Business services are a category of activities that help businesses. These actions do not always result in a tangible product but help companies improve productivity and efficiency. These industries are a vital part of most developed economies and they also hire a larger percentage of employees than manufacturing or trade businesses.
Some of the most common business services are pest control, maintenance, and technology support. Professionals in these fields help companies maintain their property and equipment, which can save them time and money in the long run.
These services can also be helpful for individuals who need assistance with their own homes or business properties. Pest exterminators handle infestations, and maintenance professionals fix appliances and other malfunctioning equipment. Tech support professionals offer services that help people troubleshoot their computer or network problems, which can help them work more efficiently and effectively.
The service industry is the largest sector in the European economy, contributing 11% of GDP. It is a critical component of European competitiveness.
In difficult economic times, consumers usually cut back on the number of services they purchase. They may choose to do some of their own maintenance, for example, or hire a dog walker instead of paying for an expensive one.
The service industry has a unique set of challenges. First, it does not have the luxury of developing economies of scale like manufacturing or trade companies. Because of the intangibility and perishability of services, they must be produced and delivered at a local level, often by a single company or unit of equipment. This can make it hard to develop economies of scale that might help the business become more efficient and successful.