Business Impact:

Does your present portfolio of occupied accommodation have a positive or negative impact on the day to day activities of your business?  It can often be the case that businesses continue to occupy and operate out of facilities long after those facilities have served their useful purpose. 

Technological change, production developments, businesses processes and changed working practices can often leave the bricks and mortar way behind in terms of usefulness to the business.  But it’s not always easy to make the change and relocate.  There are many considerations; some more tangible than others and not all business owners are able to face up to them.  It could be that the lease still has time to run, or the Company has a long standing history at the location and it is loath to break that link.  Remodelling and reworking of the workspace may be a possibility, but what if the amount of space or its geographical location is unsuitable?   

Core business activity is the key, after all, the real estate is only there to serve the business purpose, so the questions to ask revolve around the key drivers and performance indicators in the business and their ability to be achieved.  Assessment and analysis of the built environment together with the business plan and programme will help determine whether your facilities are supporting your business or the other way round.

James Alexander Consultants are expert in assessing your portfolio and, with you, determining a strategy to develop the correct balance of assets, their relevance and performance for you.  We develop, plan and implement the strategy, leaving you to focus on core activity and opportunity.

eMail us on innovation@jaltd.co.uk or see our contact page for our numbers.  We look forward to speaking with you.

B is for...

Business Impact.

Does your present portfolio of occupied accommodation have a positive or negative impact on the day to day activities of your business?  It can often be the case that businesses continue to occupy and operate out of facilities long after those facilities have served their useful purpose. 

Technological change, production developments, businesses processes and changed working practices can often leave the bricks and mortar way behind in terms of usefulness to the business.  But it’s not always easy to make the change and relocate.  There are many considerations; some more tangible than others and not all business owners are able to face up to them.  It could be that the lease still has time to run, or the Company has a long standing history at the location and it is loath to break that link.  Remodelling and reworking of the workspace may be a possibility, but what if the amount of space or its geographical location is unsuitable?   

Core business activity is the key, after all, the real estate is only there to serve the business purpose, so the questions to ask revolve around the key drivers and performance indicators in the business and their ability to be achieved.  Assessment and analysis of the built environment together with the business plan and programme will help determine whether your facilities are supporting your business or the other way round.

James Alexander Consultants are expert in assessing your portfolio and, with you, determining a strategy to develop the correct balance of assets, their relevance and performance for you.  We develop, plan and implement the strategy, leaving you to focus on core activity and opportunity.

eMail us on innovation@jaltd.co.uk or see our contact page for our numbers.  We look forward to speaking with you.

A is for...

Asset.

After your staffing costs, your built assets, your business’ occupied accommodation, is most likely to represent your biggest cost centre.  Achieving the most efficient and effective usage of your accommodation portfolio is a constant challenge for business and one that, if not managed well, can cause major difficulties and, of course, unnecessary expense.

The opposite of asset is liability.  Many businesses will focus on their real estate in terms of their ability to run their operations; however, not focussing on the whole aspect of their asset responsibilities can lead to difficulties.

Here are my top 5 tips:

1)      Utilisation: Nothing worse than having too much accommodation, unless it’s having too little!  Undertake some assessment and analysis of your occupancy and how well it relates to your core business requirements.

2)      Lease: Have you ever reviewed your lease?  The last time many occupiers will have viewed their lease is when their lawyer was showing them where to sign.  It may be dry, but get a glass, mug or cup of your favourite beverage and have a look through.  You do know where your lease is, don’t you…..?

3)      Liabilities: Following on from Lease, do you know what your liabilities under the lease are?  A lot of companies get caught out with this one.  Insuring and repairing liabilities are onerous and taken very seriousy by the asset owner, your landlord.

4)      Location: Does your business require to be in its current very expensive accommodation?  Could a review of the business objectives, processes and customers reveal that a carefully planned and considered move to less expensive, more flexible accommodation could save your business money?

5)      Contracts: There are, undoubtedly, a large number of contracts keeping your buildings and your business running.  When was the last time these were reviewed, not just for cost but more specifically for suitability and relevance.  You may surprise yourself!

James Alexander Consultants are expert in assessing your portfolio and, with you, determining a strategy to develop the correct balance of assets, their relevance and performance for you.  We develop, plan and implement the strategy, leaving you to focus on core activity and opportunity.

eMail us on innovation@jaltd.co.uk or see our contact page for our numbers.  We look forward to speaking with you.

Lights out in Italy?

The Italians have voted by a 94% majority against the introduction of nuclear power generation to the country.
A pretty resounding rejection of this proposal bucks the trend in Europe and leaves the question as to how their future requirements will be met.