Strategy and M&A - Williams Bain

Expert Insights

6 Ways Field-based Businesses can Increase Profitability

Field-service based businesses, such as those in the facilities management, engineering services, utilities and pest control sectors, face many challenges including skills shortages, intense competition and increasingly demanding service-level agreements. Louise Orrell, who specialises in transformations for field-based companies, looks at some of the key things firms can do to drive profitability. 1. Optimise workforce…

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…

How to start building your AI capability – Tips for the CEO

Recent months have seen apocalyptic warnings on the dangers of artificial intelligence. But “AI transformation expert” Dean Zia Dar isn’t panicking yet – and says business leaders shouldn’t either. He offers these tips to help you standup AI capability in less than a year. 1. This is how AI helps you “Don’t let the technology…

Why social value is a must-have, not a nice-to-have.

Once largely viewed as the ‘fluffy stuff’ in bids, today social value is a significant and serious part of every government contract. In fact, says social value adviser Richard Dennis OBE, a former COO of Amey’s FM division, it’s fast becoming a significant and serious part of doing business full-stop. Pick a number between 10…

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…

6 tech considerations before you carve out (part 1 – carve out / disposal)

Carve-outs can be a catalyst for significant growth and shareholder value, but their complexity – particularly when it comes to technology – can lead to unforeseen problems and costs. Carve-out consultant and former CIO Pierre Montersino explains the crucial tech issues every CEO needs to consider before divesting part of their business. By carving out…

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…

IR35: Don’t be put off by an Outside IR35 determination

With so many companies still unsure how to implement changes to their recruitment policy to accommodate the impending IR35 legislative update, I thought it might be useful to address one of the core issues that our clients are requesting clarification on.

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.

Invest in the future – with or without a strong balance sheet

Brexit and the US presidential election have created a cautious market in which many companies are minded to sit on their cash and do nothing. But experienced commercial director David Scott argues that conditions are ripe for companies to make measured investments and steal the advantage – even if their balance sheets aren’t looking so healthy.

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