Case Studies
Case study 1 – Strategic development
A major foreign international company acquired a small, similar UK operation as a vehicle to penetrate the UK defence and government markets. The consequent merger required a re-structuring of the governance of the company. Specifically, an unaligned Board, with dissonant membership, resulted in inadequate preparation and an incorrect focus on management detail during meetings. We advised on reconstruction of the Board and its modus operandi resulting in new methods of preparation for, and conduct of meetings, achieving a comprehensive improvement in strategic level decision making.
This UK operation also required a re-focussing of its market priorities in somewhat specialised markets, which necessitates an understanding of UK customer needs, expectations and behaviours, and advice on, and introductions to appropriate contacts and partners to achieve their business development aims. We have assisted in this process on an ongoing basis and the company is increasing its UK footprint and market.
Case study 2 – HR/Operational support
We have worked with a small start-up drug discovery company since the date of its incorporation, to establish operational processes and procedures. The support has included:
- Management of legal documentation; property and employment;
- HR strategy and implementation including procedures and benefit systems;
- Health and Safety compliance;
- Ad-hoc project management;
- and latterly, assistance in identifying, negotiating and planning for corporate relocation.
Sarnmere Consulting provides the support necessary to permit a dedicated corporate focus on specialist objectives and company expansion.
Case study 3 – Analysis and Assessment of Business Failures
Following a large scale industrial accident, a major defence contractor suffered severe production difficulties and made a substantial insurance claim for future business lost. We were asked by a firm of loss adjustors to investigate, as expert witnesses, aspects of this claim, particularly those relating to claims of lost business with the Ministry of Defence and with export customers. Drawing on our expert knowledge of defence procurement, the defence market more generally and our knowledge of the internal workings of the MoD, we were able to advise on the acquisition processes of these prospective customers, and on the prospects of the defence contractor having succeeded in obtaining the claimed contracts, had the accident not occurred, and so help in assessing the validity of the claim and assisting our customer, the firm of loss adjustors.
Similarly, we were retained by a large London legal practice to provide an assessment of, and advice about, the relative responsibilities and liabilities of governments and of private commercial operators following a major maritime incident in which a very large number of people lost their lives. In this case, our detailed knowledge and experience of maritime matters and of the responsibilities of governments for the safety of life at sea were of great assistance to our client.
Case Study 4 – Bid support
A large law practice wishes to bid regularly for government contracts. These contracts, principally provide legal support to government departments involved in commercial acquisition, especially with respect to PFI arrangements. Although very practiced and experienced in the field, it found itself short of current confirmed intelligence and understanding of the customer’s internal issues and aspirations, also of the commercial entities bidding for the PFI contract. We have, through our knowledge, experience and contacts assisted them on several occasions by obtaining such intelligence and by advising on aspects of the formation, shaping and submission of their bids. The practice succeeded in winning some of these bids, and has returned to us for further assistance with subsequent bids.