[Blue Frog Systems]

Am considering starting a new business to run along side my window cleaning round.

I will need to rent a unit for the new business and wondered if anyone had any advice for me at all .... things to look out for / mistakes made ?

[gary999]

dodgy fishing tackle by any chance

[Blue Frog Systems]

Nope Gary .... not telling either

[Window Washers]

Am considering starting a new business to run along side my window cleaning round.

I will need to rent a unit for the new business and wondered if anyone had any advice for me at all .... things to look out for / mistakes made ?

get one that suits your budget and plans, make sure you find out the rates payable although at the mo you get get them discounted to 0 depending on the size.
get one as close as possible because after a few weeks months you will wish you had (I make this mistake a few years back.)

[Blue Frog Systems]

Thanks Ian, been looking at ones within a 5-10 min drive which is the areas i will need to be in

[niceandclean]

Negotiate!
Letting agents are desperate at the moment. I signed up to a new one in September, i got £1850 per year off the asking price on a 5 year lease (which so im told is common at the moment) but with a get out after 3 years if business circumstances change. Also, i got the first maintenance charge dropped as it is due in October and is charged every 4 years, £600.00, things like maintenance to the exterior of the building, roadways, parking area out the front of the unit ect. Also, make sure you get a solictor to look over your lease before you sign, and get your own don't use the one the landlord/letting agent uses.

[Small but perfectley formed]

Make sure you either get easy in/out or a break clause

[bobby p]

its worth paying more for one near people. i once rented a remote unit,cheaper yes  but it was broken into loads of times so i couldnt relax.

 i know a guy with a remote unit and he has had to line it with steel plate !to stop thieves  and now his phone wont work inside  

[Paul Coleman]

Am considering starting a new business to run along side my window cleaning round.

I will need to rent a unit for the new business and wondered if anyone had any advice for me at all .... things to look out for / mistakes made ?

In no particular order:

Look for affordability - maybe some type of storage space where the landlord will be OK with you altering things around a bit in exchange for a promise (and maybe upfront money) of being there longterm.
Doorway width.  Either get somewhere with a wide doorway/shutter to fit the tank through, or do what I did and pay extra for a narrower tank.
Obviously a place with water and electricity supply.
Somewhere that won't be too vulnerable to a freeze-up and/or may be insulated.
Decent security.
If you want an office there too, somewhere you can connect a phone line and/or computer.  If it's just for record keeping/job planning, having an internet connected computer may not be necessary though would be helpful.  If a phone line/internet connection is not practical, you can get a landline number without a line and forward to/from a mobile.  You can also get satellite internet.  The last two items will be more expensive though.
Ensure a good pipe length from your holding tank in case you can't park too close to your unit.  Ensure that you are fairly charged for water if going via the landlord's supply.

[Rogue Trader]

very comprehensive advice Mr coleman , particularly getting your IBC through the door , waste drainage is another requiorement

[AuRavelling79]

+1 on the early getout clause.

[CLEANCARE WC]

There are just 2 words to remember JP.....Richy Wilts

[Window Washers]

very comprehensive advice Mr coleman , particularly getting your IBC through the door , waste drainage is another requiorement

dont use ibc tanks, use 1000l tanks they fit through a doorway  I had to get around this on my last unit as no way an ibc would fit in, so got 1000l upright tanks instead 

[Gav Camm lammy 283]

spk to richy wilts he loves units 

[Rogue Trader]

yes it sur is a problem , i have a garden shed next to my portacabin that houses my 2 x IBC's and i had to make the panel next to the door some hinges!

[Paul Coleman]

very comprehensive advice Mr coleman , particularly getting your IBC through the door , waste drainage is another requiorement

dont use ibc tanks, use 1000l tanks they fit through a doorway  I had to get around this on my last unit as no way an ibc would fit in, so got 1000l upright tanks instead 

I ended up with an upright tank with two big holes in as part of the design (other than the lid hole and drainage hole).  Looks quite odd but does the job.  I think what happened is that they are baffles that are built into the tank - obviously not needed for a holding tank though.