Case study: Scottish Youth Theatre
Based in Glasgow, Scotland
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The Scottish Youth Theatre (SYT) offers children and young people the opportunity to cultivate talent as well as build confidence, self-esteem and social skills which are transferrable to all walks of life. Founded by Gareth Wardell in 1976, they offer workshops from weekly sessions to specialist groups with opportunities for those who have the talent and drive to make drama their career.
Dramatic savings on charges for water services at theatre group
Before Business Cost Consultants was engaged, the SYT had several issues with how their water services had been installed and were being managed. Firstly, the utilities infrastructure which they had in place was very complex; they shared a water system with other tenants. They also found it difficult to make head-way with their water supplier. Negotiations had become complex and protracted.
Upon engaging Business Cost Consultants for their dispute resolution service, we quickly established that the Scottish Youth Theatre was being charged very high rates in proportion to their actual water usage. However, in order to prove the case, we needed accurate data and a thorough understanding of their plumbing systems.
The first step to be taken by us was to negotiate with the supplier and arrange for the account to be put on hold. This alleviated much of the stress this issue was causing the client. Our team used their expertise to trace the appropriate pipe-work, and to arrange for the installation of a water meter. That allowed us to clearly and accurately establish how much water the SYT was consuming. Using Business Cost Consultants to negotiate with the supplier on their behalf meant that staff at the SYT could keep their attention on their core business.
We arranged to have the new water meter adopted by the supplier. With accurate consumption data available to us, we were able to take up the case with the supplier. Due to the complexity of the case, negotiations took about two years. During that time we were able to keep the supplier’s credit controllers at bay. It was our contention that the client was due a large rebate and they should not have been chasing for payment.
The result was a reduction of about 50% on the ongoing charges for water services. In addition, we were able to negotiate a substantial rebate on previous charges. The client was delighted with the result and relieved that significant financial pressures were removed.
“Business Cost Consultants provided Scottish Youth Theatre with a swift, professional and cost efficient solution to a long standing problem. Their sense of advocacy, ability to cut through red-tape and determined perseverance were invaluable in dealing with outstanding issues and also putting in place affordable solutions for the future. Not only would we recommend them without question, but have already engaged their services to deal with other utility issues.” — Caroline Cosgrove, Executive Director
For more information on how Business Cost Consultants can help your organisation, please contact us on 0141 226 8525 or info@businesscostconsultants.co.uk