RetailSector

Chartered Accountants providing cost assurance on major open book contracts

RetailSector

The Orange Partnership

Retail

The Orange Partnership has provided assurance over costs on many significant UK contracts and programmes over the last 20 years.

The opening of major retail units can present many challenges with time usually the critical factor. This in itself can cause costs to escalate out of control or from reasonable levels of acceptance.

Once operational, further challenges often emerge around achieving the level of service and value expected from outsourced OPEX contracts. Whilst outsourcing can have a number of benefits, in our experience reviewing a wide range over the last 20 years, the reality can be very different. You can often be left with outcomes that fall short of your expected goals.

When working for major retail clients The Orange Partnership use their knowledge and experience to drive down costs at every stage, within the constraints of normal business practice.

Physical retailing is under constant pressure from online retailing, meaning that margins are under increasing pressure.  Never before has cost certainty in those areas you can control been more important.

The TOP Approach

To maintain the trust and confidence of stakeholders, robust corporate governance is essential.

We deliver independence, experience, and insight, resulting in significant recovery of costs and improved working relationships with suppliers.  We provide best in class cost assurance on open book contracts.

We provide best in class cost assurance on open book contracts.  It is important to our clients that they know that the costs they are being charged by suppliers and contractors are in line with the contract and, particularly under cost reimbursable or target cost arrangements, free from any overcharges.

Our audit planning approach is fluid and cost effective, responding to risk. Our review work is targeted, and we develop strong collaborative relationships with clients and their suppliers. We focus our specialist assurance resources in the areas that add most value, so our client sees the greatest return for the lowest cost.

How we can help

  • Strategic reviews of current assurance provision
  • People actualisation audits
  • Project overspend reviews
  • Assurance over defined cost accuracy
  • Contractor set up and financial control reviews
  • Reviews of high value, high risk second tier subcontractors
  • Upskilling of in-house commercial staff and external Cost Consultants in best practice audit so as to conduct simple, low risk reviews in house

Recognised Experts

Specialist Services

Who we work with

Our Clients

National Highways
EDF Energy
Southern Water
Heathrow Airport
Sellafield

Key Contacts

Our People

Darren Ward

"What makes us different to other consultants is that we understand numbers and financial controls as well as construction."

Darren Ward

Managing Director

Contact

T: 07970 809303 / 01926 358339
E: darrenward@theorangepartnership.co.uk

Expertise

Defined cost audit strategy / Complex commercial issues
Mega project audit programmes / Defined cost training and workshops

Paul Railton

"I focus on analysing and simplifying complex processes and issues, assessing key root causes and reporting with clarity and accuracy"

Paul Railton

Director

Contact

T: 07957 318939 / 01926 358339
E: paulrailton@theorangepartnership.co.uk

Expertise

Defined cost audit strategy / Root cause analysis
Financial controls / Operational contract audits