Delegate or Do It Yourself: What’s Better for Your Business?

When running a business—especially as a sole trader or small business owner—one of the most important decisions you’ll face is whether to handle certain tasks yourself or delegate them. While doing things on your own might seem cost-effective in the short term, it’s not always the most efficient choice.

This article explores the advantages and risks of both approaches and provides clear criteria to help you make strategic decisions that boost productivity and sustainable growth.

1. What Does It Mean to Delegate?

Delegating means transferring responsibility for specific tasks or processes to others—whether internal employees, freelancers, or specialised external providers. In today’s business environment, delegating isn’t a sign of weakness, but rather a smart way to maximise time and resources.

Commonly delegated tasks include:

Accounting and tax compliance
Graphic design and digital marketing
Customer service
Shipping and logistics
Web development and IT support

2. When Should You Do It Yourself?

Handling tasks on your own can be beneficial, especially in the early stages of a business or when budgets are tight. Advantages include:

Immediate cost savings
First-hand knowledge and learning
Greater control over processes and results

However, taking on too many roles can lead to burnout, inefficiency, and a limited strategic vision that hinders business growth.

3. Benefits of Delegating

a) Strategic Focus

Delegating administrative or technical work allows you to concentrate on core areas such as business development, innovation, and growth strategy.

b) Higher Efficiency and Quality

Specialised professionals can reduce errors, streamline workflows, and deliver more professional results in less time.

c) Scalability

Delegating helps scale your business by freeing up your time and energy to handle more clients or expand operations.

d) Reduced Stress and Burnout

Avoiding constant multitasking and trusting others with responsibilities contributes to better mental health and decision-making.

4. How to Decide: Key Criteria

Before choosing whether to delegate, ask yourself:

Do I have the expertise? Can I complete the task efficiently and correctly?
What is my time worth? Would my time be better spent on higher-value activities?
Is the task complex or technical? Does it require legal, creative, or financial knowledge?
Will it improve productivity? Could delegating help me grow or increase revenue?

5. Tips for Effective Delegation

Delegating successfully involves planning and communication. Key tips include:

Define the task clearly: Set clear goals, deadlines, and expectations.
Choose the right provider: Check qualifications, reviews, and pricing.
Establish communication: Maintain regular check-ins without micromanaging.
Review results: Provide feedback and refine the process if needed.

6. Real-World Example: Delegating Accounting

Accounting is one of the most valuable areas to delegate. Staying compliant with tax regulations, submitting reports correctly, and claiming allowable deductions all require up-to-date knowledge of UK tax law.

By outsourcing to a professional accounting service, you save time, avoid costly mistakes, and strengthen your business’s financial health.

Trust UKStartCompany with What Truly Matters

If you’re thinking of delegating key aspects of your business, UKStartCompany offers tailored solutions in accounting, tax compliance, and business management. Our team of experts can help you:

Meet your legal obligations without the hassle
Optimise your tax position safely and effectively
Save time and focus on what you do best