Outsourcing

What is Outsourcing and how can it benefit your business?

As a simple definition – outsourcing enables a company to benefit from the expertise of a third party, either for advice or by asking them to process their work. Companies may also outsource the purchase of goods or services.

There was a significant increase in public service outsourcing under Tony Blair in the late 1990s but it was during the Coalition years that it doubled to a spend of £120bn, due mainly to a cost saving exercise in the public sector and the increase in privatisation of the welfare, healthcare and justice sectors

Within the private sector outsourcing also continues to grow, with the opportunity to focus on core business being the main driver, followed closely by cost savings.

Previously adopted mainly by large companies, smaller companies have come to understand the benefit of outsourcing. Particularly for SMEs and sole traders it is a valuable solution when the staff or skills to process certain crucial tasks are not available. Calling upon the expertise of a third party can help a company to diversify and focus on the more strategic business elements, rather than becoming overwhelmed by time consuming tasks.

Many companies are turning to outsourcing for ad-hoc assignments, thereby converting fixed costs to variable costs. The fact that the work is usually done remotely is a huge plus for the business owner who does not have the time to babysit temporary or under-utilised permanent staff in the office.

Any outsourcing company worth its salt will focus on providing a polished service within agreed timescales. Such accountability is seen as a huge plus to a company that does not have the management team available to continually assess the quality of work produced by in-house staff. Repeat business is only offered to outsource companies that provide high levels of service the client can rely upon.

The main advantages of outsourcing:

  • A renewed focus on core business activity
  • Cost savings – recruitment/office space/facilities
  • Fixed costs become variable costs
  • Expertise and efficiency
  • Accountability/quality of service
  • A go-to business partnership

Have you seen the light?

Outsourcing your copywriting can benefit your business in multiple ways. Be more sunflower and find the light! Speak to Paula Ludley about your copywriting requirements.