All businesses rely on certain services to keep them running in the smoothest way possible, no matter how big or small they are. Some of those services (facilities management or IT for example) can also come with a large price tag, so, understandably, start-ups or small businesses take on as much as they can themselves, with only services out of their remit being paid for.
Keeping costs down is the primary concern of business owners so it may be tempting to do without some services completely. But will the frugal approach now be detrimental to your business in the future?
1. Commercial Office Cleaning
Keeping cleaning in the house seems like a perfect cost-cutting exercise. You could draw up a rota or make one or two people responsible for keeping your premises clean. But what happens when their desk job becomes demanding with issues to sort out, and cleaning is pushed to the bottom of the to-do list? Will they have enough time to empty the bins daily, and clean the staff bathrooms every other day?
Dust, dirt, and grime can build up quickly, particularly in high traffic or busy areas. Regular investment in a professional cleaning service will ensure you don’t have the worry and hassle of cleaning, and your efforts can be concentrated on business. It is money well spent as your premises will be cleaned to a high standard which will project the kind of image you need. If you’re looking to keep the costs to a minimum, carpet and upholstery cleaning can be affordably carried out by hiring the machinery and doing it yourself, perhaps on a weekend or holiday.
2. IT Services
Making sure your business has a good level of IT cover is critical. Large companies often hire an IT team full time to keep business disruption-free. Small businesses might find it an expensive outlay, but if not adequately covered, a serious IT issue could see your technical infrastructure down for days until the issues are fixed. The software can fail, and even the most technically minded person could have trouble getting it back online.
There are of course lots of free resources available, but you don’t want to seem ‘amateur’ so at the very least you should have your email host. Give your customers confidence in you. Would they be confident if you were operating a business with a free email provider?
3. Payroll
Making sure your employees are paid in full and on time is pivotal to your business. Your accountant or bookkeeper may already take care of this for you; but you might find that a dedicated payroll service is more cost-effective. Some operate on a price per payslip basis, which could be the perfect solution for a smaller business.
Payroll can be a complex subject, so think very carefully before taking it on yourself. By hiring a payroll service, you will be fully covered if there are any issues; and you will have full backup and support from the provider.
4. HR
Hiring and firing can be time-consuming and cause you more hassle than you are prepared for. Although you can find guidance online, an HR Consultant will be able to offer you help and advice with employment laws, long term sick issues, maternity and paternity leave, and legalities connected with employment or termination. You must stay ahead of the game and know the rules. Whether you consult an HR Specialist or hire your HR Assistant, it’s a service that every business needs.
5. Security
More often than not, there is expensive equipment and assets on-site at your business. If these assets were destroyed through fire or flood or stolen in a break-in; it could cause massive disruption to your business. The financial aspect of replacing them could be huge, as well as the ramifications of losing confidential data. Security must be the cornerstone of your premises.
CCTV devices are relatively affordable and could be your saviour in an emergency. Extra safety features around the place will give your employees added security too.
