Businesses all across the UK are feeling the bite of the credit crunch, with many having to take drastic steps in order to manage the effects of the downturn. For a lot of companies, this has meant implementing major budget cuts or re-evaluating service terms, while for others, it has equated to staff downsizing. However, there are various, less extreme measures businesses can take to help manage the economic downturn.



To begin with, it pays to simply re-evaluate basic company expenditures. How much is being spent on things such electricity, heating and office supplies, and is there a way to cut down on such expenses without affecting productivity? In addition to lighting, why not consider ensuring PCs, printers and photocopiers are turned off when no one is in the building and progress down to such overlooked factors as whether you print on both sides of company and client documents? Basic steps such as these will not affect productivity in the workplace, but collectively can add up to make a big difference when it comes to overall company expenditures.

Secondly, consider investing in more versatile business tools. For example, why purchase a separate printer, copy machine, fax machine and scanner, when you can get all of these services in one product? Opting for versatile, all-in-one types of tools will save you money, not to mention a lot of space in the office or workplace.

Next, consider the benefits of sourcing locally. It's a measure that can cut transportation costs, eliminate delays and, depending on the industry of a given business, increase freshness. It also improves the local economy and shortens supply chains, which is ultimately beneficial to the environment.

That said; think about your company's travel-related costs. Travel is one of the most costly ongoing elements of any business, yet it doesn't have to be. Before you or any employees book travel, consider whether the trip is actually necessary. After all, there are various cost-efficient ways to communicate with clients - such as via free web or conferencing services.

Next, evaluate your marketing strategies. Marketing is important, but it doesn't have to cost your company a great deal of money. Consider implementing more economical forms of marketing - such as an e-newsletter or email marketing - to help your company manage costs. Such forms of marketing are also beneficial in that they enable companies to target specific customers.

Another way to manage company costs is to outsource your IT infrastructure. Many companies with a web presence often run and maintain their own dedicated server onsite to provide their web service and have a dedicated IT team to provide support. However, for smaller companies looking to employ a , sourcing the service from a hosting provider is often more beneficial. It frees up capital locked into hardware (that is only ever going to depreciate) into affordable monthly fees payable to the hosting provider. In addition they will most likely manage the dedicated server for you, making certain service level guarantees, so reducing pressure on your internal IT team and potentially increasing the performance of your web site.

As a result, outsourcing specialized IT-related services, rather than developing and managing them internally can make a huge difference financially as the costs incurred by having an onsite dedicated server and IT support personnel can often be much less when outsourced to specialist suppliers and data centres. What's more, having a dedicated server located offsite also impacts favorably on a company's own electricity usage and can lessen their carbon footprint, so not only can a business gain financially but also do their bit for the environment.

Finally, consider networking as a form of company management during the credit crunch. After all, business owners can gain a lot from enquiring about and evaluating how other businesses are coping with the economic crisis.

Overall, it's important to view cost management during the economic crisis as an organisational transformation, rather than a cost-reduction process. By making small yet effective changes for the long-term will ultimately make the biggest difference to your company and help you cope with the changing economy.

Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.