Friend or business foe? How do you know?
Monday, 04 July 2011
In recent weeks, and doubtless throughout the coming months (some say a year or more), the prospect of Greece defaulting on its huge debts has dominated the news headlines. The fact that the UK had at least one day of blazing sunshine and that Andy Murray yet again ‘nearly’ - but didn’t - triumph at Wimbledon barely got a look-in.
If there’s one lesson that all business people can learn from the Greek debt crisis it’s that we should all hope for the best but plan for the worst. Why? Because in the global marketplace in which most companies operate today (even if you define your market as the UK, many of your suppliers are exposed elsewhere, in which case so are you) it’s far harder to detect where the true risks lie. Are they with your bank or lenders, are they in the supply chain, are they in potential whistle-blowing members of staff or anonymous cyber-criminals out to hack through your online defences? Modern business calls for a lot more fail-safes than ever before but, at the same time, we are all moving so fast (speed being the new deliverable that everyone expects as a fundamental) few companies take the time or apply the resources necessary to full assess and plan for risk.
One way of minimising risk and exposure is to keep overheads lean and mean. Serviced offices provide the ultimate in cost control and flexibility. When times are tough or markets are unpredictable having to meet a fixed, high overhead every month – such as office space on a standard commercial lease - can make the difference between surviving or sinking. Using serviced office space is a very simple way to contain costs, keep control and enjoy the full advantage of flexibility. If you’re downsizing, upsizing, diversifying or simply starting out and have never before considered serviced office space I strongly urge you to take a look.
Philip Parris, Chairman, Harvard Managed Offices
