Key Facts

Project Synopsis

TSS implemented its F0CUS work management platform for Bethell Utility Services (BUSL) across three workstreams in their multi-utilities business.

BUSL were using a spreadsheet-based system to manage jobs, with multiple unlinked data sources. This led to inefficient working, duplication of effort, poor data integrity and time consuming paper-based site records.

Our implementation team included technical experts and utilities business specialists. Our first step was to undertake a full business process mapping exercise, consulting all key stakeholders. We then carried out a gap analysis of current to required functionality.
We managed the whole F0CUS implementation project including support for data collation. Our team developed custom data migration tools to transition from spreadsheet and paper to the F0CUS system.

Working closely with the end users, our team immersed themselves in BUSL’s business. We provided full training and support including custom user manuals and ongoing customer support.

Scope of Works

FOCUS manages the end-to-end job lifecycle from enquiry and pre-construction, to construction and commercial processes across three multi-utilities workstreams.
Modules include:

• Operations management
• Planning and scheduling
• Commercial management
• Capacity management
• Reporting

Overcoming Challenges

Following a comprehensive information gathering exercise, we identified processes unique to BUSL.

We adapted F0CUS to match these including a new enquiry management process with custom fields, tasks and statuses, a custom planning board and a bespoke job pack management process.

Successes

F0CUS has:

• Automated many aspects of the contract management process
• Increased data security, integrity and consistency
• Increased resource efficiency and minimised duplication
• Provided one version of the truth for fully informed business decisions
• Given BUSL a firm foundation to support their future business growth plans

Testimonial

TSS provides a very professional service, keeping it simple and delivering on time.
F0CUS also gives us the flexibility to make amendments to the system where we need them and the process of logging requests with TSS is efficient and clear. We also have regular account meetings which really helps make sure we are getting the service we need.

Tom Ashall
Commercial Director,
Bethell Utility Services Ltd

Key Facts

Project Synopsis

We were appointed by Merseyrail to manage the refurbishment of the historic underground James Street Station as part of our framework agreement to provide professional consultancy services.

This complex project involved working in a sub-surface station and compliance with stringent regulations. We were chosen by Merseyrail for this project due to our expertise and experience in managing projects of challenging circumstances with similar scope and scale.

Our Project Manager led the project team that comprised of internal and external stakeholders such as Network Rail, Merseyrail and project architects Mersey Design Group. We co-located at Merseyrail’s offices to promote close collaboration and cohesive team working.

We successfully delivered the package of refurbishment works for this award-winning project. We provided a fully managed service, from tendering for contractors and managing the programme, to coordinating health and safety and closing final accounts.

Scope of Works

Project brief: restore and improve three dilapidated areas with a heritage theme including Platform 2 and a pedestrian subway tunnel. Resolve historic water ingress issues in a subway tunnel due to close proximity of River Mersey.

Services provided:
• Quantity Surveying
• Project Management
• CDM Coordination
• Site Management

Overcoming Challenges

Safety was critical on this project especially as the station remained open to the public throughout. We ensured all steps were taken to minimise and mitigate health and safety risks to the construction teams, station staff and Merseyrail customers.

The project was completed with zero near misses and lost time incidents.

Successes

• Project delivered on-time and under budget whilst working in a third live working environment
• Savings achieved of £220,000 against the original budget upon completion
• Nominated as outstanding project at RICS Awards, Rail Business Awards and National Transport Awards
• Winner of Award for Urban Heritage and National Railway Heritage Awards

Testimonial

TSS successfully and effectively managed the inter-relationships between all stakeholders including the principal contractor, Network Rail and Merseytravel to ensure project delivery to Merseyrail’s requirements in one of the oldest underground stations in the UK. We would like to thank TSS for their overall approach to the management of a very logistically challenging project and the professional manner in which they delivered all aspects of work.

Mike Jones
Infrastructure Manager,
Merseyrail

Key Facts

Project Synopsis

Our first action was to introduce robust contract management procedures for work-in-progress to provide a stable financial reporting mechanism. We facilitated one version of the truth in reporting with our in house software F0CUS. Using F0CUS we were able to accurately capture the value of work done, and manage / track the conversion of WIP into cash,
providing detailed evidence backed reports at each stage.

We then reviewed each contract in detail and developed standardised commercial management processes, procedures, and reports to give a like for like basis on which we could review and compare the separate contracts. We implemented a weekly CVR ensuring that the inputs, process, outputs and outcomes could all be evaluated and for any necessary management/rectification action to be determined and implemented.

Finally, we assisted Kier with transformation from separate streetlighting contracts to an integrated service with existing highway maintenance contracts.

Scope of Works

Introduce control and reconciliation procedures into each contract. Evaluation and transformation, if required of:
• Resources deployed
• Process, systems, procedures and methods
• Productivity and comparator information
• Client satisfaction and contract deliverables.

Overcoming Challenges

The existing contract management arrangements used ad-hoc and disparate labour manual systems. We undertook a collaborative process re-engineering exercise to develop uniform, compliant processes and procedures for all contracts.

Successes

A robust reporting regime was established which produced a full suite of management information. This enabled operational and financial improvements to be made.

Following initial success in two contract areas, the processes and systems we introduced were rolled out to the remaining 12 contract areas. We assisted Kier to rationalise and transition the contracts into existing highway maintenance contracts.

Testimonial

TSS staff were clearly experienced, having good subject matter and a proactive and purposeful approach to overcoming the challenges that faced them, adding real value and increasing profitability to the framework.

