I often type ‘outsourcing’ into Google to see what comes up. Obviously Google News is a useful tool, but it’s interesting to also see the organic search results too.

Usually the Wikipedia entry for outsourcing and the National Outsourcing Association come top of the list, but I was surprised today to see that the second entry (after Wikipedia) is the UK government’s Business Link service.

Business Link is a national advisory service that offers practical information and help to UK companies, typically smaller or medium-sized enterprises, and I’ve never noticed much in the way of outsourcing advice from them in the past. However, there is now a useful introduction to the subject developed by Cranfield School of Management published on its web site.

Smaller firms are going to need to understand strategic sourcing strategies even more than ever in the present market conditions so anything Business Link can do to get that message across is welcome.