Running a small business means keeping a close eye on the numbers. Every pound matters. But once you’ve handled the basics — like reducing waste or negotiating supplier rates — where do you look next?
Often, the best savings come from the places you’re not even thinking about. These aren’t about cutting staff or sacrificing quality. They’re about smarter decisions, more efficient processes, and seeing where money quietly slips through the cracks.
Here are 10 overlooked money-saving tips that can help your business hold onto more of what it earns — without compromising what you do best.
Use Software You Actually Need (Not Just What’s Popular)
There’s a tool for everything — email marketing, scheduling, accounting, communication, design. But are you using all the ones you’re paying for?
It’s easy to fall into the trap of signing up for the latest app or service, only to realise later you don’t really need it. Or worse, you’re paying for premium features you never use.
Do a quick audit of your software stack. Cancel anything that isn’t giving you a clear return. In many cases, you can find a cheaper (or even free) alternative that does the job just as well. You might be surprised how much those monthly subscriptions add up when you aren’t paying attention.
Buy in Bulk — Strategically
If you know you’ll need something again and again — like packaging, office supplies, or marketing materials — it can make sense to buy in larger quantities. Suppliers often offer better prices when you order in bulk.
But don’t go overboard. Buying more than you can use or store might save a little money now, but cost more in the long run. The goal is to find a sweet spot where you’re buying enough to get a discount, without wasting space or cash.
Also consider splitting bulk orders with other local businesses. If you both use the same materials, you can share the cost and benefits.
Go Remote (If It Makes Sense)
Not every business needs a full-time office. If your work can be done from home or with a smaller physical footprint, you could save a lot on rent, utilities, and maintenance.
Even if you do need a space, think about flexible alternatives like shared offices or hot desks. These options give you access to what you need — meeting rooms, Wi-Fi, a professional address — without the full cost of a traditional lease.
Remote work isn’t just about saving money. It can also boost productivity and make hiring easier if you’re not limited by location.
Pay Invoices Early (Yes, Really)
Some suppliers offer discounts if you pay ahead of schedule. It’s often just a few percent — but over time, those small savings add up.
If you’ve got steady cash flow, it’s worth asking your vendors if they offer early payment incentives. Not only does it save you money, but it also builds goodwill. Strong relationships with suppliers can lead to better deals and flexibility in the future.
On the flip side, make sure you’re not paying too early if it squeezes your own cash flow. Balance is key.
Reuse and Repurpose What You Already Have
Before you buy something new, look around. Do you already have something that could do the job?
Maybe it’s a marketing asset that can be tweaked for a new campaign. Or packaging materials from a previous order. Or even an old piece of equipment that just needs a small repair.
We often overlook what we already own. But getting more use out of what you have is one of the simplest ways to cut costs without cutting quality.
Outsource Smart — Don’t Always Hire Full-Time
Hiring someone full-time is a big commitment. Salaries, benefits, taxes — it adds up fast. That’s why smart small businesses often start by outsourcing.
Freelancers or part-time contractors can handle specific projects like design, social media, copywriting, or bookkeeping. You get professional results without the long-term cost of a full-time hire.
Just make sure to set clear expectations, communicate often, and use contracts. The key is treating outsourced help like a partnership, not a shortcut.
And when it’s time to grow your team? You’ll already know what roles make sense to bring in-house.
Automate the Repetitive Stuff
Time is money — and if your team is stuck doing the same tasks over and over, that’s cash you’re burning.
Look at what tasks take up time each week. Invoicing? Appointment scheduling? Data entry? There’s likely a tool or workflow that can automate or simplify that process.
Automation doesn’t mean replacing people. It means freeing them up to do higher-value work — the kind that drives growth. And it means fewer errors, faster delivery, and better customer experiences.
Even small automations (like canned email replies or calendar integrations) can make a big impact over time.
Review Your Subscriptions Quarterly
It’s easy to forget what you’re paying for when it’s “just” £10 or £15 a month. But multiple subscriptions add up fast.
Make it a habit to review all your business expenses once a quarter. This includes software, memberships, tools, and even web hosting or email platforms. Ask yourself: Is this still helping me grow, or is it just there out of habit?
Cutting out unused subscriptions could save you hundreds a year with zero downside.
Negotiate Everything — Not Just Big Purchases
You don’t need to be a big company to ask for a better deal. Many suppliers and service providers are willing to negotiate — especially if you’ve been with them a while or are paying upfront.
This applies to everything from print runs and shipping costs to ad platforms and software providers. All you have to do is ask.
Even a 5% reduction on recurring costs can lead to major savings over the course of a year.
Learn Basic DIY Marketing Skills
Hiring pros is great when you’re scaling. But when you’re starting out or trying to stretch your budget, learning a few basic marketing skills yourself can make a big difference.
Knowing how to run simple Facebook ads, update your website, or design a basic social media post means you don’t need to pay for every small change. You don’t need to be an expert — just good enough to get things done when needed.
Then, when it makes sense, you can outsource the bigger stuff with confidence — and clear instructions.
