Newsletters

June 2010

The benefits of planning for future space needs

Like any integral component of business, your use of office space requires careful planning, timing and expert insight. There is no shortage of case studies I could cite that illustrate this notion, from both the perspective of the quickly growing company and the one, unfortunately, that is on its way down. 

Thankfully, the story I’m sharing this month involves a company that I believe is smartly run and cognizant of the impact a well-orchestrated occupancy plan can have on growth. 

I received a call from a current client interested in a meeting. While I was unaware of any imminent space needs, I admit to being somewhat apprehensive about the prospect of having to discuss a disposition plan. (As most of you know, today’s economy can change our plans in a hurry.) However, as it turned out, my client wanted to simply integrate future real estate needs with their ongoing strategic planning. Perfect! 

This company does not have an immediate need for space but instead was seeking insight on how to best leverage their real estate for growth needs a couple of years out. We toured their facility, discussed market conditions, employment goals and how operations interacted with their facility. 

In conjunction with performing a current market survey, I now know how to view ongoing market availabilities and conditions with their needs in mind. This is as smart a business decision as any company can make today, especially given the Triangle’s real estate market.

Because of my client’s foresight, they can make critical business decisions with a full plate of data in front of them. And, they are already a step ahead of their competition. Like a builder getting site plan approval well ahead of breaking ground, my client is now poised to pounce on the market when the timing is right.

Our case study this month features another client who took the proper approach toward long-term real estate planning. Two years from execution, we researched market options, including existing buildings, purchasing and build-to-suit alternatives. When the time was right, they were able to move quickly with confidence, moving in to their property in only three months after submission of the offer to purchase. Read more about the Advanced Plastiforms case study (and others) on our Web site.  

Remember that your real estate partner is a valuable connection throughout all stages of occupancy, so feel free to give us a call about strategic real estate planning.  We look forward to hearing from you!