Here are our top ten tips for finding the right professional services partner:🔗

1) Do your homework🔗

Before you commit to any firm, research their reputation thoroughly. Look for testimonials, case studies, and reviews that showcase their expertise and reliability. Check platforms like LinkedIn, Google reviews, Glassdoor or industry-specific forums. This due diligence will give you confidence that the partner is not only experienced, but also widely trusted.

2) Start early🔗

Forward planning is essential when it comes to choosing the right professional services partners. A time when you need urgent legal or financial help is probably not the best time to tackle this challenge. By building your professional service support ahead of time, it will allow you to make a clear and calm decision about who the best people are to support you. This means if a crisis does arise, you have one less thing to worry about and the perfect team on hand to help you tackle it.

3) Think local first🔗

Where possible, choose a professional services partner local to your area. Working with someone nearby has multiple benefits:

• Convenience: it’s easier to meet in person for critical discussions.
• Support for the local economy: you’re investing back into your community.
• Environmental impact: minimising travel reduces your carbon footprint.

Pro Manchester’s network, for instance, connects start-ups with professional services providers in the Greater Manchester area, providing a way to easily access our fantastic local community of professionals.

4) Find a partner who can scale with you🔗

Your commercial needs will evolve as your company grows. Choose a partner with the capability to scale alongside you. For example, an accounting firm with start-up expertise can help you manage initial cash flow, but they should also have experience navigating growth, scaling, and even assist with succession planning or any eventual sale.

5) Get to know the team you’ll be working with🔗

It’s vital to meet the people you’ll be interacting with regularly. Many firms send senior staff to pitch their services but assign less experienced team members to handle your account – often termed, the "pitch and ditch". Ensure the team you meet will be your regular contacts and don’t be afraid to ask a potential partner about their staff turnover. The lower the better!

6) Find shared values🔗

Alignment of core values is often overlooked but is crucial when looking for the right partner. If your start-up prioritises culture and wellbeing, a partner focused solely on the bottom line might not align with your ethos. Choosing a firm that shares your values will make the process of working together much easier in the long run.

7) Look for partners who go the extra mile🔗

The best professional services partners offer more than just their expertise – they leverage their network to benefit you. For instance, a law firm might introduce you to potential investors, or a marketing agency could connect you with other local start-ups for collaboration opportunities. Look for firms that see themselves as part of your success story.

8) Seek out specific expertise🔗

While general expertise is valuable, a partner familiar with your industry or start-up specific challenges can save you time and money in the long run. They’ll already understand your pain points and often have their own solutions, making them an invaluable resource.

9) Look past the numbers🔗

Entrepreneurs often make the mistake of prioritising prestige over practical fit. Try to avoid overpaying for big brand name experience, as more expensive firms do not always provide a better service. Similarly, the cheapest option might be tempting, but there could be a reason their prices are so low. Focus instead on value for money - look for a partner who delivers exceptional service at a reasonable price.

10) Use your network🔗

Your peer network is one of your most valuable resources. Fellow founders, business connections and even friends can often point you toward professionals they trust. Personal recommendations can be extremely valuable as they often come from first-hand experience in your required specialist area. They are also a strong indication of a personality fit, making them an excellent shortcut to finding the provider you need.