An informative new guide for people considering leasing business premises has been launched by Minister for Small Business Hendy Cowan. The guide, Leasing Business Premises – a Commercial and Practical Guide, was developed by the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) in response to demand from the small business sector.
Mr Cowan said that while a lease could be complex and difficult to understand, it was essential that small business operators armed themselves with comprehensive knowledge before committing to a contract.
He said lease suitability and location could make or break a business.
“A well-considered lease is important to the profitability of a business. It is often central to the goodwill, value and future sale of the business,” Mr Cowan said.
“Occupancy costs are second only to staff costs in order of business overheads.
“As many small businesses enter into leases for relatively long periods of time to enable the building of goodwill, it is important that they negotiate leases that are commercially viable and meet their business needs.”
The launch was also addressed by the 2000 Telstra Business Woman of the Year Patria Jafferies.
Ms Jafferies, the managing director and co-founder of Dome Coffees Australia, said site evaluation and profile was critical to the development of a business location.
Media contact: Peter Jackson 9222-9595
