Lean on Sterling Outsourcing
Financial and Credit Control Services for SMEs and Start-Ups
Outsourcing isn’t just for big corporations!
SMEs and start-ups don’t always need full-time finance teams.
That’s why Sterling offers flexible, cost-effective financial services designed specifically for your stage of growth. From fractional CFOs to expert credit control and back-office support, all scaled to your needs, while maintaining the highest standards.
Keep cash flow strong without full-time overheads and compromising on quality.
Tailored Outsourcing That Scales with Your Business
Whether you’re just starting up or want to expand, our services are tailored to your demands. You get access to expert financial services that scale as needed and professional expertise typically associated with larger organisations.
- Keep cash flow strong without full-time overheads
- Scale services up or down to match your growth
- Focus on your core business while we handle the financial details
- Build lasting customer relationships while maintaining professionalism
- We will identify and implement efficiencies in your processes
We integrate seamlessly into your systems and workflow, prioritising efficiency and relationship-building.
Find out why Financial and Credit Control Services for SMEs and Start-Ups is a good offer for your business.
Fractional CFOs & FDs
Fractional CFOs & FDs
Credit Control Services
Credit Control Services
Back-Office Support
Back-Office Support
Tailored Processes
Tailored Processes
Weekly & Monthly Reports
Weekly & Monthly Reports
Dedicated Point of Contact
Dedicated Point of Contact
Get to know us better
- 18 years of experience
- 1000+ clients supported
- Trusted in over 30 countries
- Improving cash flow up to 30%
What is business process outsourcing (BPO), and how does it work?
BPO involves delegating specific business tasks – such as finance, customer service, or credit control – to an external provider who performs them more efficiently, using specialist tools, talent, and systems.
What are the main advantages of outsourcing for different size companies?
Outsourcing provides cost savings, access to expertise, improved scalability, and operational flexibility – valuable for companies of all sizes, reducing the requirement for heavy infrastructure investment.
What types of business functions can be outsourced effectively?
Functions such as accounts receivable, bookkeeping, payroll, debt collection, customer service, and administrative tasks can all be outsourced effectively with clear service-level expectations.
How do we choose the right outsourcing partner for our business?
Look for experience, industry knowledge, compliance standards, transparent pricing, and the ability to scale. A good outsourcing partner should feel like an extension of your own team.
Will outsourcing result in a loss of control over our operations?
Not with the right setup. Providers like Sterling maintain visibility and transparency through reporting, dashboards, and clear escalation paths, so you always stay in control.
Is outsourcing suitable for small or start-up companies?
Absolutely. Many of Sterling’s clients are growing businesses that use outsourcing to manage workloads cost-effectively, without the risks and costs of hiring permanent in-house teams.
What are the potential risks of outsourcing, and how can they be mitigated?
Risks like communication gaps, data security, or inconsistent delivery can be mitigated by choosing an experienced partner, having clear contracts, and maintaining regular oversight.
How is data privacy and security managed when working with an outsourcing provider?
Reputable outsourcing providers comply with data protection regulations (e.g. GDPR), use encrypted systems, and have secure access protocols to protect sensitive business information.
What are the cost implications of outsourcing compared to hiring in-house staff?
Outsourcing often results in lower overall costs due to reduced overheads, no recruitment fees, and access to shared infrastructure – with predictable monthly pricing.
How long does it take to see the benefits of outsourcing?
Benefits like improved efficiency, faster cash collection, or reduced workload are often seen within weeks, especially when processes are clearly mapped from the outset.
Can we scale outsourced services up or down as our business evolves?
Yes. Outsourcing is highly flexible, allowing you to scale up during peak periods or reduce scope during quieter times, without the constraints of fixed employment costs.
How do outsourcing providers ensure quality and consistency in service delivery?
They follow structured workflows, regular training, performance monitoring, and SLA targets. Sterling, for example, aligns delivery metrics with your business goals.
Will outsourcing impact employee morale within our in-house team?
When communicated well, outsourcing can actually improve morale by removing routine tasks and allowing in-house staff to focus on higher-value work.
How is intellectual property protected in an outsourcing agreement?
Confidentiality clauses and IP protection terms are standard in outsourcing contracts, ensuring that all materials and business data remain fully under your ownership.
What is the difference between offshoring, nearshoring, and onshore outsourcing?
Offshoring means outsourcing to a distant country, nearshoring to a nearby one (e.g. Poland for UK businesses), and onshore means outsourcing within your home country.
