I have no idea what I am doing

Hi!

I'm hoping you guys might be able to help with a bit of advice as I have no idea where to start.

I currently run a dog food shop in South Manchester. For a whole host of boring reasons, I'm looking to move. Ideally I would like to rent a building on a farm close to where I am now so my existing customers won't be too adversely affected.

My problem is I don't know even where to begin looking for something like this. Are there agents I should speak to? Websites I should search? Ask here? Should this post be in the wanted section??? I'm guessing this is something some people do, but I suppose it would need certain permissions which I could cross that bridge when I come to it.

There are a number of farms within a mile or so of my current location, should I post something to them? What would you do? I don't even know if this is in the right section. I didn't want it to litter the wrong forum.

So I'm absolutely clueless and any advice would be gratefully received.

Thank you

 

[chaffcutter]

Go and speak to the local farms you are aware of, a polite query never offends, and even if they can’t help themselves, they might be able to point you in the direction of someone who can.
The local NFU office may also help, they know most farmers in their area.

 

[steveR]

Be aware, that running a retail outlet from a farm building will be a "Change of Use" and can create major issues and complications.

A little easier if warehousing the stock, as it could be done small scale, under teh radar.

 

[melted welly]

Hi!

I'm hoping you guys might be able to help with a bit of advice as I have no idea where to start.

I currently run a dog food shop in South Manchester. For a whole host of boring reasons, I'm looking to move. Ideally I would like to rent a building on a farm close to where I am now so my existing customers won't be too adversely affected.

My problem is I don't know even where to begin looking for something like this. Are there agents I should speak to? Websites I should search? Ask here? Should this post be in the wanted section??? I'm guessing this is something some people do, but I suppose it would need certain permissions which I could cross that bridge when I come to it.

There are a number of farms within a mile or so of my current location, should I post something to them? What would you do? I don't even know if this is in the right section. I didn't want it to litter the wrong forum.

So I'm absolutely clueless and any advice would be gratefully received.

Thank you

Could put word out amongst your customers? Word of mouth often opens doors.

 

[jeane]

Go and speak to the local farms you are aware of, a polite query never offends, and even if they can’t help themselves, they might be able to point you in the direction of someone who can.
The local NFU office may also help, they know most farmers in their area.

Thank you. The NFU is a great idea. I hadn't even considered them.

I will do a small note to everyone as well. I didn't know if that would be considered intrusive.

Thanks very much.

 

[jeane]

Could put word out amongst your customers? Word of mouth often opens doors.

Yes, I might do. It can't hurt can it?

 

[jeane]

Be aware, that running a retail outlet from a farm building will be a "Change of Use" and can create major issues and complications.

A little easier if warehousing the stock, as it could be done small scale, under teh radar.

I like it. I have a friend who is a surveyor but he only deals with commercial buildings and has not the foggiest either so...I guess...a warehouse it is then....! Thanks for the tip. Nightmare avoided. Much appreciated.

Ah, I just realised I should have done multi-quote.. facepalm.

 

[suffolksmallholder]

A local business in the same line as you rented a warehouse. They sold from this premises as well which was not allowed in the lease. A competitor dobbed them in.
Needless to say the business is no longer trading and the hole has been filled by another trader.
Read the wording in your potential new lease carefully if you are going in that direction. Don’t get tripped up
SS

 

[Fendt516profi]

@Anymulewilldo

 

[Gadget]

We farm on the edge of Birmingham, all my neighbours rent out space to one degree or another. If someone comes to me and I can't help, I point them in the direction of a neighbour who possibly could.
Knock on doors and ask, if they can't help they may know someone who can.

 

[jeane]

We farm on the edge of Birmingham, all my neighbours rent out space to one degree or another. If someone comes to me and I can't help, I point them in the direction of a neighbour who possibly could.
Knock on doors and ask, if they can't help they may know someone who can.

Thank you. I'm a little afraid of annoying/pestering/insulting people. I don't know how many people have come before me and tried with the same idea.

I will try though. I've been greatly encouraged by how nice people are here!

 

[steveR]

Thank you. I'm a little afraid of annoying/pestering/insulting people. I don't know how many people have come before me and tried with the same idea.

I will try though. I've been greatly encouraged by how nice people are here!

You must have caught us on an "off day"...

Best of luck anyway.

 

[Gadget]

Thank you. I'm a little afraid of annoying/pestering/insulting people. I don't know how many people have come before me and tried with the same idea.

I will try though. I've been greatly encouraged by how nice people are here!

Be honest with what you are hoping to do and what you will be packing. If you intend to run it as a shop also there may be two problems. First, they may only have permission for light industrial and storage, so retail is out. Second if you are intending to retail, not everyone wants the world and his wife having a nose around.
Non of us in this area will have anyone who repairs cars, they usually have a lot of mess and undesirables hanging around with them.

 

[Welderloon]

Are there any farm shops nearby?
They are usually a good source of info regarding all things retail related from farm buildings, pitfalls, extra bureaucracy that needs filled out, they may also know of other buildings available in your locality.

 

[jeane]

Be honest with what you are hoping to do and what you will be packing. If you intend to run it as a shop also there may be two problems. First, they may only have permission for light industrial and storage, so retail is out. Second if you are intending to retail, not everyone wants the world and his wife having a nose around.
Non of us in this area will have anyone who repairs cars, they usually have a lot of mess and undesirables hanging around with them.

fair points on all counts. Hopefully it will be a long relationship so I'm open book. i don't see any point in trying to deceive anyone. I'm also willing to do all that I can to accommodate owners where I can. I realise I am a visitor.

my partner runs a garage and we have been searching for a new workshop for about 2 years now. it's a very common sentiment and yes, i know the undesirables you speak of!

Thank you.

Are there any farm shops nearby?
They are usually a good source of info regarding all things retail related from farm buildings, pitfalls, extra bureaucracy that needs filled out, they may also know of other buildings available in your locality.

Also a good idea.

Not really shops but some people are selling their goods from their farms. I'm going to have a drive around next week and see who is doing what. My plan is to have a leaflet with me of my contact details and what I am looking for. Hopefully if people can't help they may be happy to hang on to my details. My hope is that you're all a fairly tight community so word might spread quickly!

I'll also give NFU a call this week to see if they have any pointers.

I'm trying to speak to the previous occupant of my current rental who moved to a farm who has a number of units that they rent. I don't know how far away it is and like you say, it may possibly fraught with retail pitfalls but I figure it might be useful to get a few tips from him.

I just know my current situation is not one I want to be in for longer than I need to.

thanks

 

[Farmersboy]

Try Oakwood Property Services.
They may be able to advise