Talk Business Magazine September 2014 | Page 113

TECHNOLOGY Leasing for flexi-workers WIN A TOSHIBA PORTEGE Z30 BUSINESS LAPTOP However, leasing technology also offers additional benefits by giving these small businesses access to solutions that they otherwise might not be able to afford. We operate in a mobile, flexible world, so businesses need to be able to function effectively in this landscape – this is especially true as they look to work in conjunction with the new Government flexible working legislation. Leasing allows them to choose top of the range devices at low cost and low risk, and select the one that best meets the business’ unique requirements. Products can be leased in different numbers, for different time spans, and with many different and varied options in terms of payment plans – giving SMEs full control over all of these aspects. Fixed and regular payments provide business certainty, while payments are tax deductible against profits, and as such, make leasing an efficient financial expenditure. With a flexible working set up, SMEs can eliminate the need for expensive real estate – many may struggle for office space given its price-tag, so providing solutions that allow for homeworking can save considerable expense. With leasing, there is also no need to compromise on quality. As such, those businesses that are in a fixedlocation can save office space by leasing premium solutions that may take up less room. Scalability is another key benefit to leasing that is somewhat overlooked. Small and medium enterprises often have high growth trajectories, and the solution that fits a business now may not be one that fits the expanded operations of the business in 18 months or two years from now. Leasing allows companies to quickly and efficiently adopt new technologies as they evolve, whereas up front investment in new solutions may tie them into something that seems perfect at first, but proves a hindrance two years down the line. SECTION SPONSOR TECHNOLOGY_TB36_leasing.**g**.indd 113 The importance of SMEs in the UK can’t be underestimated, with the Gross Value Added of these growing businesses making up 49.8% of the UK economy in 2013 according to the European Commission’s SME Performance Review. That is why there is a responsibility on larger firms to support start-ups and SMEs, and this is the reasoning behind the launch of our own leasing initiative at Toshiba. Leasing WORTH £900 See page 99 really is a lifeline for any fledgling company, as well as those that are becoming more established, and it allows them to adapt to the most innovative solutions at an affordable price, which in turn enables them to play such a big role in the economy as a whole. Contact: www.toshiba.co.uk talkbusinessmagazine.co.uk 113 01/09/2014 10:56