Latest from Johnsons

11 May 2012

Moving office? Don’t forget the little things!

When moving offices or relocating it can be easy to forget some of the really simple things.  You know, the things that we take for granted.  Moving can be an extremely stressful time, in fact, it can be one of the most stressful events in our lives.

But here at Johnsons Business Moves we make it our job to reduce the stress, help you plan your office move, and to advise you on everything we can. Here are a few things that may pass you by when moving office, so hopefully this will act as a helpful reminder:

Stationery

Have you remembered to re-order new stationery? With a new address you will want to update those letterheads, envelopes and even your business cards.  Make sure you do this with plenty of time to spare.  You will want everything just right for your new office.

Phone number

Will you be keeping your old phone number? Will you need to change your office numbers and fax numbers? You will want these set up in time for your first working day in the new office.  So get organised and add this to your list.

Email signature

If you currently have an email signature at the bottom of your outgoing emails then you may want to amend it.  Most email signatures have your phone number and address.  So if the phone number and address of your office have changed then make sure everyone updates their email signature.

Change of address

Let your existing clients know that you have changed address.  This will help to keep them in the loop.  You will also want to contact the Post Office, Inland Revenue and maybe even the local council.  Create a checklist of all the people you need to notify and do this in advance of your office move.

Signs

Don’t forget to order new signs and signage for your new office.  You will want your clients to be able to find you, know where to wait and to park.  You will also want your employees to get used to their new office surroundings quickly and new signage will help with that.

Overall a good business moves company like us at Johnsons Business Moves will be able to help, advise and get you moved quickly and efficiently.  Just give us a call!

 

3 May 2012

Don’t forget to relocate your IT equipment!

One of the most essential parts of any office move is the relocation of your IT equipment.  In the technologically advanced world we live in, no office would survive today without their trusty PC’s, laptops and printers.  Which is why it is key you factor this into your office move.

In order to get your new office up and running as quickly and as smoothly as possible you need to ensure everything is working by the time your staff sit at their new desks.  At Johnsons Business Moves we understand just how important this is, which is why we have some handy tips:

1.Take stock

It is helpful to take an inventory and know exactly what is coming with you.  What is to be relocated and where.

2. Back up

Make sure that before you move you have backed up all of your data.  That way you will be safe knowing you have a copy, just in case!

3. Don’t forget the phones

Make sure that you include the phone lines in this.  Order your phone lines and install new lines for any new staff you have joining you.

4. Label equipment

Order labels and ask your staff to label and tag their office equipment.  That way you won’t lose anything and everyone will have the right equipment.

5. Hire a specialist

Here at Johnsons Business Moves we are experts in moving office equipment and IT equipment.  We will even test it and clean it so it is as good as new in your sparkling new office environment.

So contact us today.  We can even offer a free demonstration service.  Just give us a call on 0161 4513040.

 

26 April 2012

Help! We’re moving offices

When moving offices or relocating it can be an extremely stressful time.  Here at Johnsons Business Moves we understand the kinds of stress you can face and are on hand to help to reduce that stress.

Not only do we offer stress and hassle free office move services, but we have a few handy hints and tips to help you on your way.

Start early

It is a wise idea to start planning as early as you can.  This will give you plenty of time to put everything in place.  Give your office relocation the head start it needs.  Get to work well in advance of your lease expiration.

Define a budget, and stick to it

Have an idea of cost in mind.  Moving office can be a costly business but there are ways to reduce your costs.  Don’t be tempted to do it all yourself to save money.  This will end up costing your more in the long run.  Employ an expert, like us at Johnsons Business Moves!

There is no ‘I’ in team

As mentioned before, don’t be tempted to sort it all out yourself.  Get your team involved.  Delegate tasks and duties.  Assign particular jobs to people and play to their strengths.

Communicate effectively

Let everyone know what is going on, when your office move is due to happen and how they can help.  Your staff also need to know how this office move and relocation is going to effect them.  Keep your staff positive throughout this process.

Get the professionals involved

If you are struggling with time, then employ an experienced office moves team.  Here at Johnsons Business Moves we have a wealth of experience in this area and are only happy to help!

19 April 2012

How to involve your employees in your office move

Moving office or relocating can be a daunting task.  One of your main concerns should be your employees.  They are the heart of your business and it is important that you keep them informed from the start.

An office move can mean a lot of planning, strategy and will also mean your employees will have plenty of questions.  Here at Johnsons Business Moves we have years of experience in planning office moves.  That is why we have a few tips on how you can involve your employees in your new venture.

Inform

As mentioned, it is important that you inform your employees of your forthcoming move.  Aim for at least one month in advance.  That way there will be plenty of time for them to ask questions.