Ian Nelson
Kier Group

Key Facts

Project Synopsis

Cadent are the UK’s largest gas distribution network, managing a network of more than 82,000 miles of pipes, most of them underground, which transport gas throughout the North West, West Midlands, East Midlands, South Yorkshire, East of England and North London.

Cadent operates five gas network areas across England. It has four reinstatement partners who undertake the backfill and reinstatement works across these five areas.

Each partner has their own works management system which update into Cadent’s core SAP system. A strategic commercial management solution was needed to ensure a consistent approach across all operational networks.

We implemented our F0CUS works management platform within two weeks. Led by our Account Manager, our technical and commercial specialists used F0CUS to provide ongoing commercial management of the Backfill and Reinstatement contract.

Scope of Works

Using F0CUS, we provided:

Commercial management of 100,000 excavations p/a.
Management of supplier accounts.
High level dashboards supported by detailed reporting including: Management information, accruals and contract outturn reports.

Overcoming Challenges

We successfully managed and delivered the implementation process, within just two weeks. This included:

Implementation workshops
Data review
Source mapping sessions
Works activity alignment
Cost reporting across many operational levels

Successes

Our team gave ongoing technical support throughout the life of the implementation. We trained Cadent users on the system as well as providing refresher training.

We held regular scheduled reviews with the Cadent team for any new requirements, ensuring that client users were satisfied with the functionality of the system.

Testimonial

We reached out to TSS to support us with a commercial project which they enabled through a short notice mobilisation. With several implementation workshops, a number of data review and source mapping sessions, works activity alignment and cost reporting across many operational levels. TSS have worked collaboratively with a range of Cadent and supply chain stakeholders. We have found Nick and the TSS team to be professional, agile, and appropriately challenging to better inform our thinking

Steve Hunt
Commercial Director,
Cadent Gas

Key Facts

Project Synopsis

Amey Utility Services Ltd (AUSL) delivered the contract for Water Networks Repair and Maintenance and Meter Installation / Renewal for Dwr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW) across the South Wales region.

Complex operational challenges and unfavourable contract terms had led to Amey making a cumulative substantial loss on the contract. We were brought in by Amey to turn the contract around.
Our commercial specialists completed an extensive investigation into the contract to identify the issues. We worked with DCWW, Amey and the supply chain to understand and resolve resourcing, planning and management issues.

With our experts leading contract negotiations, agreement was reached with DCWW, Amey and Amey’s supply chain on a mutually acceptable, sustainable and commercially viable solution.
We went on to provide an outsourced managed commercial service (MCS) to Amey and implemented our works management system, F0CUS.

Scope of Works

Commercial analysis of 83 weeks of historic data, comprising 93,577 orders to establish a ‘baseline model’.
Modelled resources, order volumes, service level agreements, initial bid position.
Led negotiations to agree new contract terms.
Implemented F0CUS system.

Overcoming Challenges

This was a complex contract with legacy supplier issues. Many challenges were overcome including a DCWW mindset of “anecdotal perceptions”. Our collaborative and evidence-based approach meant that all parties could agree “one version of the truth” and work together on the solution.

Successes

Our commercial management and F0CUS software provided clarity in a level that DCWW or Amey had never previously achieved.
The contract became commercially viable for Amey while delivering DCWW’s operational requirements and meeting stringent regulatory targets.
Amey’s contract continued with minimal disputes and positive working relationships.

Testimonial

TSS focussed on our needs and were transparent throughout our dealings, by looking at the contract from their perspective and assembling a one version of the truth, providing clarity in a level that we have never previously achieved. Nick and the team always act with the upmost professionalism, the team were always available to assist with queries and always did so in a prompt manner.

Scott Beard,
Executive Director, Welsh Water

Key Facts

Project Synopsis

We were engaged by Cadent to carry out an audit and assessment of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the cost base across their mains replacement gas distribution network contracts.

The sample to audit was agreed at 50 schemes with a range of size, supplier and value to provide an accurate representation of the contract. Subsequently, Cadent instructed us to carry out a further audit of 20 schemes in the North West and West Midlands. As well as 50 schemes in the London network area, giving a total of 120 schemes.

Each scheme was reviewed for compliance to contractual and administrative expectations and commercial governance. The findings were shared throughout and at conclusion of the audit process through weekly dashboard reports to all stakeholders, overall we managed 3,915 records securely and efficiently throughout the pandemic.

Scope of Works

Our audit includes:

Assessment of works without impact of COVID-19.
Review and assess works completed, sub-contract costs and payments made.
Review and commentary of project / commercial governance.
Comparison of assessments (without COVID vs Costs incurred with COVID).

Overcoming Challenges

A considerable volume of documents required review. We took a collaborative approach to the audits, working closely with the Cadent commercial teams in each network area, alongside the Main Contract Partners, to ensure the audits were streamlined. External SharePoint sites were used to store and share documents which were fundamental to the audit, with automated updates when new documents were added by Cadent stakeholders.

Successes

Only a small number of mis-allocations and errors were found. The audits identified no material issues with the management of subcontract accounts. This provided Cadent with continuing confidence in the contract management, compliance and reporting arrangements.

Testimonial

Following the final review meeting, the client commented:

Thanks to all involved in concluding this exercise in a collaborative manner and providing the assurances required from the exercise.

Rob Johnson
Commercial Director
Cadent Gas