A detailed review of all branches was completed, looking at existing structures, productivity and operating models, the key findings were brought together into a programme of activity, with costs savings >£10m

Key elements of the plan were:

• Branch efficiency programme delivered: operational restructure, surplus equipment removed, standard tasks consolidated, SOP’s improved & best practice developed & embedded.

• Implementation of key projects in Compliance & Transport to increase efficiency, reduce cost & standardise systems to eradicate waste.

• Creation of a new targeted group of automated KPI’s with increased focus & granular detail, utilising powerful app-based technology

• Execution of a plan to halve the use of agency as well as reducing the cost per hour for the residual agency usage.  Suppliers consolidated from >100 to less than 10.  All managed via a data driven Neutral Vendor platform to ensure 100% compliance. Significant £ savings delivered together with soft benefits of improved moral, better retention of core staff and less shrinkage.