Business services are a broad category of industries that support the infrastructure and productivity of businesses. These industries include information technology (IT), human resources, finance, procurement, shipping, and others. Companies in this industry provide the services that help a business run smoothly, such as consulting, marketing, software development, training, communication, and insurance.
Business-to-business (B2B) service is a type of service that occurs between trade organizations, rather than with individuals or consumers. For example, a car manufacturing company performs B2B transactions with the wholesaler that provides them with rubber hoses and tires for their cars.
Careers in the field of Business services are diverse and include positions such as HR managers, IT directors, and procurement specialists. Many of the responsibilities in these careers require strong interpersonal skills, as well as an understanding of the law and corporate policies. A bachelor’s degree in a related subject is recommended for aspiring Business services professionals.
The Office of General Services established the Business Services Center to increase efficiencies and reduce costs for New York State agencies by streamlining transactional Human Resources and Finance services. The center works to serve as a central hub for these services, while simultaneously supporting agencies as they focus on their mission activities. This is accomplished through a combination of staff and an outsourcing model. The center is located in Albany and is staffed by 165 employees. The center has also implemented a self-service portal for agencies to submit transactional HR and Finance requests online.