#Japan #Persol #Nagasaki #StepBase

Collaboration Agreement to Support Small Businesses in Nagasaki Prefecture

On September 26, 2025, at the Nagasaki Prefectural Office, a significant agreement was ratified between Persol Business Process Design Inc., Nagasaki Prefecture, Nagasaki Prefectural Chamber of Commerce Federation, and the Nagasaki Chamber of Commerce and Industry Federation. This partnership focuses on enhancing support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nagasaki, particularly through the utilization of the online BPO service, "StepBase." The vision driving this initiative is encapsulated in the phrase, "Let’s work and smile together."

Background of the Initiative

Nagasaki Prefecture has faced a persistent decline in its population since 1960, resulting in critical challenges for local businesses, particularly in terms of securing a skilled workforce. The increasing scarcity of talent necessitates efforts from companies not only to focus on their core business but also to streamline surrounding tasks through external outsourcing. The establishment of a solid framework for promoting digital transformation (DX) through visibility and standardization of operations is vital for these businesses to thrive amidst changing demographics.

To facilitate these changes, Nagasaki Prefecture has instituted the "Digital Capability Enhancement Subsidy Program," aimed at improving the digital readiness of local enterprises. This initiative is expected to further productivity enhancements by addressing the visibility and standardization of operations among SMEs, which will alleviate the dependency on specific individuals for executing tasks.

Summary of the Collaboration

The collaboration is structured around several key support mechanisms:

• - Advocacy for Outsourcing Core Tasks: The initiative emphasizes the importance of outsourcing to address recruitment challenges.
• - Encouragement of DX Implementation: By integrating DX into their operations, local enterprises can improve efficiency and focus on their core competencies.
• - Foundational Support via IT Tools: Companies will receive development in operational profiling and procedural documentation facilitated by modern IT tools.
• - Assistance with Secondary Tasks: A system of outsourcing secondary operational tasks will be established.

The partnership aims to create an environment where businesses can minimize manpower usage and concentrate on their primary operations. By visualizing tasks, companies will gain insights on where to effectively implement IT tools and AI, thereby optimizing their operations.

Importance of the Partnership

Persol Business Process Design recognizes the ongoing challenges faced by local SMEs, particularly with recruiting skilled personnel and driving digital transformation. The launch of the "StepBase" online BPO service in September 2024 underlines the group's commitment to tackle these issues collaboratively with Nagasaki's businesses.

Statement from Persol Executives

Masaru Hashiguchi, Senior Executive Officer at Persol Business Process Design, states that the focus on "regional revitalization" and enhancing SME productivity drives their efforts. Having established a presence in Sasebo City in Nagasaki in 2017, the company has continuously collaborated with local governments to address the pressing issues faced by smaller enterprises. Amidst recruitment struggles, there is a pressing need to implement new strategies for DX and business continuity without solely relying on hiring more employees.

Insights from Nagasaki Officials

智弘 宮地, the Director of the Nagasaki Prefectural Industrial Labor Department, highlights the strained economic environment facing small and medium-sized businesses, including the challenges posed by population decline, aging demographics, and rising operational costs. The newly established partnership aims to create an enabling environment for businesses to utilize BPO services effectively, leading to better operational efficiency and enhanced profitability.

About StepBase

"StepBase" serves as an online BPO platform designed to handle various back-office operations efficiently. It leverages a robust workforce trained by Persol Business Process Design, which boasts over 7,000 operational flows within its repository, thus eliminating barriers to outsourcing related to the creation of procedures or manuals. By providing specialized assistance in recruitment, accounting, labor, administration, and more, it allows businesses to delegate tasks flexibly, reducing the financial burden of hiring new employees.

In conclusion, this collaborative agreement represents a significant step toward bolstering the capacity and confidence of small businesses in Nagasaki Prefecture, paving the way for sustainable growth and a brighter economic future.