The recent changes in Britain's economy obviously have an effect on many businesses located in London. These changes, an inevitable part of any business, can manifest themselves in different ways: company growth, downsizing, out-sourcing of extra staff and even businesses that feel they need to become part of London's skyline for the many benefits an office in London can offer.

Locating to London remains a goal for many businesses of varying sizes. Consider its advantages and it's easy to see why: London is facilitated by five airports and the most recent European rail networks, making it a hot-spot for many key conglomerates. Yet moving to, or even moving within the capital can seem a daunting prospect. With thousands of available properties, the choice is vast. It is also in the company's interests to orchestrate a swift and efficient transition, as well as ensuring that the choice of location is strategically sound.

In addition to the cost of moving, there are also the staff to consider; 82% of those interviewed in a recent study by one Commercial Property company said that their immediate workspace impacted most on their ability to work productively and efficiently. The process of moving office space takes time, careful consideration, organisation and money. Without applying the necessary thought and research, an office move can prove costly and unnecessarily disruptive to staff and company efficiency.

In order to maximise the success of relocation, many businesses are using the services of commercial property agents. These are people who can navigate their way through what is now proving to be a very competitive market.

A dedicated team of researchers can work on behalf of and within the parameters of a business looking to move. These experts should be able to find the best office space available for a company, taking into account factors such as cost, the needs of a business and the needs of its staff. In essence, a commercial property agent can take the strain out of relocation and saving the business time and money.

For companies currently considering a move, there is a certain amount of good news to be taken from the state of the economy today: the 'credit crunch' has proven a large factor in the reduction of rental rates across London and, with a number of commercial properties in London nearing completion, there is an estimated 13.7 million square feet of office space in London available. Combine this with a rise in vacancy rates to around 6.2%, and there is plenty of opportunity for a company to find the right office space at the right price, using the services of a relocation company.

Tracking down office space in London for rental can be a time-consuming, expensive and frustrating process - especially if it is carried out the 'traditional' way. A commercial agent can also use his or her expertise to negotiate the red-tape of leases and other legalities that can prove confusing for those without the necessary knowledge. It is no surprise that many companies are now using the services of the experts to manage their relocation, minimising cost and disruption.