“Location, Location, Location” is the mantra for house-hunters, but new business owners are being urged to heed the message or face tough times ahead.

That’s the warning from Huddersfield’s multi award-winning law firm Ridley & Hall, after location was highlighted in two reports as one of the main reasons for start up firms failing to take off.

Costs are always crucial, particularly for young businesses, but bosses are being urged not to just look for low-rent sites when they start trading but to carefully pick their location – pinpointing where their customers are, ease of accessibility and proximity of competitors – and be prepared to pay for that prime plot.

The advice comes as more and more people are being tempted to pursue their dream of starting their own business, and the time is right with the British Chambers of Commerce upgrading its economic growth forecast for 2014 from 2.8% to 3.1%.

Now Ridley & Hall solicitors, based in Market Street, are offering new bosses a free pep-talk to prepare their business ventures.

It is the latest initiative from the firm’s new Commercial Property department.  The free-30 minute consultations will give advice to business owners who are starting up or branching out.

Commercial property solicitor, Julie Devenport said: “Our consultations mean we can come up with ideas and advice on how commercial property deals can work for you, and to help you avoid the pitfalls. And the best thing is that the advice is free, so businesses have nothing to lose by talking to us.”

Ridley & Hall specialises in commercial property matters including landlord and tenant work, mortgages, and sales and purchases of freeholds and leaseholds.

The law firm earlier this year announced a major investment in expanding its commercial property department with its own dedicated team.

As part of that move, they have recruited the vastly experienced and well-known commercial lawyer John Royle.

Ridley & Hall has recently won the title of Law Firm of the Year and senior partner Nigel Priestley was named Legal Champion of the year.

To book a free business consultation, contact Julie Devenport on 01484 538421 or call into Ridley & Hall’s offices on Market Street, Huddersfield.