The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland and Dublin Chamber have come together to publish a new ‘Guide to property for SMEs’.
The guide, which covers a wide range of commercial property related topics which owners of small and medium enterprises need to be aware of, was launched at an event at the offices of Dublin Chamber this morning. (Thursday)
The topics covered inclue buying or leasing, valuations, insurance, tax allowances, rent reviews, service charges, dilapidations, sustainability /ESG, commercial rates and many more.
Arlene Maguire, Vice Chair of the SCSI’s Commercial Agency professional group said in a volatile environment, adaptability and flexibility are key attributes as businesses look to meet their property requirements.
“This property guide is designed to help small business owners manage their property efficiently and run their business more profitably. Right now, many businesses are reconfiguring and, in some cases, changing their practical requirements so they can easily adapt to new and unforeseen challenges such as hybrid and remote working, rising energy costs and disrupted supply chains.”
“Decisions about premises, whether buying, leasing, maintaining, or extending can often prove daunting for business entrepreneurs. In the current volatile environment, they are even more challenging, and it has never been more important for business owners to make informed decisions and ensure their premises are the right fit for their business. That’s where this guide comes in.”
Stephen O’Leary, Vice President of Dublin Chamber said the publication of the guide was timely as it comes at a particularly challenging period for SME’s.
“With the economy facing unprecedented challenges, particularly with regard to energy costs, it is vital that entrepreneurs and SMEs understand their rights and responsibilities in relation to property. This guide is the perfect place to start for an aspiring entrepreneur with questions about property, but it will also be of assistance to more established businesses that are seeking guidance in today’s complex and evolving property market.”
“However, it’s important to note that many of the topics covered here can be highly complex and the guide is not a substitute for the depth of knowledge and experience that a chartered surveyor can provide. By referring to this guide entrepreneurs should have a good understanding of when to call in the professionals, what questions to ask them and most importantly a fuller appreciation of the information they are given. It’s important business owners know there are professional supports available, and we would urge them to avail of them through the Dublin Chamber and the SCSI when and as required.”
“As firms continue with their phased return to the office almost a year on from the reopening of normal economic activity in February 2022, the guide launched by Dublin Chamber and SCSI will serve as an indispensable map in chartering the new territory of balancing the onsite needs of businesses with remote and hybrid working trends.”
“The key to steering this successfully will rest partly with the repurposing of office space to suit a hybrid working environment. Dublin Chamber members cite this as one of their greatest challenges (one in five Dublin firms (22%) according to our Q2, Business Outlook Survey), while anecdotally acknowledging it as an exciting opportunity for innovation.”
