Following the acquisition of the Birmingham UK operations of US-owned Allegheny Technologies Incorporated, HARALD PIHL (HP) engaged Inspiring Group early in the integration process. While HP’s core team concentrated on refining operations and driving revenue growth, we were tasked with reviewing indirect expenditure and identifying immediate cost-saving opportunities.

Post-acquisition, HARALD PIHL needed to quickly align the Birmingham site’s cost base with its operational and growth strategy. With the management team focused on production and market positioning, there was limited internal resource available to deep-dive into procurement categories, yet rapid results were essential.

Led by our team member Andy Scott, we quickly engaged with the HP team to gather and analyse spend data, identify opportunities, and implement savings, all within just six weeks.

Key actions included:

• Energy – Negotiated new supply contracts and reduced site capacity levels.
• Telecommunications – Transitioned to a cost-effective, more efficient VOIP calling system.
• Capital Equipment – Managed the disposal of unused assets and negotiated favourable lease rates for essential equipment.

• Delivered strong annualised purchase savings across multiple categories.
• Reduced overhead costs without disrupting ongoing operations.
• Freed up the HP team to focus on operational priorities and growth initiatives.

"Inspiring Group quickly understood our needs, integrated seamlessly with our team, and delivered significant savings in a short timeframe. Their work allowed us to stay focused on operations while improving our cost base."

— HARALD PIHL Management Team

Overview:

Our client operates hundreds of critical pieces of equipment, but asset records were fragmented across spreadsheets, paper files, and individual knowledge. Inspiring Group was engaged to implement a digital asset management system that consolidates asset data, improves maintenance efficiency, and enhances operational visibility.

The Challenge:

Fragmented records made it difficult to schedule Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM), delayed reactive maintenance, and limited visibility of equipment status, creating inefficiencies and risk.

Solution:

Led by our team, we managed the project end-to-end:

Requirements & Vendor Selection

• Engaged stakeholders to capture operational and compliance requirements.
• Managed the tender process to select a specialist vendor.

Implementation & Configuration

• Configured the system to reflect the client’s asset register, PPM schedules, and reporting workflows.
• Ensured compliance with aerospace traceability and audit standards.

User Enablement

• Delivered hands-on training and step-by-step reference guides.

On-Site Integration

• Installed QR codes for instant mobile fault logging and asset access.
• Set up a central digital dashboard for real-time maintenance and facilities tracking.

Results:

• Before: Asset data fragmented across multiple systems → After: Single, centralised asset register
• Reactive maintenance was the norm → Proactive PPM scheduling reduces downtime
• Manual fault reporting prone to delays → Instant QR code reporting from any device
• Poor visibility of maintenance status → Real-time dashboard accessible to all teams

Key Benefits:

• Accurate, accessible asset database
• Reduced unplanned downtime
• Faster response times for facilities issues
• Increased accountability and transparency.

Client Feedback:

“Inspiring Group transformed how we manage our assets, making data accessible and maintenance proactive. Their approach delivered immediate improvements in efficiency and visibility, helping us stay compliant and operationally ready.”

Overview:

Stagecoach is the UK’s largest bus and coach operator, generating annual revenues exceeding £1bn and employing over 20,000 people.

The Challenge:

Stagecoach required support managing the commercial and contractual aspects of a complex hardware and software project with a multi‑million‑pound total spend, impacting both capital and operational budgets.

Solution:

Inspiring Group worked closely with Stagecoach to fully understand project objectives and deliverables, engage key internal and external stakeholders, and implement the appropriate commercial and contractual agreements.

Results:

• Successfully finalised a highly complex contract negotiation.
• Secured supplier support for the rollout of wireless‑capable hardware, including SLAs and appropriate liquidated damages clauses.
• Managed liability claims within the contractual framework.

Client Feedback:

“We used Inspiring Group to help us navigate a complex, technically demanding and high‑criticality piece of work. The service we were procuring had many interdependencies and multiple stakeholders. Inspiring Group were instrumental in understanding the landscape and timelines and managing stakeholders to drive a successful conclusion.”

— Rachel Claydon, Head of Procurement.

Overview:

Red Arch Manufacturing is a designer and manufacturer of systems for premium car models. Their customers include BMW, Aston Martin, Lotus, and JLR.

The Challenge:

Red Arch had secured contracts to supply key systems for upcoming car model programmes extending to 2030. To support these wins, the business needed to strengthen and expand its supply chain.

Solution:

Inspiring Group delivered two key mandates:

1. Contractual Negotiation and Implementation
   We managed the negotiation and execution of supplier agreements to ensure Red Arch were commercially protected through 2030 and beyond.
2. Supplier Identification and Onboarding
   We identified new suppliers to support the expanded order book, managed the full RFQ process, led supplier negotiations, and supported the integration of successful suppliers into the business.

Results:

• Achieved purchase savings across existing spend categories, delivering a clear return on investment.
• Successfully integrated new suppliers to support business growth.
• Implemented robust contractual terms and conditions with key suppliers.

Client Feedback:

“Inspiring Group have made a significant input into our business. As an SME, we have a limited procurement team, and they have been able to support the gap seamlessly.”.”

— David Wykes, Finance Director.

ADS Group engaged Inspiring Group to deliver specialised training aimed at enhancing core business skills among its members. The focus was on practical knowledge and tools in negotiation, financial analysis, and contract management, essential areas for success in all sectors.

ADS members operate in complex environments where strong negotiation tactics, sound financial understanding, and effective contract management are critical. They needed training that was insightful, practical, and immediately applicable to their unique business contexts.

Inspiring Group crafted and delivered sessions, each covering one of the key topics with practical examples shared. The sessions combined industry insights, case studies, and interactive discussions to ensure participants could relate content directly to their roles.

• Attendees gained actionable techniques in negotiation that helped strengthen supplier and client relationships.
• Financial analysis training empowered members to better interpret and leverage financial data for decision-making.
• Contract management sessions clarified complex contractual obligations, reducing risk and improving compliance.
• Participants left equipped with practical knowledge and confidence to implement improvements within their businesses.

"Inspiring Group’s training was packed with valuable insights and practical advice. Our members found the sessions extremely relevant and have already started applying what they learned to improve their operations."

— Steve Collins, ADS Group