Choosing the right location for your business: criteria to consider

The importance of location to a company's success is often underestimated.  It is essential to give this enough consideration and to consider the various criteria in order to make a measured and considered decision.

In fact, many factors play a role in the choice of an ideal location for your company.  Below you will find a series of points which should be considered:

The company's activity

The nature of the company's activity determines your location!  It is essential that you consult the regional land use plan (PRAS), which divides the Brussels Region into different zones (mixed zone, residential zone, urban industrial zone, etc.) and defines the number of m² of surface area authorised for each of these zones for a whole range of uses. 

You can determine the PRAS zone in which a given address is located by searching by address on the map on the BRUGIS site. At the level of certain districts, there are sometimes special land use plans (PPAS). These plans also contain regulations relating to different activities. You can check whether a PPAS exists on the map of the BRUGIS site. 

❗️ Please note: you will need to amend your existing planning permission on a regular basis if you intend to change the use of the premises, put up a sign, etc (see planning permit).  Careful checking is essential, as some projects are impossible from a planning point of view! An environmental permit may also be required.

The space itself

There are several regional organisations that can help you find your space. Take the time beforehand to identify the type of space you need for your business: 

• Office
• Production workshop
• Storage space
• Warehouse (for retail or wholesale)
• A combination of warehouse and office space 

❗️ Please note: check whether the space will still be suitable for your business in the future (expansion).

Finally, if you want to run your business from home, you will need to take into account certain planning constraints !

Accessibility

• The geographic location relative to suppliers and customers (outlets)
• Parking possibilities in the surrounding area; access by public transport
• The geographic location of the competition (do you want to set up close to your competitors or not?)

If you are looking for a location for your shop, consider using the Analytics tool from the Retail department of hub.brussels.  This instrument provides an exhaustive view of the commercial potential of the different commercial districts in Brussels, along with a structural diagram of their environment: presentation of the commercial offer in maps and images, analysis of pedestrian flows, quantitative and qualitative analysis of profiles.  And you can consult it for free!

Image

• The appearance of the building (does it correspond to your company image?)
• The reputation of the town/region
• Road safety/crime in the area
• The visibility of the building and of your logo

Costs

• Does the property's cost correspond to its value?
• Can you apply for any grants?
• What costs are involved in the transformation works? (loading/unloading dock, parking, refrigeration, security, telecommunications infrastructure, etc.)
• What are the possible transport costs?
• Will any specific taxes need to be paid?
• Etc.