Client Background

One of the largest speciality insurance and reinsurance groups in the world. Operating across multiple business units, the organisation is committed to continuous improvement in project delivery, operational efficiency, and vendor management. During a period of strategic change, they sought support as it explored moving away from its incumbent consultancy provider toward a more flexible outsourced managed service model. This transition required the introduction of new delivery partners who could supply specialist talent quickly, reliably, and at a competitive cost.

The Challenge

They required assistance with establishing an outsourced managed service model that could initially run in parallel with, and ultimately replace, the existing vendor. The organisation faced several significant challenges related to:

  • Resource availability – Difficulty securing high-quality consultants in a timely and predictable manner.
  • Cost inefficiencies – Existing consultancy arrangements were seen as expensive and unsustainable for their long-term project roadmap.
  • Inconsistent delivery quality – Variable performance from incumbent consultants led Ascot to explore ways to improve delivery standards.

Against this backdrop, the client approached Arthur with an urgent requirement to supply four Business Analysts across multiple business units. These roles were critical to maintaining project momentum while the organisation evaluated a new service model and assessed the feasibility of transitioning away from its incumbent provider.

The Solution

Arthur deployed a structured, efficient, and partnership-led approach to address their challenges.

  • Rapid mobilisation: Within 10 days of initial vendor engagement, Arthur qualified, supplied, and deployed all four required Business Analysts, each engaged on an individual Statement of Work (SoW).
  • Parallel support model: The team delivered the analysts while working alongside the existing vendor, providing continuity during the early stages of the transition.
  • Managed service expansion: Over a 12-month period, the client wound down the professional services provided by NTT Data, eventually removing the incumbent from site as confidence in the new model grew.
  • Long-term operational integration: Arthur now works directly with the Global PMO and Vendor Management teams, holding regular sessions to articulate the talent pipeline, RAID (Risks, Assumptions, Issues, Dependencies), and upcoming project requirements.
  • Scalable service delivery: The partnership has expanded significantly, with over 35 active SoWs now in place across the organisation.
  • Cost efficiency: Consultants deployed under Arthur’s model were noted as being 25% cheaper across the portfolio compared with previous providers, supporting their objective to reduce overall delivery costs.

This structured and collaborative approach allowed Ascot to test, refine, and scale their new delivery model while maintaining momentum on business-critical projects.

The Results

Through the partnership, the client achieved measurable improvements in delivery performance, cost efficiency, and vendor flexibility:

  • 4 Business Analysts supplied and deployed across multiple business units.
  • 10-day turnaround from initial engagement to full resource deployment.
  • 35+ Statements of Work now active across the organisation.
  • 25% reduction in consultant costs, supporting budget optimisation across the project portfolio.
  • A fully established partnership model, replacing the need for the incumbent vendor.

Overall, the transition enabled to the client to introduce a more agile, cost-effective, and scalable approach to project resourcing.

Key Benefits

  • Faster, more reliable access to skilled consultants.
  • Significant cost savings across the consultancy portfolio.
  • Improved consistency and quality of project delivery.
  • Enhanced visibility and planning through PMO and Vendor Management engagement.
  • A scalable model capable of supporting long-term strategic initiatives.

To learn how a tailored managed service model can enhance resource quality, reduce costs, and improve project delivery.

Please get in touch to discuss how we can support your goals.