Trends in commercial property often reflect what people are looking for within their own personal lives. From the state of the art, high rise city centre office block through to regenerated docklands and spacious barn conversions, organisations are increasingly looking for premises that complement their businesses and offer an improved quality of working life. Furthermore, a growing awareness of the importance of the environment, combined with a greater emphasis on a more satisfying work/life balance has made us all a little more selective about where we spend our working days.
With an abundance of beautiful countryside combined with successful commercial centres and good transport links across the region, the desire for an office in the countryside is now a viable reality. At a time when commercial premises can be difficult to let, rural offices are increasingly popular with businesses looking to get away from it all. A decade ago, this might have been considered the kiss of death for a business, but with advances in technology and the government keen to invest in the rural economy, it often makes sound financial and commercial sense.
A rural investment
In recent years, public money has quite rightly been invested in urban regeneration; it now seems that the government has turned its attention to the undeveloped economic potential in the British countryside. In November 2011, the Rural Economy Growth Review introduced a package of measures specifically designed to encourage financial growth in these areas. One of the issues addressed was the constraints placed on farmers when trying to obtain planning permission for farm building change of use. In fact, it is estimated that around 26 per cent of agricultural holdings with traditional buildings have at least one building unused. The review has proposed a consultation to make the process easier, thereby allowing existing agricultural buildings to be used for other purposes where appropriate. Led by Defra, the review also allocated £25 million to promote rural tourism and to support rural businesses, including £10 million from the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE). In addition, £20 million has been earmarked to extend superfast broadband to the most remote areas.
The power of technology
Inevitably, improved technology has been key in making a rural location more accessible. Technological advances over the past decade have enabled people to travel further and exchange more information at greater speeds, stimulating the historically niche market of rural offices. Broadband speed is often a concern, particularly in areas where speeds may not be as quick as new office parks. However, most rural offices have upgraded their telecommunications to include satellite broadband – just as efficient and cost effective without the need for extensive disruption. Furthermore, just because an office is located in a more pastoral setting doesn’t automatically mean that its broadband connection is poor. In fact, it is possible to find rural offices with superfast connection speeds of up to 40MB – and with the government setting the target of having the fastest broadband in Europe by 2015, this is an area of ongoing investment and rapid improvement.
Making financial sense
So why are rural offices so popular? Inevitably personal preferences vary, but cost is certainly a common factor. Offices of comparable specification in urban locations and edge of town office parks are usually more expensive, often by up to 50 per cent. As rental costs are a sizeable overhead for most small businesses, relocating out of town can be a tempting option.
Space and style
These high spec rural offices usually offer a different style of accommodation in terms of setting and style. They are often converted from old barns or unusual buildings such as the Arc Business Centre in Leicestershire, which has created distinctive, modern offices from a disused children’s play barn in the grounds of a former country pub. With a wealth of architectural features, such offices enjoy pleasant surroundings and far reaching countryside views. They also have the benefit of ample space, not just for parking but for time away from your desk to relax and eat lunch. The types of new build rural offices on the market are light and airy, open plan, readily convertible and benefit from the same mod cons that office parks do, such as air conditioning and high spec broadband.
It’s true that an office in the countryside isn’t for every business, particularly those that need to be close to public transport or centres of commerce. However, the historical assumption that proximity to the high street is a necessity has been proven false by the many companies that have made a smooth and profitable transition to rural premises. For many, the prospects that they offer - cheaper rents, flexible leases, more pleasant surroundings and valuable space are attractive ones – and well worth considering.
About the author
Joe Welch is a Chartered Surveyor and RICS Registered Valuer at Andrew Granger & Co, one of the largest independent estate agencies and chartered surveyors in the East Midlands. He works in the planning department based at the firm's Market Harborough office. Joe is from a farming background and is a keen sportsman, playing rugby for Market Harborough, as well as some cricket in the summer.
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