The challenge
Our customer needed a services procurement partner who could drive additional value from its professional services statement of work (SoW) projects, specifically urgent and tactical projects below £750k.
As a national security provider, the customer operates in a complex, high-stakes environment where operational resilience and control over spend matter enormously. Yet, a large share of its professional and consultancy services procurement lacked competition, with fewer than ten percent of procurements going out to tender. This limited visibility, reduced value for money, and left the supply chain heavily reliant on a small number of large enterprise suppliers.
The customer wanted a partner who could bring structure, transparency, and measurable savings, without slowing down the pace of delivery for its most time-sensitive projects.
The solution
Reed Talent Solutions implemented and rolled out a new service, designed to manage both strategic and tactical professional and consultancy services, in less than 12 weeks. The service is underpinned by specialist SPM technology and a dedicated team, with IR35 management and legal review included as standard.
The offering includes:
Supplier onboarding.
We onboarded all existing incumbent suppliers, alongside our extensive existing supply chain, to give the customer immediate breadth and continuity.
Supply-chain gap analysis.
We assessed the supply chain against the customer's current and future requirements. This led to the introduction and onboarding of new suppliers to enhance capacity and capability.
Tailored monthly management information.
We provide full transparency across all procurement activity, giving the customer a clear view of spend, performance, and progress.
Standardised contracts.
We standardised all new supplier contracts and requirements to improve delivery across the supply chain and strengthen contract management.
Dedicated tactical support.
We deliver day-to-day tactical support with a strategic overview, targeting continuous improvement through monthly diarised reviews.
This combination of specialist technology, expert people, and structured governance gave the customer control over its procurement, while keeping urgent projects moving at pace.
The results
Since go-live, the service has delivered clear, measurable value.
Support was provided across more than 100 procurements, delivering 20% savings against agreed baselines through effective competition.
The volume of competitive procurements increased from less than ten percent to 40% to date, giving the customer far greater value for money and confidence in its spend.
Access to a wider range of suppliers, including niche specialists and SMEs, helped create a more balanced, resilient, and capable supply chain. Before the contract, the customer relied mainly on large enterprises.
The service was extended to include projects above £750k, including a £1.3m technology procurement that delivered a 12% saving through negotiation.
The service continues to give the customer full visibility of its procurements and contracts, driving control, continuous improvement, and stronger supplier delivery to time and budget. Effective in-life contract management keeps every project accountable and on track.
The partnership shows what's possible when procurement moves from an administrative task to a strategic driver of value. By combining specialist technology, expert people, and a clear focus on outcomes, Reed Talent Solutions helps the customer protect critical business services while getting more from every pound it spends.
If you're looking to improve procurement outcomes, drive greater value for money, and gain stronger visibility and control across your contracts. Get in touch to find out what's possible for your organisation.
