Business service providers are pessimistic about the future

In addition, 22 percent also expect a decrease in cash flow. This is clear from him Pierre Odeon Research Consultants (PAC) It is made upon request Unit 4, a leader in cloud business software for service organizations, is among the business services decision makers of 400 companies in Europe and the United States. A quarter (26%) also expect to have fewer customers in 2023.

When we compare the results of the Benelux above with the answers from other European countries and the United States, it turns out that the professionals in the Benelux are quite pessimistic. For example, only 22 percent of business services companies worldwide expect their earnings to decline this year. Fifteen percent of organizations predicted a decrease in cash flow.

It’s time to innovate

Companies are taking advantage of uncertain economic times to innovate. This is not always easy, because 39 percent indicate that outdated systems block them. But they hope they can change this in the coming years. Almost two out of five organizations (37%) plan to move their finance and accounting tools to a shared services model within the next three years.

At the same time, an uncertain economy means companies have to let employees go. One in three business service providers (32%) expect to have fewer employees at the end of the year. Fortunately, other ways to turn the tide are also being considered. For example, increasingly business service providers are positioning themselves as partners who also engage socially. According to 63 percent, a quick win in the field was found in the use of sustainable energy sources. However, the uncertain economy also meant that at least 37 per cent of business service providers paid less attention to ESG strategy in the past year.

Stefan Klein, Director of Sales Benelux at Unit4: “Due to uncertain economic times, fewer companies are confident in the near future and business service providers are no exception. However, I expect companies to look at what they can do to change sentiment. Now is the perfect time to take a look. “Look at your business processes and tools and shift the focus to innovation. Now finally say goodbye to outdated systems that don’t quite fit anymore and see what software works for you. This way you make sure you can stay on top of current problems and are prepared for a future where the economy will stabilize again.”

about the investigation

The survey was conducted among the chief business and technology managers of 400 large and medium-sized professional services organizations in Europe (UK, France, DACH, Benelux, Scandinavia) and the US. 50 respondents were interviewed in the Benelux. All participating organizations have between 500 and 5,000 employees. The study was conducted in the first quarter of 2023.

Also read here:

https://www.winmagpro.nl/gemeente-edam-volendam-kiest-voor-erpx-van-unit4-voor-toekomstrichting-financi%C3%ABle-processes

https://www.winmagpro.nl/unit4-zet-ook-in-eerste-quarter-this-year-momentum-in-public-and-non-profit-sector-and-business