Business Change Delivery Assurance

Problem - high failure rates in Change initiatives

Although your team may already be in place to carry out the implementation of a project, ensuring you have the right framework, governance and control can still be a challenge. This can lengthen timings, pressure budgets and increase risk.

Organisations are constantly undertaking change initiatives, transformations, and mergers & acquisitions to stay competitive.

However, the success rates of these endeavours are alarmingly low, leading to significant financial losses and missed opportunities. According to recent project management statistics, a staggering 70% of all projects fail to deliver what was promised to customers.

Even with the implementation of project management processes, the failure rate only reduces to 20% or below. This means that organisations are wasting substantial resources on initiatives that do not yield the expected results.

The financial impact of these failures is substantial. Nearly every 10 seconds, £1 million is wasted by companies worldwide due to ineffective implementation of business strategy, resulting in approximately £2 trillion annually in losses. This highlights the critical need for effective change management and delivery assurance.

In the realm of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), the situation is equally concerning. A survey of M&A practitioners in the United States revealed that general market uncertainty and the decision to prioritise organic growth over external acquisitions were among the main barriers to successful deal-making. This underscores the importance of robust change management and assurance processes in M&A activities.

The IT industry, often at the forefront of change initiatives, faces its own challenges. A shocking 75% of respondents in the IT sector lack confidence in project success, with many feeling that their projects are doomed to fail from the start. This lack of confidence can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, leading to further project failures.

Even in the construction industry, which has well-established project management practices, over 50% of project owners worldwide have seen their projects fail despite confidence in planning and controls. Only 31% of projects were delivered within 10% of the budget, and a mere 25% within 10% of the original timeframe.

These statistics paint a clear picture: organisations across industries are struggling to deliver change initiatives successfully. The root causes of these failures are multifaceted, including poor resource management, inadequate sponsor support, ineffective solution deployment, and lack of governance.

Without addressing these issues, businesses risk wasting valuable resources and falling behind in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Solution: How2-Change's Advisory Support

To combat these high failure rates and ensure successful delivery of change initiatives, How2-Change offers a unique solution: part-time advisory support similar to Non-Executive Directors.

This approach provides organisations with the expertise and guidance needed to troubleshoot, course-correct, and run initiatives successfully.

Our advisory support is designed to work alongside your existing teams, providing an independent and strategic viewpoint that bridges the gap between transformation initiatives and business strategy. We focus on both the ‘what’ and ‘why’ of strategic vision, as well as the ‘how’ of delivery excellence.

How2-Change’s advisors bring deep experience from leadership roles in large-scale, complex projects and programmes across various industries, including FTSE 100 companies and Private Equity-backed businesses.

This wealth of experience allows us to offer insights and best practices that can significantly improve the chances of successful project delivery.Our approach is evidence-based and analysis-driven, but we also recognise the importance of the human factor in change initiatives.

We ensure that our team has the right mix of skills and experience to fit with your organisation, fostering good working relationships and a focus on achieving common goals.Key aspects of our solution include:

Strategic Alignment: We work with all levels of your business to build a shared vision that aligns with your corporate strategic purpose. This ensures that change initiatives are not just delivered, but deliver real value to the organisation.
Risk Mitigation: Our advisors help identify and mitigate risks early in the process, reducing the likelihood of costly overruns and delays.
Governance and Control: We establish robust governance structures that are flexible enough to adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining necessary control.
Stakeholder Management: We assist in managing expectations and communications with all stakeholders, from the board to frontline employees.
Capability Building: Our aim is not just to deliver a single project successfully, but to build lasting capabilities within your organisation for future change initiatives.

By providing this high-level, strategic support, How2-Change helps organisations navigate the complexities of business transformation, change management, mergers and acquisitions, and post-acquisition integration. Our advisors act as a critical link between strategy and execution, ensuring that initiatives stay on track and deliver the expected benefits.

How We Deliver: Flexible Approach for Lasting Impact

A schedule tailored for your business

How2-Change’s delivery model is designed to be flexible and adaptable to each organisation’s unique needs. We recognise that every business is different, and what works for one may not work for another.

Our approach can be hands-on or hands-off, depending on the level of support required and the existing capabilities within your organisation.

Our overarching aim is to build capabilities and confidence as muscle memory in your organisation. This approach not only ensures the success of current initiatives but also increases your enterprise value by enhancing your ability to address future problems and opportunities effectively.

