The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) and Dublin Chamber have jointly published a commercial property guide for SMEs.
The guide covers a wide range of topics that business owners need to be aware of, including buying or leasing, valuations, insurance, tax allowances, rent reviews, service charges, dilapidations, sustainability/Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), and commercial rates.
The guide was launched at an event at the offices of Dublin Chamber on Thursday. Arlene Maguire, vice chair of SCSI's commercial agency, said adaptability and flexibility are key attributes required by businesses to meet their property needs in a volatile environment.
“This property guide is designed to help small business owners manage their property efficiently and run their business more profitably," Maguire said.
"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.
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“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," he commented.
"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.”
Some 22% of Dublin Chamber members cite balancing onsite needs of business with remote/hybrid working trends as one of their greatest challenges in Q2.
(Pic: Getty Images)
