Small Business Buying - Size does matter!

Most small businesses cannot justify a dedicated IT employee.

Instead, IT decisions are left to senior directors, whose computer savvyness may be variable. In the worst case scenarios, this can lead to old computers, that should have been dumped, taking on a new lease of life, or businesses being duped into buying new technology when, in reality, there’s nothing wrong with the equipment they have, it just needs updating.

As with all external service providers, you need to identify those that are trustworthy, provide excellent customer service and consider you an important client. One of the best ways of finding good suppliers is by recommendation, so ask around and try to identify a few reputable companies.

Get references from companies with a similar set-up to yours. Money talks and the size of your company could have a detrimental effect on the support you receive.

Opt for suppliers who have been successful working with smaller companies, to ensure whoever you choose values your business.

When procuring IT hardware, buying the cheapest doesn’t always pay. Think about who will install the system and whether they have the skills. Also consider future requirements and plans for growth. You may be better putting in a system that is scalable so that it expands with your business.

IT support is available for smaller firms and many are now opting for ‘Remote Support’. Just a phone call away, an IT expert can troubleshoot, set up new databases and give advice from the comfort of their own computer. It may be another financial outlay each month, in the form of a service agreement, but it will ensure the smooth running of your company and won’t be as expensive as a new employee.

Many technical errors can be dealt with ‘remotely’, but dealing with more serious problems or setting up new systems will need personal attention. The company you choose needs to be located nearby so they can provide onsite support quickly without charging over the odds for mileage.

As well as being up-to-date with the latest computer software, having an online presence is now essential for all businesses. Many smaller companies find developing a website and email services, an expensive process. However, financial support and guidance is still available from various sources, including n-e-life.

Finding a reputable web design company and host for your site is key. Following recommendations and ensuring the chosen company takes time to understand your business, should cut down the teething problems.

Once your site is up and running, maintaining it and ensuring everyone is trained to use it, is of paramount importance. The fundamental design of the site is likely to be static, so look for opportunities to make your site more dynamic. News pages, in particular, can be regularly updated so make sure the site doesn’t become dated.

Finally, don’t forget to negotiate, or even better, partner with complementary organisations and use your joint purchasing power during the procurement process – it could save you a significant percentage on the original cost.

A not-for-profit organisation and a fully owned subsidiary of the Regional Development Agency One NorthEast, TNERP represents the North East England online via its n-e-life.com website. It can also provide e-commerce advice, funding, e-tendering services and online shopping.

For further information telephone 0191 487 2002 or visit www.n-e-life.com.