The National Outsourcing Association says if they could afford them, SMEs could use contracts with service levels included and regular supplier meetings to retain more control.

Martyn Hart, chairman of the NOA, says: ‘Small businesses don’t normally let outsourcing contracts out to organisations that are much bigger than themselves.’

He adds that SME contracts tend to go to local businesses. As such communication between the two is on an informal rather than a formal basis.

New research has revealed that the UK offshore services industry is worth approximately £220-£240 million.

The UK call centre outsourcing industry is worth £1.4 billion, according to the figures from CM Insight, quoted by Customer Contact Association.

Related: How small businesses should approach outsourcing