By taking this flexible, outcome-focused approach, How2-Change helps organisations develop the strategies, capabilities, and confidence needed to deliver change initiatives effectively and efficiently.

We help you set and manage expectations, navigate complexities, and ultimately increase your success rate in transformations, change programmes, and M&A activities.

With the high failure rates of change initiatives across industries, organisations need expert support to ensure successful delivery.

Expert help with a tailored appoach
Hands on or hands off support
We build skills and confidence in your team

Stay on track with us

We can work with you for as little as a few days each month, allowing you to decide how much support you need. This flexibility ensures that you get the right level of support at the right time, without unnecessary overhead.

We start with a comprehensive assessment of your current situation, highlighting areas of concern and tailoring our support to add the most value.

We establish a feedback mechanism that connects key stakeholders, ensuring early identification of issues and prompt action.

How2-Change’s Business Change Delivery Assurance service provides the strategic guidance, risk mitigation, and capability building needed to turn this situation around.

By partnering with How2-Change, you can significantly improve your ability to deliver change successfully, realise the benefits of your initiatives, and build lasting organisational capabilities for future transformations.

We provide support for Steering Committee and Board meetings, ensuring materials are well-prepared and key issues are addressed effectively.

Where needed, we supplement our advisory support with targeted training and coaching to build internal capabilities.

Our advisors are focused on delivering tangible outcomes, not just managing processes. We help ensure that your change initiatives deliver real business value.

Throughout our engagement, we work to transfer knowledge and skills to your team, building your internal change management capabilities.

In situations where additional leadership is required, we can provide experienced interim managers to guide critical aspects of your change initiatives.

High impact support with underwritable RoI
Options for complementary Coaching & Training support
Our team has the battle scars from first hand experience

Useful Links & FAQs

Why not have a read of some of our Insights, or browse our Case Studies?

Want a Free Initial Consultation?

Want to follow us on LinkedIn?

How can Business Change Delivery Assurance improve our FTSE 100 company's transformation success rates?

Business Change Delivery Assurance can significantly improve transformation success rates for FTSE 100 companies by providing a structured approach to managing complex change initiatives. It offers a framework for aligning strategic objectives with operational execution, ensuring that transformation efforts remain on track and deliver tangible business value. By implementing robust governance structures, risk management processes, and continuous monitoring, Business Change Delivery Assurance helps identify potential issues early, allowing for timely interventions and course corrections. This proactive approach can lead to higher success rates, reduced costs, and improved stakeholder satisfaction throughout the transformation journey.
What role does Board Advisory play in ensuring successful Mergers and Acquisitions?

Board Advisory plays a crucial role in ensuring successful Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) by providing strategic guidance and oversight throughout the process. Experienced advisors can offer valuable insights into market trends, potential risks, and opportunities that may not be immediately apparent to internal teams. They help boards make informed decisions by critically evaluating the strategic fit of potential acquisitions, assessing cultural compatibility, and identifying potential synergies. Board Advisory also ensures that proper due diligence is conducted, governance structures are in place, and integration plans are robust. This level of expert guidance can significantly improve the chances of M&A success, maximising value creation and minimising potential disruptions.
How can Interim Management support our organisation during critical phases of Change Management?

Interim Management can provide crucial support during critical phases of Change Management by offering experienced leadership and specialised skills on a temporary basis. These seasoned professionals can quickly step in to fill leadership gaps, drive change initiatives, and provide stability during periods of transition. Interim managers bring fresh perspectives and best practices from various industries, helping to overcome resistance to change and accelerate the implementation of new strategies. They can also mentor internal teams, transfer knowledge, and build capabilities within the organisation. This flexible approach allows organisations to access high-level expertise precisely when it's needed, without the long-term commitment of permanent hires.
What are the key benefits of implementing Programme Assurance in Private Equity-backed businesses?

Implementing Programme Assurance in Private Equity-backed businesses offers several key benefits. Firstly, it helps align transformation initiatives with the investment thesis, ensuring that change programmes directly contribute to value creation. Programme Assurance provides a structured approach to risk management, helping to identify and mitigate potential issues that could impact investment returns. It also enhances transparency and reporting, giving investors and stakeholders clear visibility into programme progress and outcomes. Additionally, Programme Assurance can accelerate the realisation of benefits, improve resource allocation, and increase the overall success rate of change initiatives. This can lead to faster value creation and improved returns for Private Equity investors.
How does Change Assurance differ from traditional project management in Business Transformation initiatives?