Q&A

You could hold a Q&A session where all employees can ask all the questions that they need.  That way you will be able to deal with everything in one go.  Have someone take minutes and type them up.  You can then provide everyone with a copy so they know exactly what is happening.

Matter of opinion

Encourage your employees to offer advice on how best to pack and move to the new offices.  Get your employees involved in the relocation process.

Instruct

On the day you move, or when you are packing up, give your employees clear and concise instructions.  Make sure that you provide them with all the materials that they need to pack up their own desk and belongings.  Also, provide them with instructions for the new office.  What goes where etc.  You may even want to give them a guided tour of the new office before you move in.

Whatever you chose to do, make sure you give your employees plenty of notice regarding your office move and allow them to become a part of it, if they choose.

Don’t forget to call us for help and advice.

 

12 April 2012

Moving office? Mistakes and how you can avoid them

Here at Johnsons Business Moves we are firm believers that by being organised, you can save yourself time and money.  Moving office can be a big task, whether you are a big corporation, an SME or even a school or university.  Here are some top tips on mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Late starters

If you are planning an office move or relocation then make sure you start as soon as you can.  By starting late you will end up costing yourself far more money.  If you wait until your office lease has expired then you will have to wait even longer to move.

2. Relying solely on yourself

If you plan to move on your own then you could end up making the wrong decisions and cost yourself a lot of money.  Make sure you employ others who have years of experience, like us at Johnsons Business Moves, to help you make informed decisions.

3. Not knowing your requirements

If you don’t know what you need then you will make mistakes from the start.  Plan your office move carefully and know your requirements.  Don’t opt for a small office space if you plan to grow in the next year or so.  You will only limit yourself.

4. Forgetting IT relocation

If you don’t plan then you will end up forgetting essential things, such as IT relocation planning.  You will need to build this into your time frame and budget.  It is all very well having new and exciting offices if you don’t have your IT systems up and running.

5. Forgetting to communicate

You need to ensure that you communicate with your staff as well as your movers and relocation services.  Let everyone know what is going on and what is expected of them.  This will help to make your office move smooth and successful.

Why not give us a call today? We will be able to advise you on all of the above as well as much more besides!

 

4 April 2012

Time for an office spring clean

With spring here it is time for that all important spring clean.  We spring clean our homes so why not our offices and our business? Here at Johnsons Business Moves we are firm believers in ‘out with the old and in with the new’. With the sun streaming in through the windows chances are you can see the dust building up, not to mention the piles of paperwork and unwanted office furniture.

A spring clean will not only help with the office productivity but it is also a good for health and safety.  You can clear the corridors and fire exits of items that are causing a blockage.

Here are some tips on how to organise a spring clean in your office:

Pick a day

The key is organisation.  Pick a day and let all of your staff know that they will be helping out with an office spring clean.

Preparation

Make sure that you provide your staff with the things that they need.  Remember you don’t want to take all day on this so the more efficient you are the quicker everyone can get back to work.  Provide bins for items that can be recycled, labels for office furniture that needs to be stored or recycled and cleaning materials to polish those desks. At Johnsons Business Moves we have asset recycling which means you can dispose of all your unwanted items with ease.

Create a system

If you feel that your office is lacking in filing systems and necessary storage, then it is time to invest.  Office storage is key to keeping tidy workstations and a clear desk. If it is time to archive then why not use our archive storage facility?

Don’t forget your computer

Your computer can be just as messy as your desk.  So encourage everyone to clear out their old files and ensure your desktop is neat and tidy.

After all of this you will feel much better and far more productive.  And with the four day weekend approaching you can reward yourself with a few days off.

Why not give us a call to see how we can help?

 

30 March 2012

Reasons to relocate your business

The top ten reasons why you might want to relocate your business

  1. 1. You need more space – business is thriving and you need more space to expand
  2. 2. You need to reduce your operating costs – with high rents, service charges and business rates; you need to relocate to find a space where you can reduce costs.  Not an unusual situation in the current financial climate
  3. 3. A better location – new market opportunities
  4. 4. The need for better facilities – these can be many and varied i.e. the quality and condition of the building, a reception area to represent and reflect your business better, car parking …
  5. 5. To consolidate or downsize – if you have more space than you need currently then new premises will be appealing; or if you need to consolidate your business this may mean smaller and cheaper accommodation
  6. 6. Flexible lease terms – the current financial climate could be on your side in negotiating a better lease deal with flexible get-out clauses and cheaper rates
  7. 7. Better recruitment opportunities – a location which will offer better opportunities for quality, skilled staff
  8. 8. To be closer to suppliers – this is important for some businesses especially if it helps to reduce transportation costs or if your company is concerned with their carbon footprint
  9. 9. Or closer to competitors – sometimes a hub or district has emerged where several businesses offering similar services are based
  10. 10. General quality improvement – this can work both to motivate and invigorate staff but also as part of your perceived profile/brand for clients or customers

Business relocation

It doesn’t matter why you are moving your business, Johnson Business Moves will be there from start to finish helping you to organise and coordinate a smooth move.  Our signature flexibility will ensure that we move you when you want to move, when it is most convenient and when business is least disrupted.

