Sales outsourcing 'an option' during recession

Outsourcing is a viable option for companies looking to cut their costs during the recession, it has been suggested.

According to Big Four accountancy firm KPMG, taking such a step can improve the efficiency of a company in the present financial climate.

The advice may be of interest to firms that are considering using sales outsourcing to reduce their overheads and improve customer numbers.

Speaking at a conference held by the Confederation of British Industry earlier this week, senior manager in KPMG's Corporates People & Change Team Tanya Bagchi said that many of the organisation's clients are seeking advice on ways to "reduce costs".

"Do you need to develop outsourcing or shared services options; are there opportunities for outsourcing options," she questioned, adding that processes and efficiency can be improved by embracing the technique.

Ms Bagchi added that restructuring a business in this way can be beneficial in the present financial crisis, as it can help firms "reduce the chance of a performance dip that an organisation does tend to go through at these times."

Last month, Ross Taylor of Direct Response noted that sales outsourcing can be a useful option for newly-formed businesses, as many may still be unsure of their marketing needs and can reduce expenditure by not having to set up their own in-house team.

Written by Julian Poulter and Copyright "Selling People 2009"