the importance of location in business
The importance of location
Location is the place where a firm decides to site its operations. Location decisions can have a big impact on costs and revenues.
A business needs to decide on the best location taking into account factors such as:
Customers - is the location convenient for customers?
Staff - are there sufficient numbers of local staff with the right skills willing to work at the right wage?
Support services- are there services offering specialist advice, training and support?
Cost - how much will the premises cost? Those situated in prime locations (such as city centres) are far more expensive to rent than edge-of-town premises.
The importance of infrastructure
Infrastructure refers to the facilities that support everyday economic activity, eg. Roads, phone line and gas pipes.
An efficient transport network enables staff to get to work easily. It also allows supplies to be brought in from far afield and permits finished products to be moved to market cheaply and quickly.
The impact of location depends on the type of business. For example, it is important for shops and restaurants to be conveniently located for customers. A delivery-only takeaway may prefer to locate in inexpensive premises on the edge of town close to good transport links.
Government and location
The government offers grants and assistance to businesses that locate in areas with high unemployment. Incentives include:
Grants to help with the cost of setting up a business. Grant money does not need to be repaid.
Loans, which are repayable over many years at low rates of interest.
Tax breaks, for example firms may be made exempt from paying business rate
Overseas location decisions
Setting up a business overseas involves a number of challenges including:
Cultural and language barriers where managers are unfamiliar with local customs.
Legal issues where local laws are different.
Exchange rate issues. Unexpected changes in the value of sterling can
Location is the place where a firm decides to site its operations. Location decisions can have a big impact on costs and revenues.
A business needs to decide on the best location taking into account factors such as:
Customers - is the location convenient for customers?
Staff - are there sufficient numbers of local staff with the right skills willing to work at the right wage?
Support services- are there services offering specialist advice, training and support?
Cost - how much will the premises cost? Those situated in prime locations (such as city centres) are far more expensive to rent than edge-of-town premises.
The importance of infrastructure
Infrastructure refers to the facilities that support everyday economic activity, eg. Roads, phone line and gas pipes.
An efficient transport network enables staff to get to work easily. It also allows supplies to be brought in from far afield and permits finished products to be moved to market cheaply and quickly.
The impact of location depends on the type of business. For example, it is important for shops and restaurants to be conveniently located for customers. A delivery-only takeaway may prefer to locate in inexpensive premises on the edge of town close to good transport links.
Government and location
The government offers grants and assistance to businesses that locate in areas with high unemployment. Incentives include:
Grants to help with the cost of setting up a business. Grant money does not need to be repaid.
Loans, which are repayable over many years at low rates of interest.
Tax breaks, for example firms may be made exempt from paying business rate
Overseas location decisions
Setting up a business overseas involves a number of challenges including:
Cultural and language barriers where managers are unfamiliar with local customs.
Legal issues where local laws are different.
Exchange rate issues. Unexpected changes in the value of sterling can