset for a growing business and is a wise decision to make at a stable point in your business lifecycle. As we have seen recently however, this kind of asset can depreciate (as opposed to better times historically when commercial property managed to push through any downturns) so don’t hedge all your bets on this particular investment.

Buying property gives you the flexibility to expand and evolve that workspace over time, as you want it – providing you have planning permission. If this is your aim, make sure you find out as much as possible about the future allowances and plans affecting your land, building and surroundings.

The downside to owning your property is of course that you become responsible for all maintenance and repair however, on the plus side, it gets done when and how you want it to!

Purchase ultimately gives you control and provides a worthwhile asset in your business. Currently, deals can be found so, if your business or industry is one of those few that are booming in the recession, taking advantage of lower property prices and land for sale could be a savvy move.

Top tips: Look to buy in those towns deemed as growth areas by the government and earmarked for investment, employment initiatives, new infrastructure and residential plans. It is less likely that your property will go down in value than in other, more mature or decaying areas. Look around; compare properties, consider location, access, proximity to amenities and benefits for staff. Visit www.liscomepark.co.uk for more information and excellent land-for-sale opportunities.

There are many questions and quandaries facing the smaller business when it comes to commercial property and office space.

Should a smaller business rent or purchase? Is it wise to downsize and introduce hot-desking or home working to reduce square footage? Will it be cheaper to move out of town in order to take advantage of lower rent costs and better parking/access? Is now the time to buy land for sale or is it better to rent and wait? Does a serviced office really make working life easier or cheaper?

No matter what the decision to be made, the important point to remember is that the recession is temporary. The situation will change and businesses need to think and plan long-term.

Flexibility is the key and, at a time when commercial property developers and agents are under pressure, there are many opportunities available that offer low commitment property solutions in a climate of uncertainty.

Firstly you need to decide whether you are building a business or an asset. At what stage are you at with your business?

If you’re building your business and cautious of the current climate, your first priority is to manage your costs and cash flow. Renting will allow you to do that and control your resources providing you manage the agreement correctly from the outset. Find out how frequently rates are reviewed, what you can expect from maintenance and be sure of everything included -and not included - in the rental payment.

Rental is typically fixed and more predictable than interest rates on purchased properties. Whilst it has to be said that your rent is paying for someone else’s asset, it does give you the security of not having to deal with property management and unexpected costs when problems arise.

When making the decision on location, don’t naturally assume that city centre locations are the best option. Shop around and compare out of town office rent to centre rates. When analysing costs, consider the impact of travel, parking, competitor proximity, amenities and your flexibility to expand or downsize. Do staff have to pay to park, is it hard sometimes to get a space with all the time wasted that is involved needing to be taken into account. City centre costs aren’t the only downside, it can often be a hassle doing business there impeding your business efficiency.

Keep your options and mind open if you don’t have the capital available for purchase. Renting will allow you to focus on other more important areas of your business during a recession.
Visit www.liscombepark.co.ukfor easy lease, get in/get on flexi rent for businesses looking to expand or downsize in the Milton Keynes, Aylesbury, Leighton Buzzard and Luton areas.