SMEs should outsource peripheral operations to allow them to focus on core functions, according to an IT services provider.

Colin Blumenthal, Managing Director of Complete IT, believes that many SMEs should not be distracted by area such as IT, HR and finance, and instead be outsourced. According to Blumenthal, external specialists are capable of offering a "flexible and responsive" service.

Blumenthal’s comments follow a survey by Western Union Business solutions last month which claimed that confidence amongst SMEs were at their highest level for six months and that two thirds were optimistic about Q1 trading conditions.

Blumenthal said: "As organisations see the slow signs of recovery and growth, re-investment will be needed and this offers a perfect opportunity to re-evaluate whether the functions are best managed in-house or outsourced."