Cost reduction

Cost structures need to scale with the business. We help private equity backed and mid-market companies reset spend, remove waste, and build cost discipline that lasts. This will protect your key services, while improving EBITDA and cash.

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Approach overview

We do not use across-the-board cuts or generic targets. We use a clear, data-led method to find the real drivers of cost and value, then take precise action.

Budgets are rebuilt from zero where needed, and teams are coached to spend against today’s needs, not last year’s habits.

Zero Based Budgeting (ZBB) principles are embedded into ways of working, not just into a spreadsheet.

We also bring rigour to third party spend, using spend analytics, supplier consolidation and firm commercial negotiation to deliver savings that stick.

What you get

Whether you are tackling legacy inefficiency or getting exit ready, we’ll provide you with a simple plan, fast wins and a governance rhythm that keeps delivery on track. Savings will be owned by budget holders and signed off with your finance team, so the impact is visible in the P&L and cash.

Zero Based Budgeting (ZBB) design and implementation

We’ll start from zero and challenge every cost line. The ZBB framework will align to your budgets and what you need and then build ownership in each team. We’ll provide you with a change in mindset backed by training, tracking and clear accountability, not a one-off spreadsheet exercise.

Vendor rationalisation and spend analytics

We’ll analyse your spend to surface overspend, duplication and under-used supplier relationships. Then we’ll simplify your supply base, consolidate where it makes sense and renegotiate terms. This will give you stronger contracts, reduced tail spend and suppliers that support your operation.

Activity based costing to expose hidden inefficiency

We use activity-based costing to reveal the true outlay you need to run your core processes and to serve specific customers or SKUs. Your leaders will get a clear view of where to optimise, automate or stop activity, which improves margin without damaging service.

Stakeholder alignment across functions

Cost programmes only work with your buy-in. Our job is to collaborate with you so we can align finance, operations, HR, procurement, and business unit leads around a single plan with clear roles and decisions. We will remove friction, speed up delivery and make the savings stick.

Cost reduction case studies

Cost reduction

Zero Based Budgeting (ZBB) at Nomad Foods Europe

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Cost reduction

Strategic cost reduction in PE software

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Cost reduction

Leading cost transformation in global banking

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Cost reduction

Cost reduction in European FMCG operations

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Get in touch

Book a free value creation consultation

Schedule a confidential, no obligation discussion today.

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Commonly asked questions

We use a holistic approach to cost reduction, protecting the goals of growth and required change. We don’t use across-the-board cuts or blanket targets. Instead, we apply a clear, data-led method to pinpoint real cost drivers and deliver precise actions for your team. This often includes rebuilding budgets from zero and embedding Zero Based Organisation (ZBO) discipline into how your teams operate.

ZBB means starting from zero and questioning every cost line. Budgets are aligned with your current needs, not your historical habits. It’s supported by training, tracking, and accountability and is never just a one-off exercise. The impact of ZBB is pronounced and sustainable, lasting well beyond the timeline of our engagement with you.

We analyse your spend to detect areas of overspending, duplication, or underutilised supplier relationships. Then we simplify the supply base, consolidate vendors where sensible, and negotiate stronger contracts — reducing tail spend while improving supplier alignment.

ABC reveals the true cost of running core processes or serving specific customers or SKUs. This clarity will enable your leaders to optimise, automate, or cut redundant activities - improving margins without hurting service quality.

We bring your finance, operations, HR, procurement, and business unit stakeholders together around one unified plan with clearly defined roles and decisions. We also use Goal Directed Project Planning methodology which ensures alignment of common goals, timelines, and efforts. That reduces friction, accelerates execution, and ensures sustained savings.

Expect us to renew potential and maximising value. You can expect a clear and simple plan, fast wins, and a governance rhythm that keeps your progress on track. Savings are owned by budget holders, signed off with finance, and reflected directly in your P&L and cash flow. More importantly, we can deliver multi-million-pound savings through our data-driven approach, rigorous governance and strong alignment with your leadership and the team.

Yes. Whether you're aiming to tackle legacy inefficiencies or preparing for exit readiness, we can deliver tailored, impactful rigour with fast results and long-term governance.

Absolutely. We embed Zero Based Budgeting (ZBB) and best practices directly into your ways of working, supported by coaching, training, and accountability mechanisms - not just spreadsheets.

You can book a complimentary, no-obligation consultation to explore your performance opportunities. We look forward to engaging with you and your teams.