Finding premises or flexible space for your small business

For many Londoners running a small business, deciding whether to move into commercial premises can feel like a big step.

It's often seen as something you do once your business is established, but it can also bring high costs and long-term commitments that are difficult to change.

London is a competitive city where space is expensive and availability is limited. If you're a small business, a sole trader or an online seller, committing to traditional premises too early can put pressure on your cash flow and reduce flexibility.

Commercial space does not have to mean signing a long lease or taking on business rates.

Why having dedicated space can help your business

Working from home can make it difficult to keep business activities separate from everyday life.

Having dedicated space can make it easier to stay organised, manage stock or equipment properly and work more efficiently.

It can also provide a more professional set up for packing orders, preparing deliveries or managing supplies.

Big Yellow Self Storage allows businesses to access this kind of space without the complexity of traditional premises and includes things like utilities, security and business rates – removing many of the additional costs that often come with offices or retail units.

Each store has staff on site seven days a week, ready to help with accepting deliveries and day to day support.

Signs it might be time to look for space

There is no single moment when a business needs premises, but there are common signs that more room could help.

• Space: you may be running out of room at home, with stock, tools or packaging taking over living areas.

• Stock: you may need a secure place to receive deliveries or somewhere to manage orders more efficiently.

• Productivity: you may also find that demand is increasing and your current setup is slowing you down.

How different businesses use Big Yellow Self Storage's space

Online and e-commerce businesses

Many online sellers use Big Yellow Self Storage as their main operational base – with storage units that allow business owners to manage stock, packaging, labelling and distribution in one secure location.

Units are also commonly used for photographing products and live streaming for websites and social platforms such as TikTok and Instagram shops, with all stock easily accessible.

Set up a desk, plug in the internet, laptop and printer, and you're up and running to process those online orders.

Big Yellow Self Storage can accept deliveries on behalf of business customers when they aren't on site, which helps avoid missed deliveries and delays.

For businesses receiving bulk stock, larger pallet deliveries can be handled using forklifting services.

Creative and production businesses

Designers, makers and content creators use flexible space to store equipment, materials and finished products, freeing up space at home and making day-to-day work more manageable.

Service-based and professional businesses

For businesses that don't rely on footfall, Big Yellow Self Storage provides secure storage, document archiving and operational space without the cost or commitment of office leases.

Many Big Yellow Self Storage facilities also have purpose-built flexi offices, with low-commitment leases from as little as 28 days.

Final thoughts

Commercial space should support your business, not restrict it. For many Londoners, flexible space provides a practical way to work more efficiently while keeping costs and commitments under control.

Rather than asking whether you are ready for traditional premises, it may be worth considering whether flexible space could give your business what it needs right now, on terms that work for you.

Read more

• The legal side of securing commercial premises in London

• Renting business premises

• Costs to expect when renting business premises

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