Just give us a call on 0161 451 3040 to arrange your business move.

Keep up with us on Facebook and Twitter too.

28 March 2012

Keeping everyone happy when you relocate

In this day and age there are many reasons for moving your business; it maybe to expand or downsize your business; it might be to cut costs or for a better working environment or because your lease is up.

Business moves

There are many things to consider when moving not least your staff.  Under Employment Law there are several things you need to be aware of.  Some tips to make it as stress free as possible:

  1. 1. Communicate with your staff so that everyone knows what is going on i.e. why you are moving and where the business is relocating to.  Keep them notified and involved as this will help to smooth out any possible problems early on
  2. 2. Check your employee contracts, do they all have a mobility clause which allows you to move the location of the working premises?  If they do this will also make it smoother as long as the move remains within the boundaries of your clause
  3. 3. Be aware that any moves that staff feel are unreasonable could cause their redundancy and costs to you.  This could happen if they deem the move unreasonable for a variety of reasons such as more expensive travel  …
  4. 4. Give them all a relocation pack – a sort of new office welcome pack – so that they know the benefits of the new premises and also the local amenities and transport links.  This will help your staff to feel comfortable about the relocation
  5. 5. Make sure you have a solicitor on board who knows about Employment Law to make sure you aren’t caught out and follow the procedures you should.  Most HR departments should be able to help with this too
  6. 6. Make sure you book Johnson Business Moves to get you from A to B smoothly.  Our team can offer planning and fit-out help too.  Contact us early to make sure you get all the help we can offer.

Call us on 0161 451 3040 or send us an email to busmoves@johnsons-ho.co.uk.

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

22 March 2012

Manchester plans for the future

George Osborne has apparently made ‘a positive step in the right direction’ by cutting corporation tax by an extra 1% according to Simon Walker, Director General of the Institute of Directors.  He confirms this will help to show that Britain is ready to welcome business.  But many wonder if it is enough.

Manchester growth plans
Whilst in Manchester last week plans for its Airport City Development worth £650 million were rolled out.  This promises to see 5 million sq ft of office space, plus space for hospitality, leisure and retail outlets as well as warehousing.  The Chief Executive for the Manchester Airports Group, Charlie Cornish promised that it would be ‘one of the most important projects for the UK’s economy’ putting Manchester on a par with European Airport cities like Amsterdam, Barcelona and Frankfurt encouraging international businesses to relocate.

Business moves

The new business district would be linked to the airport by the new Metrolink which is currently under construction and by a series of ‘green bridges’ emulating New York’s Highline.  All premises will be within 8 minutes of a transport link.

The new business district won’t be completed until 2027.  If in the meantime you want to get ahead of the game and be one of the first to move to this ‘airport city’ – or any where else in the area – please contact Johnsons Business Moves on  0161 451 3040 or email us at busmoves@johnsons-ho.co.uk.  We can handle all your moving needs and more.

Keep moving with us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

20 March 2012

How will the Budget affect your business?

Tomorrow will see Chancellor George Osborne rolling out the Budget.  What do businesses hope for from the budget?  Is it business as usual and continued low interest rates to steady our national credit rating?  Or are they looking for incentives to kick-start investment and growth – and business confidence?

Business space
Whatever Osborne rolls out, how will it affect business moves?  Will businesses continue to choose to ‘stay put’ or ‘down size’ or might we see windows for growth and businesses looking for larger premises?

Business moves

However the Budget affects the business community, Johnsons Business Removals are here to help solve your space problems.  Whether it is moving your business to a larger or smaller space, helping create more space at your existing premises, we can help.

Solving your space issues
Obviously we have an all-encompassing removals business which can help with pre-planning and the physical move; we can also help create space in existing premises by storing archived documents in secure centres or disposing of equipment or furniture that is clogging up space.

If any of these options appeal and look as if they can answer your business conundrums, please get in contact to see where and how we can help.  Or if you would prefer to sit tight and wait until George has delivered his Budget tomorrow, we can be patient.

When you need us to help you solve your space problems, please give us a call on 0161 451 3040.

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