Should I use an external consultant for my business?

Have you been considering whether it is time for HR, Health and Safety or Business Management Consultants?

Not sure whether to go external or hire someone? Can you afford outsourced HR or Health and Safety Consultants?

Simply put, yes you can and it’s a great benefit!

In today's competitive business landscape, small businesses in the UK face a plethora of challenges. Many of these challenges relate to HR, health and safety, and various other business services - financial understanding, how to grow, which markets to enter, how to develop leaders and continue the growth momentum!

While some small businesses may consider hiring in-house support for these functions, there's an increasingly compelling argument for enlisting the expertise of consultants.

Expertise and Reputation

Consultants bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, ensuring that your business operates at peak efficiency and compliance. With consultants, you benefit from the reputation and track record they've built, assuring your business and stakeholders of the best possible services.

They have often been there and done what you are doing, let them guide you. Good consultants will share with you their mistakes as well as their wins.

Sustainability and Reduced Risk

Consultants help your small business establish sustainable practices and navigate legal and ethical concerns effectively. This not only safeguards your business but also reduces the risk of costly legal issues and reputational damage that can result from non-compliance.

Increased Business

By utilising the services of consultants, you often find they come with a network of experts they can call on! This often means they might have insights that can become a huge advantage to your business because they have supported similar businesses in the same journey. Plus your team can focus on core operations.

Competitive Advantage

Consultants give you the edge over competitors. They provide you with valuable insights and strategies that can help you outperform rivals, making your business more attractive to potential clients and investors. Remember, they have often been there and done it themselves.

Cost Effective

Consultants are there when you need them. Whether that be on an ad-hoc basis, a project basis or on a retainer, the cost of a consultant might be a higher hourly rate than an employee - but based on their expertise and experience, they will deliver much faster and you will need less of their time.

Even a retainer service will cost you significantly less than an employee in most cases, and no lengthy onboarding processes are needed. Plus no tax liability, no National Insurance and no pension to think about.

Fewer legal hurdles and quicker results

Recruitment takes time, hiring, reference checking, right to work etc etc - if you choose to hire you need to do all this (or have a consultant do it for you 😉). Then you need to onboard them, train them in the company ways, settle them in. Consider benefits, employers NI, pension contributions. Then what if they don’t work out? You have to find a route to exit and start over again.

A consultant would come with great references and reviews you can publicly find, the contract is simple and based on what you need from them only. The terms can suit you both - and best of all - they pay their own tax and NI!

Preparing for Future Goals

If you're considering selling your business down the line, using consultants now can increase your business's attractiveness to potential buyers. Their involvement ensures that your business is well-prepared and positioned for a smooth transition, potentially fetching a higher sale price.

Their expertise offers protection in terms of reputation and insurance, giving buyers assurances that your matters have been handled professionally.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

Ethics and morals are increasingly vital in today's business world. Hiring consultants for HR and other services ensures that your business operates ethically, which can lead to higher employee morale and positive public perception.

It can be hard sometimes as an employee to make the right decisions, because you are often stuck in the midst of the days challenges. Swamped by the demands of running a business. A consultant has a fresh external perspective, as well as plenty of experience in dealing with a wide array of situations. They can steer you in the right direction and give you a great place for a sounding board when you feel unsure.

Better Attrition and Retention

Effective HR and health and safety practices can significantly impact employee attrition and retention rates. Consultants help you create a more conducive and safe work environment, which can lead to happier, more loyal staff.

Specialist consultants in areas such as recruitment, EDI and psychological safety can also be hugely beneficial for improving retention and increasing productivity in your teams.

More Time for Core Operations

By outsourcing HR, health and safety, and other business services to consultants, you free up time for your staff to focus on their core responsibilities. This can lead to increased productivity and innovation.

Just with us alone you can benefit from HR, H&S, software management and implementation and loads more. Even better we come with a network of partners from relationships we have already established, so if you need something we don’t offer, we can often recommend someone for you. Saving you even more time.

Small businesses in the UK can gain a multitude of advantages by using consultants for HR, health and safety, and other essential business services. From improving reputation and sustainability to expanding into new markets and reducing risk, the benefits are evident. Moreover, the ethical perspective, employee retention, and time-saving aspects make it a smart investment for your business's future. By enlisting the expertise of consultants, you not only secure your business's success but also create a solid foundation for growth and financial prosperity.

If you would like to discuss outsourcing - we can talk through the options with you and help you make the right decision. Please get in touch.