Business Services

From IT services companies and consulting firms to cleaning and security providers, from HR services to facilities management… We help business services players improve performance in response to the impact of AI, the digitalisation of practices and evolving client expectations towards their B2B service providers.

Explore our market reports

The industryOur solutionsUse casePublications

Business services are operating in an increasingly competitive and demanding environment:

Automation, AI, cybersecurity and cloud technologies are transforming service offerings, service delivery models and value chains.
Environmental and regulatory challenges (decarbonisation, reporting, compliance) are playing a growing role in tenders and supplier selection criteria.
Skills shortages are forcing companies to rethink recruitment, training, retention and the use of independent contractors.

As a result, players must adapt their business models, segment their offerings, structure their value propositions and differentiate themselves in a market where price pressure remains strong.

€53bn

national expenditure on vocational training

4 million

number of self-employed workers in France, with or without a higher education degree

39%

share of decision-makers citing regulatory requirements as the primary driver of their digital investments

40%

share of audit and accounting firms lacking sufficient staff to prospect for new clients

From the Expert

A data scientist working on an artificial intelligence project

« Generative artificial intelligence is radically transforming the consulting sector, creating new opportunities while widening the gap between large global firms and their local competitors. »

Alexis Jouan

Business Services Sector Expert, Xerfi

A female colleague developing an explanatory diagram during a brainstorming session

Our solutions for the business services industry

Drawing on its recognised expertise in the economy and markets, Xerfi offers a comprehensive range of analysis and advisory solutions. From flagship reports to bespoke analyses, from Call Expert to videos and conferences led by our consultants, we support private and public organisations alike in turning analysis into action.

HR diagnostics

To analyse recruitment pressures, assess training practices, strengthen employer attractiveness and structure HR policies aligned with the sector’s transformation.

Economic, regulatory and societal impact reports

To measure the effects of a reform (labour, taxation, public procurement, CSR) or a technological transformation on your professions and organisations.

Sectoral and company financial analyses

To benchmark your performance against market leaders, objectively assess your margins and profitability, guide investment decisions and strengthen your case with financial partners.

Operational recommendations and action plans

To turn Xerfi’s analyses into concrete improvement levers: organisational optimisation, premiumisation, pricing strategies, and the structuring of integrated or multi-service offerings.

Brand awareness studies and brand image audits

To assess how your brand is perceived by clients and prospects, and identify differentiation levers in a highly competitive market.

An open-plan office with employees at computer workstations - illustrating the business services sector

Use case

Strengthening the attractiveness and performance of a B2B services provider facing talent shortages

Detailed challenge

A national business services group (cleaning, multi-services, security) was facing chronic shortages of operational staff, high turnover and difficulties recruiting for certain client sites. These pressures were undermining service quality, margins and the ability to win new tenders. The company sought to objectively assess its challenges, identify levers to enhance its attractiveness, and improve its operating model in order to secure sustainable growth.

Objectives

Understand the drivers of turnover and recruitment difficulties by region and job category.
Benchmark the group’s financial and HR performance against direct competitors.
Identify levers to enhance employer attractiveness, organisational effectiveness and skills recognition.
Build an operational action plan to strengthen retention and secure service delivery.

Solutions

HR diagnostics: analysis of recruitment, training, scheduling, mobility and remuneration practices; mapping of staffing pressures by region and job category.
Sectoral and company financial analyses: benchmarking of margins, labour costs and productivity against competitors.
Economic or regulatory impact studies: assessment of the effects of increases in collectively agreed minimum wages, CSR requirements and public procurement rules on costs and organisational structures.
Brand awareness and employer brand studies: surveys of employees, candidates and prescribers to understand perceptions and barriers to attractivenes.