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Chris Carlisle, Finance Director for Aquascutum, engaged Expense Reduction Analysts consultants Andrew Lees, David Mitchell and Derek Hodd to review the company’s expenditure levels in a number of cost areas.
The strength of Expense Reduction Analysts is its people. Andrew and David were able to draw upon the experience and knowledge of their fellow consultants to assist with different areas of the analysis work.
Fellow consultants Keith Robinson, Marc Page and Derek Hodd joined the project team to review Aquascutum’s spend levels upon facilities contracts, cleaning and cash handling respectively. Meanwhile Expense Reduction Analyst Hartley Jenkinson was invited to analyse expenditure upon merchant card fees and stationery. In both instances, following tender to a number of alternative suppliers, it was agreed that Aquascutum should remain with the existing suppliers; both of whom were very keen to keep the business. This meant there was no disruption to Aquascutum and negotiations ensured that good profit improvements were achieved in both areas.
Richard Anson, renowned amongst his Expense Reduction Analysts colleagues for his knowledge of the packaging industry, reviewed this cost area for Aquascutum. He used his expertise to suggest alternative packaging designs which are not only cheaper to produce, but will enable more garments to be packed into each box, thus reducing the number of boxes purchased.
Chris Carlisle explains: “Obviously the appearance of our products is extremely important. Richard understood this completely and, despite achieving a significant profits, ensured that the packaging changes had no impact upon the way the product looked once it was unpacked.”
Chris has been extremely pleased with the work carried out and concludes: “My experiences of cost management specialists were mixed prior to engaging Expense Reduction Analysts, as much depends on the manner in which the consultants engage those involved in the buying process.
In the case of Expense Reduction Analysts, the consultants have won the respect of the staff quickly due to their in-depth knowledge of their specialist areas and their willingness to understand the specific requirements of a prestige brand such as Aquascutum.”
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