The client, a UK plc provider of professional and business training and development products, commissioned our team to undertake a national search for a new operating location to house Customer Service and a large section of their back office team, in total some 150 staff.

The team had previously been working 70:30 between London and Manchester locations. London expansion opportunities were relatively few as recruitment at the company’s current salary rates was becoming increasingly difficult. Current employees were a mixture of high quality A Level and Degree educated individuals and a target location was required with these types of staff across a broader age spectrum than the business currently achieved.

Twelve locations were selected for initial assessment based on property availability between 15,000 and 20,000 sq ft and headline demographic characteristics.  From these, four shortlisted locations were taken forward for in-depth assessment of both property and the local labour market.

Property costs were calculated on a total occupancy basis including business rates, parking and service charges as quoted rents varied significantly between city centre and smaller town locations.  Proximity to mainline rail and motorway links was also an important factor to enable staff in the new location to integrate with the company’s main operating locations across Britain.

Labour market data was drawn from our existing recruitment catchment database of 200+ locations across Britain.

Two locations were selected for site visits to take place in. Our team hosted the company in each location, providing transport arrangements, initial meetings with inward investment agency staff, property agents and developers.

A prior briefing session discussing the strengths and weaknesses of each property and micro-location in terms of proximity to public transport links, current employee commute patterns and modes, micro-location issues around crime, parking, after hours activities and the general ‘feel’ of each site provided a useful backdrop to the site visit day.

The final stage of site selection was guided by internal shots of each property, detailed costing breakdowns of property and staff, grant assistance opportunities and an overall assessment of the strengths and weaknesses in each micro-location.

OUTPUTS

Stage 1 Report – initial assessment & longlist (12 locations)

Stage 2 Report – in depth shortlisted assessment (4 locations)

Stage 3 Report – site visits & financial assistance opportunities report