Change Assurance differs from traditional project management in Business Transformation initiatives by taking a more holistic, strategic approach. While project management focuses on delivering specific outputs within defined constraints, Change Assurance considers the broader impact of transformation on the entire organisation. It emphasises stakeholder engagement, cultural change, and long-term sustainability of the transformation. Change Assurance also provides independent oversight, challenging assumptions and providing objective assessments of progress and risks. It focuses on ensuring that transformation initiatives deliver real business value, not just project deliverables. This approach helps organisations navigate the complexities of large-scale change more effectively than traditional project management alone.
What strategies can we employ to improve Post-Acquisition Integration success rates?

To improve Post-Acquisition Integration success rates, organisations can employ several key strategies. Firstly, thorough pre-deal planning is crucial, including detailed cultural assessments and integration planning. Clear communication strategies should be developed to manage stakeholder expectations and maintain engagement throughout the process. Establishing a dedicated integration team with representation from both organisations can help navigate complex issues and drive synergies. Implementing robust governance structures and regular progress tracking ensures the integration stays on course. Prioritising quick wins while also focusing on long-term value creation can help build momentum and demonstrate early success. Finally, investing in change management and capability building can help overcome resistance and ensure the sustainability of the integration efforts.
How can part-time advisory support enhance our organisation's Change Management capabilities?

Part-time advisory support can significantly enhance an organisation's Change Management capabilities by providing access to specialised expertise on a flexible basis. These advisors bring a wealth of experience from various industries and can offer fresh perspectives on complex change challenges. They can help develop and refine change strategies, provide coaching to internal teams, and offer independent assessments of ongoing initiatives. Part-time advisors can also help build internal capabilities through knowledge transfer and mentoring, ensuring that the organisation develops sustainable change management skills. This flexible approach allows organisations to access high-level expertise as needed, without the overhead of full-time hires, making it a cost-effective way to enhance change management capabilities.
What are the key components of effective Delivery Assurance for large-scale IT transformation projects?

Effective Delivery Assurance for large-scale IT transformation projects encompasses several key components. Firstly, robust governance structures should be established to ensure clear decision-making and accountability. Comprehensive risk management processes are essential to identify, assess, and mitigate potential issues proactively. Regular independent reviews and health checks help maintain objectivity and identify areas for improvement. Stakeholder management and communication strategies are crucial to maintain engagement and manage expectations. Effective benefits tracking and realisation processes ensure the project delivers tangible business value. Quality assurance and testing frameworks are vital to ensure the delivered solutions meet requirements and performance standards. Finally, change management and training programmes are essential to ensure successful adoption and utilisation of the new IT systems.
How can we leverage Interim Leadership to drive successful Business Transformation initiatives?

Leveraging Interim Leadership can significantly drive successful Business Transformation initiatives by providing experienced, specialised leadership during critical periods of change. Interim leaders bring a wealth of transformation experience from various industries, offering fresh perspectives and proven methodologies. They can quickly assess the current situation, develop strategic plans, and mobilise teams to deliver results. Interim leaders are often more willing to make tough decisions and drive change without being constrained by internal politics or long-term career considerations. They can also mentor internal teams, transfer knowledge, and build capabilities, leaving the organisation better equipped to manage future transformations. This approach allows organisations to access high-calibre leadership precisely when it's needed, accelerating the pace of transformation and improving the chances of success.
What role does Change Assurance play in mitigating risks associated with complex organisational restructuring?

Change Assurance plays a crucial role in mitigating risks associated with complex organisational restructuring by providing a structured approach to managing the change process. It helps identify potential risks early in the restructuring process, allowing for proactive mitigation strategies to be developed. Change Assurance ensures that the restructuring aligns with overall business strategy and objectives, reducing the risk of misalignment. It provides independent oversight and challenge, helping to identify blind spots and question assumptions. Change Assurance also focuses on stakeholder management and communication, crucial elements in managing the human aspects of restructuring. By monitoring progress and outcomes, it allows for timely interventions if the restructuring deviates from its intended course. This comprehensive approach helps organisations navigate the complexities of restructuring while minimising disruptions and maximising the chances of achieving desired outcomes.

Start typing and press enter to search