How to identify requirements for a production space

To find the right home for your manufacturing business, you must first create a detailed "technical specification" for your space, focusing on power capacity, floor loading, ventilation, and logistical access before you start viewing properties. Identifying these needs early prevents you from committing to a lease on a unit that cannot support your machinery or comply with safety regulations.

1. Assess your power and utility needs

Most domestic workshops run on standard single-phase electricity, but industrial machinery often requires three-phase power. Check the manual for every piece of equipment you plan to use. If you need three-phase and a unit doesn't have it, the cost to install it can be thousands of pounds.

Requirement	What to look for
Electricity	Total kilowatt (kW) load and phase type (Single vs Three-phase).
Water/Drainage	Access for cleaning, cooling, or chemical disposal.
Gas	Needed for high-heat processes or large-scale heating.

2. Calculate floor space and workflow

It isn't just about the "footprint" of the machine itself. You need to account for:

• Operator space: Room for someone to stand and work safely.
• Maintenance access: Space to get behind or inside the machine for repairs.
• Material "staging": Space for the raw materials waiting to go into the machine and the finished goods coming out.

A good rule of thumb is to take the physical dimensions of your machinery and double the required floor area to allow for safe movement and workflow.

3. Ventilation and extraction

If your process creates dust, fumes, heat, or steam, you need more than just an open window. Identify if you need a "Local Exhaust Ventilation" (LEV) system. When looking at units, check if you are allowed to cut holes in the roof or walls for flues and extractors, as this is often restricted in shared commercial buildings.

4. Logistics and storage

Consider how things get in and out of your building. If you are ordering raw materials by the pallet, you will need a loading bay or at least a wide "roller shutter" door. A standard front door is rarely enough for a growing production business. Similarly, identify how much height you need; "clear eaves height" is important if you plan to use high-level racking to store your stock.

Tip: Don't forget about the "People Specs." UK law requires you to provide adequate toilets, washing facilities, and a clean area for staff to eat and rest. Ensure any unit you consider has these or the space to build them.

5. Planning Use Classes

In the UK, buildings are categorised by "Use Classes." Generally, you will be looking for:

• Class E(g)(iii): Light industrial appropriate in a residential area.
• Class B2: General industrial (often for noisier or more "intense" manufacturing).
• Class B8: Storage and distribution.

Always verify with the local council or the landlord that your specific manufacturing process is permitted in that specific unit.