When things are going Ok few businesses put a tooth comb through their overhead costs. Turnover may well be high enough not to worry about net profits. When things get tighter and cash flow begins to be a worrying problem then as well as tightening up customer management and production efficiency it is also worth scrutinising every cost area of overheads and seeking to reduce them by either cutting back or outsourcing some internal services to umbrella companies.
Firstly it is worth doing a cost comparison of your energy charges- it may well be that changing tariff and/or supplier can save a considerable amount in a sizeable office or where production costs include high energy usage. Your existing supplier may well find a cheaper tariff if you are thinking of switching. It is also worth while looking at investing in energy efficient lighting and checking thermostat levels. Making sure that all electrical equipments is switched off (including standby) when not is used will also save energy but also is a good health and safety rule. Look at the cost savings of outsourcing some of your services-outsourcing payroll services will almost certainly be found to reduce company costs (and in many cases be more efficient). You can look at your telephone costs together with broadband provision and see whether there are better packages about for businesses, and when due, shop around to see if your business insurance is still competitive. Are you on a short lease for your business premises or is your lease nearly up ? See if you can review your use of space and find a more reasonable and cost-effective alternative.