Starting up Shared Services is an enormous challenge at the best of times and an uncertain 2009 makes it even harder. On the other hand, the drivers for Shared Services – and doing it right – are stronger and more valid.

The challenge for ‘start-ups’ is getting approval for a business case in challenging economic times, when every investment will be scrutinised in detail for payback and Return on Investment (ROI) by any board and/or executive team, and risky projects will be avoided. So for those presenting a business case, it has been, and continues to be, important to look for value-added benefits. Headcount savings and efficiency benefits are necessary, but the best cases have also stressed improved controls, working capital benefits and support for wider transformation of support functions such as Finance,HR and IT.

As well as a strong benefits case, approvers will also be looking for a tightly run project with well documented and managed risks. Over the years there have been many Shared Services lessons learned, and in tough times it will be even more important for start-ups to take heed.

As organisations have to cope with the pressures of a global recession, ‘Mature Shared Services’ will come under the spotlight to ensure they are accountable for delivering promised cost savings, enhanced controls, and improved customer service and performance efficiencies.

Existing Shared Services organisations should make sure they are getting the basics right. However, there is a silver lining with every cloud and for the proactive there is surely an opportunity to ‘sell’ additional shared services to key stakeholders. It may be the time to be ambitious and look to add more value to your organisation by extending the scope to activities which were formerly the preserve of staff left close to the business.