Why Businesses Are Leaving Farnham Office Space Behind

For many businesses in Farnham, staying in the town centre may no longer be the most viable option. With cost rising significantly for businesses located in town centres, space becoming a luxury, and other factors such as limited room to grow, high congestion, and expensive rent, more companies are choosing to relocate just a short drive away to business parks where they can access better value and more space. 

For businesses looking to stay competitive, it’s crucial to understand the reasons behind this shift and how moving outside the town centre can offer greater flexibility, room for growth, and a better overall work environment.

1. The Changing Business Landscape 

Since Covid-19, more than half of UK firms have offices open outside city centres. Remote and hybrid working models have made large, centralised office spaces less necessary, with businesses finding they can operate just as efficiently in more affordable, accessible locations. The rising costs of leasing in major cities have only accelerated this move.

In Farnham, the challenges are similar. While the town centre offers charm, businesses are facing rising rents, limited space, and a lack of flexibility for growth. Narrow streets and congestion make it difficult to operate efficiently, especially for expanding companies. As a result, more businesses are turning to business parks just outside the town centre, where they can access better value, more space, and flexible leasing options that allow for future growth.

2. Cost: A Key Factor in Relocation Decisions

One key problem with Farnham as an office location is the rising costs attached with businesses operating in its town centre. This is happening across the UK in large towns and cities, where office rents and other attached costs have risen significantly. Premium locations in The Borough command high rates, and that’s before you factor in the hidden costs including parking for staff/clients and business rates on older buildings. According to research from INRIX, UK employees spend an average of £2,288 per year on parking within 15 minutes of the city centre, nearly £44 per week that could be going straight into their pocket.

However, there are cheaper and flexible options for businesses. Business Parks like Tanshire Business Park offer competitive rental prices and flexible lease terms, providing a persuasive draw to businesses looking to reduce their overheads. Rather than being locked into long leases and extreme rental costs, businesses can find an option that meets their needs. 

Additionally, organisations can make substantial savings beyond just rent. If you look at the wider factors such as parking, utilities and maintenance costs, a rural business park becomes more favourable.

3. Space: Room to Grow and Adapt

Limited Space in Town Centre Offices

Office spaces in the town centre tend to be smaller and constrained within older buildings. These spaces often lack the flexibility that modern businesses need to accommodate growing teams. When your team grows or your working style changes, you can find yourself squeezed into a small office that doesn’t accommodate your business needs. 

Business parks often offer various sizes of office space that can accommodate to every individual need, so you’re not forced into an office that isn’t quite right. By using an office space calculator, you can ensure that you have the required space at your office and not overspending or squeezed in. 

Adaptability to Employee Needs

With green, spacious surroundings at Tanshire Business Park, the workplace reflects a more nature-immerse environment, away from the noise and crowds of Farnham. The office spaces are bright and airy, with large windows that create a perfect environment for productivity and collaboration. This setting is designed to help businesses and their employees thrive and achieve success. Tanshire Business Park also offers a wide range of office spaces including brand-new range of suites from 190-1160 sq. ft available for rent in January.

4. Employee Satisfaction and Wellbeing

Often, the location of an office can have a massive effect to a business and its employees. Both congestion and work-life balance are key factors in assessing a business’ office location.

Employees working in town centres often face lengthy, unpredictable commutes through congested streets. They deal with the stress of finding parking, high noise levels, and a general lack of green space. A 2024 survey by Ciphr found that 15% of workers cite their commute as a significant source of stress, and anyone who's sat in Farnham traffic on a busy morning will understand why. Over time, this daily cause of stress can build up and cause job dissatisfaction for the business’ employees.

Business parks offer a tranquil environment with green spaces, natural light, and quiet areas for focused work. These features not only reduce stress but also improve employee wellbeing, leading to higher job satisfaction and productivity.