Proposal help needed for startup location

[touch of nature]

Hi all,

We are currently in correspondance with a very high profile property developer in a high profile development
We are going to go into limited company formation due to needing a high level of startup costs.
We are now in a position of putting in a proposal to the developer for the floorspace related to the business.
The developer has specifications into flooring due to heating and cooling and has a very high regard for design and layout.
We as touch of nature have all the ideas on the feel of the area and how we wish to layout the areas.
How do we approach the delveloper to make them aware how our outlet in the building would be of benefit to them in generating and attracting customers to the development
We are after any guaidance as we have never put a proposal in for any premises before and want to make sure the layout of paperwork is correct ie like doing the business plan.
Any ideas on what we start with and a layout structure would be a life saver to us at the present

Thanks all

Jen & Lloyd
Touch of Nature

[profitxchange]

Is it office, retail or residential development?

It is not clear why you want to approach the developer? Do you want a discounted deal?

There usually three ways on trying to get a better deal, first occupier, he needs people in the building to attract others. Your set up is an exemplar of what it does and has street cred. This will be difficult if you are a start up. Finally, if what you do is attractive to potential occupants, ie it helps him sell the space to others.

Your perspective must be to use an approach that will help the developer sell/rent the space faster and at higher cost. You must come up with some ideas, cost the benefits, then invite yourself to a meeting to "discuss your ideas - that will be of MUTUAL benefit.

Hope this offers a starting point.

[touch of nature]

Thanks for the first reply

Sorry for lack of info

The development is of

45,000 sqft retail space
300,000 sqft of office space
100 room hotel

we are looking to put the proposal together to offer the attraction of oniste facility to the office area and also a retail sales area we are looking to make this a fresh outlook to the owners of the building for attracting potential clients to fill the office space in the building.
we are also aiming to offer the facility to the hotel
we are aware to get backing off the developer we have to portray a business proposal that will show what we can do for them and what they can do for us.
we are fully confident in our outlook on business and sucsess of our products and services offered but we are not sure how to relay this in a professional proposal.
we are in conjunction with business link and the dti but the support is a little slow and we fee the forum offers a wide range of advice.

we hope this elaborates a little more

Thanks guys

Jen & Lloyd

[profitxchange]

which Business Link is not helping you? I am happy chase as I have connections within BL.

Unless you have areally top notch reputation already I would suggest a developer of this property size is unlikely to see your proposition as having any material benefit.

By all means try - but I think you should not anticipate a worthwhile outcome.

[Cornish Steve]

So, if I understand you correctly, you are not looking to rent office space per se but to provide some type of on-site service to existing tenants (akin to a snack bar or a massage room). Your argument goes that, by offering your service, you will make the facility more desirable and therefore help to attract more tenants. Did I get this right?

Based on my limited experience with being a tenant in an office building:

1) Be very very careful about the length of any contract. If the buildings have a classy reputation, the manager will seek to lock you into a long-term contract. As a startup, I'd push for the shortest contract you can get.

2) You have very little leverage right now. If you're a startup, you have no track record, no credibility, no references, and so on. It's going to be tough to get a good deal (sorry!).

3) Put together a business plan as if you are looking for funding. If you can prove real financial benefit for the owners, maybe they'd give you a second glance.

4) Could you work with an existing tenant and sub-let space? You'd reduce the risks involved if you could find a small space that's not needed for a few months - just to get your toe in the door and prove your worth. If your service becomes popular, you'd suddenly have leverage.

I'm still not sure that I've interpreted your needs correctly, but hopefully these comments are useful.

[WakingDragon]

Another approach would be to ask the developer if they have a format for accepting tenders. This will allow you to see all of the basic information that they require.

Alternatively, you could ask any friendly sub-contracters you know how they usually pitch for work to this kind of company.

There will be standard stuff you are expected to provide so you really want to find this out before submitting the proposal.

[touch of nature]

Cheers Bob and WakingDragon for the ideas and direction that really helps we are now to contact to developer to see if they have a layout really appreciate your tips :D

[WakingDragon]

You're welcome. It never hurts to ask and there is nothing unprofessional about it as every company will be slightly different.