Haggle, use the FSB and be a good customer… The keys to reducing your business costs
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Kevin Highley from Terra Firma joined the discussion as a guest at this week’s Professional Networking meeting as the group considered ways to reduce business costs. In Anthony Smith’s absence the meeting was chaired by Nathan Hayward of More Than Handy.
The 60 second round brought news of Utility Warehouse’s decision to fix its rates for the next two years, details of PC Support 2000’s ability to get refurbished computers that run better than those bought off the shelf and a private viewing of the latest advert for Thai Terre from Brocklesby Design.
So to the big issue of the day – how to reduce business costs. Membership of the FSB was recommended for achieving free banking and we heard how More Than Handy’s staff are required to fill up company vehicles in Eastbourne, where fuel appears to be cheaper than further inland. Haggle like crazy was recommended for most services and equally it was suggested that being a good customer and a quick payer was a way to put your business in a good position to negotiate when contracts come up for renewal.
The topic was discussed in small groups so that everyone got a chance to discuss the subject in ways relevant to their company. One group reported back that it had considered at some length the need to be cautious with the extent of any cut-backs: “Yes, we need to achieve value for money, but allow the customer’s experience of your brand to be diminished at your peril.” The examples of IT and marketing were given, as the full impact of cut-backs in these areas might not be apparent to the business owner or manager, but the customer’s perception of a company with a cheap image can be hugely damaging in the long-term.
Using a good accountant who will save you tax and switching utilities were the final offerings on a subject, which could have kept people going throughout the afternoon.
Gavin Fisher
Children's Respite Trust