The client is a well-known bespoke manufacturer employing 700 staff.  The success of the business over the last 7-8 years has seen phenomenal growth, but much of the cash generated was re-invested to fund the expansion plans and to prepare for the future.  This is a successful, but not “cash-rich” group.  Although the business had “5-star” Trustpilot Reviews, there had been an upturn in complaints from customers about the performance of the raw material and middle-management were being challenged to determine a remedial strategy and improve matters before any new orders were taken.

 

The entire management team and some of the Directors were suggesting a change of raw material to a more expensive variety; however, this would cost c£400,000 pa extra and there was no guarantee of success.  The conclusions were based on a combination of anecdotal evidence and gut-feelings.  The Board needed to act quickly and at this point we were asked to review the current position and to recommend a course of action that would solve the problem – even if this meant making the transition to the more expensive raw material.

 

The project involved extensive research, both technical and practical.  Also, taking the opinions of the managerial staff into consideration as well as speaking to many suppliers, industry experts and similar people from within a broadly similar market.  A number of trials were also undertaken.

 

The conclusion and recommendations were summarised into a comprehensive report containing extensive analysis that formed the basis of the findings.  The outcome suggested that the original raw material should be retained – but there were a range of caveats to ensure that the position could be monitored and improved.

 

As the project outcomes were implemented, there was not one single objection and the clamour for the more expensive alternative subsided immediately.  This meant that the £400,000 pa additional expenditure was not needed and a clear pathway forwards was defined.

 

GROUP CEO – “Thanks for the excellent work that you have done for us.  You have saved us a small fortune.”