Nick Williams provides three case studies of projects he led: 1) Implementing a new business management IT system to replace legacy software, on time and on budget, improving productivity and winning new contracts. 2) Setting up a new fulfilment site to increase capacity by 40% and access new customers, on time and on budget. 3) Turning around an acquired brand by liquidating stock, engaging customers, upgrading websites and suppliers, reversing losses and selling a leaner, growing business.

1. Nick Williams
Tel: + 44 (0) 7496 242634 Email: njw2012@hotmail.com
Case study 1
The Brief: Implement a new business management IT system to replace a collection of disparate legacy software
applications. The investment needed to be justified by operational and infrastructure cost savings and by new
business.
My Role: As project lead, I scoped out the top level business requirement for existing and future functionality
needs then researched the marketplace and evaluated options. The specification and indicative budget were key
components of the business case which I presented to the board prior to approval. I negotiated with prospective
suppliers and selected the best-fit solution, then led the implementation project with an excellent supporting team.
Due to the magnitude of the project and the associated risks, stakeholder management was crucial and part of
my role was to liaise with clients and suppliers and to report progress to the senior leadership team within our
business.
Results: The Microsoft Dynamics AX platform was implemented on time and on budget. The new technology
was embraced by our own teams and operational productivity and accuracy improved. New contracts were won
and existing retained because of the investment in Microsoft’s flagship ERP and the new functionality it provided.
Case study 2
The Brief: Our storage and fulfilment facility in Northampton was operating at peak capacity so it was necessary
to set up a satellite fulfilment site elsewhere, ideally utilising redundant warehouse space in the Menzies estate.
My Role: It was my responsibility to find an appropriate solution to deliver additional capacity for the business to
sell. Our existing client base was in the south of England so I researched the potential of opportunities with
northern-based clients. I then evaluated the Menzies Preston site in terms of its suitability for our requirements
and assessed the commercials before writing and presenting a business plan. Post approval, I initiated the
project plan and worked with relevant stakeholders including an architect, suppliers, in-house IT, etc., to do the
change of purpose work required.
Worked with the sales and marketing team on the strategy to sell the additional space available.
Results: The successful completion of this project in 2015 delivered an increase in capacity of 40%, releasing
some pressure on a full Northampton warehouse. It also created opportunities to sell to a new geographical
audience.
Case study 3
The Brief: A major client – Readicut Crafts – ceased trading and the Orbital business acquired the brand and
some of the assets from the Administrator with a view to preserving product sales and fulfilment activity/revenues
whilst streamlining the operation to prepare it for re-sale.
My Role: I took on the task of turning the business around in an interim/caretaker capacity whilst continuing with
my other responsibilities. A marketer with relevant experience was hired and we created a business plan together.
Priorities were to liquidate a significant amount of redundant stock to generate cash for re-investment and reduce
storage costs, re-engage previous customers and find new ones and upgrade to a new website including essential
features like user generated content, social, etc. Online presence was enhanced by utilising additional routes to
market (eg Amazon and eBay). As part of the process, incumbent suppliers were reviewed and those that weren’t
adding value were purged and replacements were sourced, sometimes further up the supply chain enabling us
to maximise margin.
Results: Promotional costs reduced by 10% due to improved targeting. Average order value increased and
average items per order decreased (reducing handling costs). The overall number of customers decreased but
new customers were more active and spent more. The significant losses that drove Readicut into Administration
were reversed. A smaller, leaner business with significant growth potential was sold to a competitor in 2014.
CASE STUDIES