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Expert Insights

How interims and big consultancy firms can work together for the greater good

It’s not uncommon for businesses to turn to large consultancy firms or interim executives to navigate complex situations. But there are circumstances when using both simultaneously can be beneficial, as transformation specialist Siva Shankar explains. If you’re considering external expertise, experienced interims and consultancy firms have their unique distinct advantages. Although seemingly more expensive, big…

How to survive and thrive with private equity investors

Private equity investment opens up exciting new opportunities, but also some unique challenges for a management team. As an experienced Private Equity firm operating partner, Michael Eidenschink has helped many senior leaders navigate the often tricky relationship with PE. Here he offers his advice on making that relationship more productive for everyone involved. 1. Your…

Turnaround + Growth = Transformation

Chris McLain is an experienced CEO who has an impressive track record of quickly turning around and growing businesses that are struggling, particularly those providing technical, engineering, emergency repairs and facilities management services. Here he explains his approach to transformation and turnaround and some of the key considerations. The need for growth When I’m brought…

How to keep your prices at an optimum level

Market volatility, wage inflation and the spiraling cost of raw materials has forced many businesses to increase prices. But doing so without damaging sales or customer trust is a careful balancing act. Data scientist Ali Habasha explains why intelligent pricing is the answer. “Historically, a lot of organisations, especially B2Bs, have applied blanket price increases….

6 things to consider before selling part of your business

Divesting a business can streamline your organisation and generate capital to reinvest in its future. But where to start? What are the challenges? And what’s the most effective way to get the best price? Interim Managing Director Andy Halsall, a transformation and disposal specialist, shares his advice. 1. Consider your options Typically, when leaders consider…

The numbers don’t lie – or can they?

There are reasons why figures can sometimes get “fudged”, ranging from internal pressures and cultural acceptance to a lack of oversight. The problem is that it’s not always easy to tell when the numbers are off. So, what can you do? Siva Shankar explains how to spot some red flags, keep numbers honest and protect…

5 ways to improve your board pack and focus on the issues that matter

Board packs are essential for engaging senior stakeholders, bringing them up to speed on performance and guiding discussions that shape future strategy. They’re an indispensable component of every board meeting, but they can also be time-consuming and difficult to create. Is there a better way to build them? Management consultant and experienced interim manager Ashif…

Six reasons to carry out a value creation plan (VCP) – even if you’re not facing a PE buyout

When a private equity (PE) firm comes into a business and interrogates the data and your team to make a value creation plan, it can “feel like open-heart surgery while trying to run a marathon.” So says Mike Hawthorne, an executive advisor and former CEO of PE portfolio companies. But a VCP doesn’t have to…

Is a Chief of Staff the key to faster growth?

Busy CEOs may not be able to add more hours to the day or create a copy of themselves, but hiring a chief of staff (CoS) could be the next-best answer. Experienced CoS Les Murray explains how this still largely under-utilised role can lighten the load and significantly accelerate performance. For many, a chief of…

Pay rises in a post Covid world

Requests for pay rises are on the increase, and whether you are the manager/remco member or employee, the following information may prove useful. I am pretty certain that there have been far fewer conversations about pay rises over the past year than would usually take place. However, as offices start to re-open and employees contemplate…

More than 8 in 10 businesses underwent transformational change in 2017

A global survey by interim management specialist IXPA has found that 85% of businesses underwent transformational change in 2017. The study looked at the key challenges facing organisations around the world over the past 12 months and asked leaders how they were tackling them.

Responding to change: what next for social housing?

The Social Housing sector faces unprecedented challenges as Housing Associations and Local Authority ALMOs have to provide more homes and better services with less money. Change management expert David Lister argues that restructuring and developing a new Target Operating Model can create greater efficiencies and more modern ways of working – leaving organisations in better shape for the future.

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