For corporate expansion and relocation projects, the role of site selection consultants and site selection companies is critical. These experts navigate the complex terrain of finding the perfect location for businesses to thrive. Whether you're a growing enterprise or an established corporation seeking a new base of operations, partnering with the right site selector can be a game-changer. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the top site selectors and companies in the field.

The Role of Site Selection Consultants and Site Selection Companies

Site selection involves extensive research, analysis, and decision-making. It requires a deep understanding of various factors, including geographical location, demographics, labor force, infrastructure, regulatory environment, reviews from local businesses and market access. To navigate these considerations, businesses often turn to site selectors and site selection companies.

These experts serve as guides in the site selection journey, helping businesses find the optimal location to achieve their objectives. They play a pivotal role in:

• Identifying strategic locations that align with a company's goals.
• Analyzing data and market trends to make informed decisions.
• Navigating regulatory hurdles and permitting processes.
• Optimizing cost-efficiency through well-informed choices.
• Ensuring a seamless transition during the relocation process.

Now, let's introduce you to some of the top players in the site selection field.

Top Site Selection Companies

1. Global Location Strategies

Global Location Strategies is a premier site selection consulting firm. They specialize in helping companies find the perfect location for their operations, considering factors like labor markets, incentives, and supply chains.

2. Site Selection Group

Site Selection Group is known for its expertise in workforce analytics and location advisory services. They provide comprehensive solutions for businesses looking to optimize their site selection strategies.

3. Strategic Development Group

Strategic Development Group focuses on assisting businesses in securing economic development incentives. They excel in negotiations and help clients maximize their investment returns.

4. Forsythe & Associates

Forsythe & Associates boasts a diverse team of experts with backgrounds in economics, finance, and real estate. They provide customized site selection solutions for a wide range of industries.

5. Biggins Lacy Shapiro & Co.

Biggins Lacy Shapiro & Co. is a trusted name in site selection and economic development consulting. They offer innovative strategies and solutions to businesses seeking growth opportunities.

6. WDG Consulting (Wadley, Donovan, Gushaw Consulting)

WDG Consulting is a site selection company with a global footprint. Their services cover everything from location strategy to incentive negotiations.

7. KSM Location Advisors

KSM Location Advisors specialize in providing location strategies and incentives services. They help businesses across industries find ideal locations and maximize their potential savings.

8. Hickey and Associates

Hickey and Associates have a strong reputation for providing corporate site selection services. They focus on delivering strategies that align with a company's unique goals.

Top Consultancies with Site Selection Divisions

Apart from dedicated site selection firms, several commercial real estate brokerages, legal firms, and accounting companies also have specialized site selection divisions. These divisions offer a broad range of services, combining their expertise in real estate, legal matters, and financial analysis with site selection strategies.

Here are some notable examples:

1. Baker Tilly (Site Selection Division)

Baker Tilly, a well-known accounting and advisory firm, boasts a dedicated site selection division. They help businesses navigate the site selection process while leveraging their financial expertise.

2. Newmark (Site Selection Division)

Newmark, a prominent commercial real estate brokerage, offers site selection services through its dedicated division. They provide valuable insights into real estate markets alongside site selection expertise.

3. BDO (Site Selection Division)

BDO, a leading accounting and advisory firm, has a site selection division that assists businesses in making location decisions that align with their financial goals.

4. Ryan (Site Selection Division)

Ryan, a global tax services firm, extends its expertise to site selection through a dedicated division. They help clients optimize their site selection strategies while considering tax implications.

5. Cushman & Wakefield

Cushman & Wakefield is a global leader in real estate services, offering comprehensive site selection solutions. Their team of experts excels in providing strategic advice and implementation for corporate relocations and expansions. By leveraging their extensive market knowledge and proprietary data, Cushman & Wakefield helps businesses identify optimal locations that align with their strategic goals. Their services include labor market analysis, incentive negotiation, and cost-benefit analysis, ensuring businesses make informed, strategic site selection decisions.

Site Selection Resources

In addition to these top site selectors and companies, there are valuable resources that can aid in your site selection journey:

• Select USA: SelectUSA, spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Commerce, aims to boost job-creating investments in the U.S. and highlight economic development's pivotal role in the nation's economy. To date, SelectUSA has overseen over $146 billion in investments, contributing to the creation and preservation of over 166,000 U.S. jobs. They play a key role in helping international companies identify the right US destination in their site selection process. 

• Site Selectors Guild: A professional organization comprising top site selection consultants who adhere to high industry standards.

• Site Selection Magazine: A leading publication in the field of site selection and economic development, offering insights and analysis of site selection trends and strategies.

• Area Development: An online resource providing valuable information and articles related to site selection, economic development, and corporate expansion.

• Business Facilities: A comprehensive source of information on economic development, site selection, and corporate real estate.

Partnering with a top site selection consultant or company can be a strategic move for your business. Their expertise and data-driven approach can make a substantial difference in your expansion or relocation endeavors. Whether you're considering a dedicated site selection firm or a division within a larger organization, these experts are your allies in finding the perfect place for your business to thrive.

Scout's Place in Site Selection

Scout is an economic development and site selection platform. Employers and location consultants alike use the Scout platform to find tax incentives, labor data, and employer reviews to pinpoint the best states and cities for business. Scout also helps companies navigate location decisions. From understanding the purpose of an RFI to actually choosing the right consultant for your company, Scout can point you in the right direction. 

FAQs

What is site selection?

Site selection is the process of choosing the optimal location for a business or project based on factors such as geography, workforce, infrastructure, and business incentives. It involves a comprehensive analysis of data and market research to make an informed decision.

What are site selection consultants?

Site selection consultants are professionals or firms specializing in helping businesses identify and choose suitable locations for their operations. They use their expertise in data analysis, market research, and industry knowledge to assist businesses in making informed site selection decisions. We did the heavy lifting for your and compiled a comprehensive list of location and site selection consultants.

What are common site selection criteria?

Common criteria and factors for the site selection process include geographical location, demographics, labor force availability and quality, infrastructure, regulatory environment, market access, and more. Keep in mind, what makes Dallas-Fort Worth a thriving hub for expansion and relocation might differ from Chicago or Nashville. 

About the Author

Ryan Abramson is the CEO and Co-founder of Scout, an economic development and site selection platform. On Scout, companies find the best cities for business based on local data, incentives, industrial sites, and employer reviews. Scout combines millions of data points to help companies streamline their site selection process. In parallel, they help economic development organizations recruit and retain through the voice of employers. Prior to Scout, Ryan helped manufacturing companies uncover the next location for their business. He has also helped build several venture backed technology platforms.