Location, location, location

Though an out-of-town office may be ideal for call centres, it would not necessarily be a good move for high-street brokers. Nicolle Farthing says offices should be tailored to fit

The location of a brokerage depends on the type of business but, whether a call centre or the headquarters of a commercial intermediary, research is key.

Historical links play a major part, as people like to set up near home and family. Other factors include communication links, cost of premises and facilities, availability of suitable employees and proximity to business partners and clients.

London, as the financial centre of Europe, is often seen as the obvious choice. Although the cost of