Business premises

Running a home business lowers your overheads and eliminates travel to and from work. Improved communication systems make working from home a suitable option for many businesses, whether you’re starting your first business or ready to deliver products and services worldwide.

Before you begin, you should assess the suitability of your home for your business. You may need to consider alterations to your workspace, introducing technology and equipment, and whether your local council has restrictions or zoning controls imposed on home-based businesses. Think about whether or not working from home would make you feel isolated, or if family or friends would be a distraction.

As with every business, you will have to undertake the necessary actions such as a business plan, licences or permits, registration and financial controls.

You will also need to arrange business insurance to cover your premises and your business activities.

Serviced Office
A serviced office can be ideal for a new business. Your initial outlays are low as the office, floor or building is fully furnished and equipped, and you have the convenience of flexible leasing terms. However, due to the service provided, the rent is typically higher than leasing a standard office.

Office
If you choose to rent an office space, that isn't serviced you may need to consider the following:

• What furnishings and equipment do you require?
• Do you need to and do you have the permission to furbish the space?
• Will you be hiring a cleaner, if yes how frequently and what other checks may you need to undertake?
• Does your set up meet Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) standards?
• What other initial outlays will you require?

If your business needs a large amount of storage with minimal office space, you may consider leasing or buying a warehouse. Investigate nearby transportation facilities and choose a warehouse in an accessible location so you can distribute your products quickly and cost-effectively.

Consider your needs for the space and check that the warehouse space meets your requirements. For example: 

• Does your required machinery fit in the doorways, if not, is this an issue for your business efficiency?
• Is there sufficient space for your stock?
• Do you need to supply racking? 
• Does the space meet any specific requirements you need? For example, do you require specific flooring or materials, ventilation, heating or cooling?
• Will the space remain at safe temperatures for people, animals or stock during extreme weather conditions?

There are a few general advantages and disadvantages for you to consider when choosing a stand-alone shop or a shop within a shopping centre.
 

Stand alone	Within a shopping centre
Lower rent	Higher rent
Lower passing traffic	Draws more customer, higher passing traffic
Less potential competitors	Potentially more competitors

No matter where you are renting be sure to read over any contracts and guidelines carefully, and have your lawyer explain them to you as well.

Renting guidelines for standalone stores would be determined by the individual owner of the premises.

Guidelines outlined by shopping centres may include additional provisions such as potentially moving shopfronts after shop positioning reviews, or assurance that you are the only business of your kind allowed within that shopping centre. If these provisions exist they should be outlined within your contract or guidelines.

Technology incubators and co-working spaces can provide accommodation, office facilities, business support and mentoring for start-up businesses. Technology incubators may also include laboratory spaces.

Shared spaces offer start-up or small firms a range of benefits, including:

• low operating costs
• moral support
• networking opportunities
• access to advice and information.

They are often found in industrial parks, universities or business enterprise centres.

Small Business co-working spaces
WOTSO WorkSpace - Flinders Street, Adelaide
Little City Studio - Prospect
SpaceSA - Claxton Street, Adelaide
Catalyst Collaborative Currie Street, Adelaide
Intersect - (2 locations) Wakefield Street and Flinders Street, Adelaide
Hub Adelaide - Peel Street, Adelaide
Co-Hab Tonsley - Tonsley
Stretton Centre - Davoren Park
Adelaide Business Hub - Todd Street, Adelaide

Technology co-working spaces
313 Halifax Street - Halifax Street, Adelaide
mâché - Wright Street, Adelaide
Fab Lab Adelaide - corner of Pulteney Street and Flinders Street, Adelaide (within St Pauls Creative Centre)

Arts and creative co-working spaces
Blankspace - Rundle Street, Adelaide
St Pauls Creative Centre - corner of Pulteney Street and Flinders Street, Adelaide
Tooth & Nail - Coromandel Place, Adelaide
The Mill - Angas Street, Adelaide
5th Quarter - Carclew House, North Adelaide