In today’s competitive business environment, finding ways to reduce costs while maintaining efficiency is key. One way to achieve this is by outsourcing certain skills rather than hiring full-time employees.
This approach can save businesses money by allowing them to pay for services on a flexible, as-needed basis, rather than committing to a full-time salary. Several key roles, such as recruiters, accountants, and customer service agents, can be outsourced, and businesses can also benefit from the technology and expertise that outsourced partners bring.
Recruiters
Hiring a full-time recruiter in the UK can cost between £25,000 and £40,000 per year, depending on experience and location. While having an in-house recruiter offers the benefit of immediate availability, it can be costly, especially for smaller businesses that don’t have a constant hiring need. By outsourcing recruitment, businesses can pay for services only when needed, which is ideal for companies with irregular hiring cycles.
Outsourced recruiters typically charge either an hourly rate or a fee based on a percentage of the hired employee’s salary, usually around 10% to 20%. This can be more cost-effective for smaller firms or those in growth phases, as they only pay when they are actively hiring. Furthermore, outsourced recruiters often have access to advanced applicant tracking systems (ATS) and recruitment technologies that small businesses may not be able to afford, further improving the efficiency of the hiring process.
Accountants
Accountancy is another area where outsourcing can provide significant cost savings. The average salary for an in-house accountant in the UK is around £30,000 to £45,000 annually. While a full-time accountant can manage daily bookkeeping, tax filings, and financial reporting, not every business requires this level of service on a constant basis.
Outsourcing accounting services allows businesses to pay only for the tasks they need, whether it’s monthly bookkeeping or you use an accountant for annual tax returns. Outsourced accountants often charge hourly rates, ranging from £20 to £50, or may offer package deals for specific services.
Additionally, outsourced firms typically use advanced accounting software and technologies, such as cloud-based financial management tools, which can improve accuracy and efficiency. This also means that businesses don’t need to invest in expensive accounting software or worry about updates and compliance changes, as the outsourced provider handles these issues.
Customer Service Agents
Hiring a full-time customer service agent in the UK costs approximately £20,000 to £25,000 per year. However, many businesses may not need a full-time agent, especially those that operate outside of peak hours or handle only a small volume of customer inquiries. By outsourcing customer service, businesses can pay for these services on an hourly basis or per interaction, making it much more flexible and cost-efficient.
Outsourced customer service providers often operate on a 24/7 basis, which means businesses can offer round-the-clock support without the added cost of hiring multiple agents. A
According to a study by Deloitte, 59% of businesses that outsourced customer service reported cost savings, while 57% noted improvements in customer experience. Additionally, outsourced providers often use sophisticated customer service platforms that include chatbots, ticketing systems, ways to prevent scams, AI-driven response tools, offering small businesses access to technology they might not otherwise afford.
Technology and Expertise
One of the major advantages of outsourcing is the access to specialised technology and expertise that an outsourced provider brings. Whether it’s recruitment software, advanced accounting tools, or state-of-the-art customer service platforms, outsourced partners can offer technological solutions that many businesses, especially smaller ones, might struggle to afford independently. This technological edge can lead to increased efficiency, better decision-making, and, ultimately, cost savings.
Moreover, outsourced partners are often specialists in their field. For example, outsourced accountants stay up-to-date with the latest tax regulations, GDPR, CRM platforms, business phone systems and outsourced recruiters are aware of market trends in hiring. This level of expertise can significantly benefit businesses without the need for ongoing training or investing in additional resources.
Weighing Up the Costs
While hiring a full-time employee provides a consistent presence within the company, it comes with additional costs beyond salary. Pensions, National Insurance contributions, training, and office space can all add up. Outsourcing, on the other hand, offers flexibility, as you only pay for services when needed. For many businesses, this approach is more cost-effective, especially for tasks that do not require full-time attention.
However, the decision to outsource should be based on the specific needs of the business. While outsourcing offers savings and flexibility, businesses may lose some degree of control and immediate access to these services. Still, for many, the benefits of cost savings, access to technology, and expert knowledge outweigh the drawbacks.
In conclusion, outsourcing key skills like recruitment, accounting, and customer service can save businesses significant amounts of money while offering flexibility. With the right outsourced partners, businesses can access top-tier technology and expertise without the financial burden of full-time salaries, making outsourcing a smart option for companies looking to optimise their resources.
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