Mid-market report: Four steps to navigating inflation

It sounds like something from the deep past of the 70s, like disco balls and flared trousers. But inflation is back. In the US, it’s over 5%. And the Bank of England warns it could reach 4% in the UK.

While we don’t see it reaching the heights of the bad old days, these relatively high levels of inflation — and the consequent interest rate hikes — may lead to changes in business fundamentals that we haven’t seen for some time.

As in any emerging situation, the question for us is, what does this mean to our mid-market clients? A few days ago, our US and UK Regional Directors had a virtual conference to discuss that very question.

The stories from our clients are dramatic:

  • Prices for shipping and building materials have doubled
  • Petrol prices up 40% in the US, 20% in the UK
  • Wages are up in hospitality and retail
  • Lawyers and other experts are raising their rates
  • Rates for certain IT skills have lurched up to shocking levels.

So we do believe that there is cause for concern. But we’ve been listening to our clients and thinking hard about it, and we also believe there are ways of managing inflation.

Here is what we are recommending to our mid-market clients:

1. Strategise.

Take a step back and look at your markets and customers and revisit the basic strategic questions: what do they want? How do we give it to them?

2. Speed up reporting.

Demand, costs, prices, and supply are changing rapidly; pricing and purchasing decisions need to be made swiftly. So you likely need faster internal information flow for your reporting.

3. Automate to reduce costs.

Replace aging ERP systems. Integrate your processes. Use bots for the first line of customer service—consumers are used to them at this point. You won’t be able to automate everything, nor should you. But where can you?

4. Improve online experiences.

Look at your front end through a customer’s eyes. Is the product imagery and information detailed enough? Attractively presented? Are you delivering a simple user experience for even complex purchases?

Inflation is affecting almost every business sector from construction to investment management. But the real danger isn’t pricing, it’s complacency. It’s adapt or die: the winners will be those companies continually reassessing the opportunities, staying alert, and moving quickly.

If you need help with your business, get in touch.

 

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Freeman Clarke is the largest and most experienced team of fractional IT leaders. We work exclusively with ambitious organisations, helping our clients use IT to beat the competition and grow. Contact us and we’ll be in touch for an informal conversation.