AT THE RISK of sounding morbid before I’ve barely got going, it’s probably best to say it now and get it over with. Unemployment is rife, businesses are closing their doors every day, and the taxman is robbing you blind.
Fear not, as the headline of this piece probably suggests, there is a remedy to my blind cynicism.
The ray of light at the end of this distinctly gloomy tunnel is that the first signs of steady economic growth are finally starting to surface. This has come nearly 16 months after officially emerging from one of the worst recessions in UK history.
There is no doubt that part of this recovery can be accredited to smaller, independent businesses recognising that the best way out of the gaping hole that was dug for us (by those who shall remain nameless) is to all stick together, and re invest locally.
Now, more than ever, is a good time to remember that the local economy is as good as it gets. As economical analyst Sandy Compton concurs; “In an era of shaky finances, the best value for your money is right across the street. For return on investment, there’s nothing like putting money into your own community.”
And an often overseen fact is that the majority of locally owned service providers keep the heart of that community beating.
Sandy Compton weighs in on this point: “Local restaurants keep hundreds of people working, and not just their own employees. County, city and even state employees keep their jobs through the taxes restaurants pay and generate. Restaurants provide income to home-town food purveyors, cleaning services, window washers, builders, architects, beer brewers, wine makers, electricians, appliance repair services, painters, advertising venues, hardware stores, car dealers, gas stations … you get the idea.”
Indeed, Ms. Compton.
In truth, the same formula is applicable to any type of local business that provides a service of value; be that your local mechanic, accountant, or telephony provider.
‘But wait’, I hear you cry – ‘that’s all very heart-warming, but I want reliable, round-the-clock service through a trusted organization, not from some Tom, Dick, or Harry two doors down the road.’
To that, I would ask you to consider this. It is a given that with any national organisation comes the perception of expertise, resources and quality. But how often does the actuality live up to the promise? You have to ask, does a company turning over millions really care about every customer? Similarly, does the promise of 24/7 support deliver if you are still kept on hold for an hour and are charged for the privilege? Although it might be reassuring to know that I can get hold of somebody from my bank at 3am, I have never felt the need to call them at this hour. Nor have I ever been so desperate for a Ginsters in the dead of night to change out of pyjamas and venture wearily down to the 24 hour Tescos.
Naturally, there are benefits to choosing certain larger suppliers; it follows that the reason for their success is down to a reputation for providing quality services. There comes a point, however, where reputation is more powerful than reality.
At Lily Systems, we bring you all the benefits of a local service whilst still offering the best products; A designated Account Manager with a direct dial contact number to deal with all your queries. Same working day responses to enquiries. No Call Centres and guaranteed cost effective telephony.
And all of this whilst easing the economy back from the brink. Need I say more?
About Lily Systems
Lily Systems, the Voice & Data Specialists bring together a team with over twenty years experience in IP Networking and Communications. Our goal is to work closely alongside our clients to understand their needs and introduce the most appropriate and advanced technology on the market for converged IP applications and unified communications solutions.
Contact Lily Systems – The Voice & Data Specialists today