A business service is any activity that supports a company but does not produce a tangible product. These activities include shipping, information technology (IT) and finance. Companies often outsource specialized business services to help them focus on core operations. The scalability of most business services allows them to adapt to the needs of each organization.
A good example of a business service is a law firm, which offers consulting and representation to businesses on legal issues. A similar example is a marketing consultancy, which helps clients develop a strategy and plan for growth. Another example of a business service is the delivery of medical services to patients, which is performed by doctors and nurses.
The professional and business services supersector is the second largest of all industries by employment. It includes many jobs related to providing expertise and advice for business-related activities, such as accounting, human resources, and consulting. The category also includes the delivery of services to customers, such as janitorial and waste management, and software development.
The qualifications for a job in business services depends on the industry. Those in customer-centric roles typically need a high school diploma and strong work ethic. Those in administrative and IT support roles may require a bachelor’s degree or more. Those that provide business services to other companies can use their skills and experience in areas such as project management, market research and risk analysis. They can also help companies comply with regulatory requirements.