Expansion prospects prompt companies to consider a move

MORE companies are considering relocating, with expansion cited as the main reason, according to a survey published today.

Research by Management Today and Black Horse Relocation shows that 22 per cent of executives believe their company is likely to move within five years.

More than a third say expansion is the driving force behind the search for new premises while 16 per cent give business restructuring as the reason for a move.

John Carolan, managing director of Black Horse Relocation, said the figures pointing to economic recovery substantiated his view that relocation was a seven-year cycle. Britain could be moving towards a boom in the market, he said.

Bristol is the most popular choice of city for relocation, followed by Edinburgh, Nottingham, Norwich and Plymouth. Bristol has one of the lowest unemployment rates of the cities sampled and offers grants and incentives in development and enteprise zones.

Companies in Exeter, Cardiff, Reading and Plymouth were the most likely to relocate to Bristol.

A quality workforce and good road transport were considered the most important business factors affecting the choice of relocation city. Quality of life, the local people and the cost of living were the most important personal factors.

Mr Carolan said: 'Research during the recession shows the key reason for choosing a location was availability of site. However, research shows the emphasis has clearly shifted. We believe this reflects the over-supply of office space in many areas and the rising importance of quality staff for service organisations.'

----------------------------------------------------------------- TOP TEN LOCATIONS ----------------------------------------------------------------- Percentage of executives naming city as first, second or third choice for relocation Bristol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Edinburgh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Nottingham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Norwich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Plymouth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Manchester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Birmingham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Exeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Leeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Southampton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Source: City Research Associates -----------------------------------------------------------------