The question of whether to outsource or do it yourself is one of those discussions that businesses have probably been having ever since people had businesses. As you grow, do you develop a new competence such as a department, business function or capability by building it from scratch - hiring new resources or training/retraining existing resources as required - or do you buy it in by outsourcing it from an external supplier or specialist?

The answer to this conundrum can be found through rigorous, detailed and honest analysis. It’s worth emphasising that honesty – recognising your limitations, wherever they lie – is vital to this process.