This article is provided by Eurieka.
Opportunities for start-ups in Ireland have grown immensely in recent years. With numerous incubators, bootcamps and funding sources, more and more entrepreneurs are getting their ideas off the ground.
In an ever more fertile economy some 20,000 new businesses have started up in Ireland each year over the last several years according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor. This is in large part due to a greater availability of start-up investment from a number of sources.
However, that initial investment is a precious resource that can be soaked up frighteningly quickly. Spending it strategically will be one of the first major tests of a start-up’s business capabilities.
One of the areas where businesses can quickly spend a large portion of that investment is in fitting out an office. Here we look at four areas where strategic spending on office equipment can have real impact on the success of your new business.
Energy consumption
When starting a new business, energy efficiency is usually the last thing to be taken into consideration but really it should be one of the first. Energy rates are only going to increase in the future so investing a little more in energy efficient products at the outset means longer term savings.
Computers can potentially be a real energy hog and the amount of power they consume is often listed low down on their spec sheet. Look for energy efficiency labels such as the Energy Star compliance label and, if possible, compare total Wattage between models.
In just a few years, with enough equipment, a difference of only 10 or 20 Watts could result in hundreds, even thousands of euro in savings which can make a big difference to the balance sheet of a start-up.
Layout flexibility
If one thing is certain it is that things are bound to change. We are no doubt living in a time of incredible progress, which is one of the reasons there are so many opportunities for new businesses.
This should be taken into account when fitting out a new office. Consider how you expect your business might have to grow, adapt and change with fluctuations in the economy, the business environment and with technological developments.
When it comes to buying computer hardware this means either one of two things, buy light products that can be affordably replaced or adaptable products that can be easily upgraded. It also means investing in a variety of device types. Get the right mix of desktops, laptops and tablets and your new business will be able to handle everything that comes its way.
Server quality
If your business requires a server then it is likely to be the hub of your business. This means the server is not a place to skimp. A robust, reliable server could make the difference between success and failure particularly if you don’t expect to be able to use professional disaster recovery services.
A small business can be devastated overnight by a server failure. Confidential client data can be lost and months of work can be wiped out. Be sure that your server has rigorous back-up and storage capabilities as well as adequate environmental control if a properly controlled environment cannot be provided.
Companies such as Dell and HP that specialise in servers for small businesses also typically provide high quality customer support which can be vital in the event of a problem.
Software as a service
Many software vendors are realising that they can provide their product online in a subscription based payment method rather than a one off licensing fee. For new businesses this is potentially an area where substantial, short term savings can be made.
Purchasing licenses for products such as Microsoft Office for an office full of computers can be a very large outlay. Paying for only a year’s subscription will cost far less, particularly where multiple subscriptions come at a reduced cost.
Because these services are typically cloud based a single subscription can be logged into from multiple devices providing greater flexibility in how the product is used and providing more options for business owners.
Start as you mean to go on
Equipping an office for a start-up is a chance for entrepreneurs to test their business acumen and set themselves up for success. Getting the right combination of short-term savings and long-term cost effectiveness makes the most of limited resources. Spotting opportunities for creative application of technology and capitalising on new forms of commerce demonstrates the abilities that will mark Ireland’s future business leaders.
Eurieka is a wholly owned Irish business that has been trading since 2010. The company supplies IT including hardware and software to large businesses, SMEs, the educational sector and private homes. The business sells a large selection of printers (including ink and toner supplies), computers, tablet PCs, monitors, projectors and storage devices seven days a week with delivery usually taking place next working day.
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