On-Demand Office Support: a Cost-Effective Solution for Small Businesses

January 16, 2024|Blog

In an effort to address income inequality and improve the livelihoods of millions of people, the UK government recently announced an increase in the minimum wage. While this move is undoubtedly a positive step for workers, small businesses may face some challenges in adapting to the new reality. In this piece, we will discuss the impact of the increased minimum wage on small businesses, and explore some strategies that owners can adopt to navigate this change.

The UK Government announced that the minimum wage, also known as National Living Wage, will increase to £11.44 per hour for workers over 21 from April 2024. The minimum wage is currently set at £10.42 per hour for workers over 23, and to £10.18 per hour for workers aged 21-22.

How will the increase of minimum wage in the UK will affect small businesses?

One of the most obvious impacts of the increased minimum wage will be on the bottom line of small businesses. Companies that employ a large number of minimum-wage workers will have to pay more in wages, which could lead to a decrease in profits.
Some small businesses may also have to cut back on employees or reduce working hours to offset the increased costs. However, it is important to note that the increase in minimum wage will also lead to an increase in consumer spending power, which could potentially boost the demand for goods and services provided by small businesses.
The increased minimum wage in the UK will have both positive and negative impacts. Small businesses will need to be proactive in adapting to this change and may need to consider a variety of strategies to ensure their survival and continued success. With the right approach, however, small businesses can weather this transition and emerge stronger than ever.

What small business owners can do to mitigate the increase in minimum wage?

To mitigate the impact of the increased minimum wage, small business owners can consider several strategies. One possible solution is to increase the prices of goods and services. However, this could be a risky move, as it could lead to a decrease in sales.
Another option is to invest in technology and automation, which can help to reduce labor costs. Small businesses can also consider restructuring their operations, such as outsourcing or streamlining processes, to become more efficient and keep costs low at the same time.

How can on-demand office support help small businesses keep their costs low considering the new increase in the minimum wage in the UK?

As a small business owner, you are constantly looking for ways to cut costs and maximise profits. With the recent increase in the minimum wage in the UK, you might be feeling the pinch more than ever before. However, there is a solution that can help you keep your costs low while still getting the support you need: on-demand office support.
On-demand office support is a flexible solution that allows you to get the help you need, when you need it. This means you only pay for the services you actually need, rather than paying a full-time employee to handle tasks that may not be necessary all the time.
Whether you need help with business telephone answering and call handling, email management, diary management, outbound calls, live chat support or ad-hoc admin you can hire an on-demand office support professional to assist you on a project-by-project basis or for ongoing support.
By hiring an on-demand office support professional, you can also save money on overhead costs. You won’t need to provide office space, equipment, holiday leave or benefits, which can add up to significant savings over time. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re working with a professional who is experienced, reliable, and honest.

At e-PA, we understand that the recent increase in the UK’s minimum wage can be a concern for small businesses. As an outsourced customer service provider, we offer on-demand office support (virtual receptionists) that can help your small business keep costs low while still providing excellent customer service to your business clients.
By outsourcing your customer service to e-PA, small businesses can save money on hiring and training their in-house support staff, saving up to 70% in hiring costs. We only work when you need us, you pay as you go, with no national insurance or other expenses.
Our team of experienced professionals is already trained and ready to handle any customer enquiries or issues that may arise. This means that as a business owner, you can focus on your core activities while leaving the customer service side to our capable hands.
Additionally, our on-demand office support means that you only pay for the services you need, when you need them. This allows you to scale your customer service up or down depending on your business needs, without having to worry about the additional costs of hiring and training new employees.
At e-PA, we pride ourselves on being a professional, established, confident, reliable, and honest UK-based outsourced customer service provider. We are committed to helping small businesses succeed by providing cost-effective solutions that allow you to focus on what you do best.

Find our services here!