A business service is a type of industry that offers intangible services, unlike the retail or manufacturing sectors which provide tangible products. These services support businesses by improving efficiency and reducing costs. They allow a company to focus on strategic-based internal goals and hire employees that specialize in the tasks required for those goals while outsourcing non-core duties. They can also scale up or down based on changing output demands. For example, when a company needs extra help for construction or shipping projects during seasonal production increases, they can hire business service providers to handle the additional work load.

There are many different types of business services, including IT, consulting, and management. Some are even offered as a “service-as-a-software” model, which means they can be accessed remotely from any location with an Internet connection. This model is especially useful when working with global companies that require a high level of flexibility and collaboration across multiple locations.

In addition to IT, business services can include warehousing, transportation, and waste handling. Generally, these types of services are performed by third-party vendors to reduce costs and improve productivity. For example, a large company may prefer to use a specialized storage company for its extra inventory rather than owning and maintaining its own warehouse. This allows the company to focus on core business functions and saves money by not having to purchase, maintain and operate its own facilities.

The business services sector is a vital part of the economy, contributing over 50% of GDP in most countries. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals looking to find employment that pays well and provides a good variety of career opportunities.