Gas and electricity? Check. Local council tax rates? Check. Transport links? Check. Disabled access? Check. Internet connectivity? Umm…

It's an all too familiar story for ISPs. A business moves into a promising new location with all the right amenities, transport links and neighbours who boast super fast broadband.

Once the contract is signed, the business will contact their chosen ISP to pipe in their broadband only to have the building manager drag their heels responding to requests to have access to the building.  We at Lumison have encountered a number of customers who've had to wait up to 9 months to install fibre optic services.

Think about it. Being without the second most important company asset (after your staff) your for 9 months – because of red tape and human intransigence.

This is a serious issue that business advisors, the FSB and ISPs need to flag up and campaign.

The solution is simple: before signing on the dotted line, be clear that permission for cable laying from the landlord is attained for any and all telcos so you’re not tied into just the one telco your landlord let into the building on day 1. Don't sign a lease before terms of access are absolutely clear. You wouldn't move into an office if the landlord refused access to an electrician or a health and safety officer, the same should apply for the cable guy.