National Document Solutions Business

Case Study

Scaling, Integrating and Future-Proofing a High-Growth Managed Services Business

The Challenge

A national technology and managed services provider was experiencing rapid growth through a combination of organic expansion and frequent acquisitions. While revenue was increasing at pace, the organisation faced mounting operational complexity:

Fragmented systems and inconsistent processes across acquired businesses
Limited real-time visibility of financial and operational performance
Increasing risk around governance, scalability, and integration
Pressure from investors to professionalise operations without slowing growth

The leadership team needed to stabilise the core, integrate acquisitions effectively, and build a scalable operating platform capable of supporting long-term growth and eventual exit.

The Outcome

The transformation delivered a business that was not only larger, but materially stronger and more resilient:

A single, integrated operating platform supporting the entire group
Clear visibility of performance across customers, services and regions
Repeatable acquisition and integration capability
Improved operational efficiency and reduced execution risk
A leadership structure capable of sustaining growth without constant intervention

The Approach

Cornerstone Executive supported the business at board and executive level, working closely with senior stakeholders to design and deliver a comprehensive transformation programme.

Key areas of focus included:

Operational & Systems Transformation

Designed and implemented a group-wide ERP and operating platform to unify finance, service delivery, sales and reporting
Replaced siloed, manual processes with consistent, data-driven workflows
Introduced real-time management information to support faster, better decision-making

M&A Integration & Governance

Led the operational integration of multiple acquisitions, aligning people, processes and systems
Established clear governance structures, accountability frameworks and group standards
Balanced integration speed with cultural sensitivity to retain talent and customer trust

Leadership & Organisational Design

Worked with the board to clarify roles, decision rights and executive accountability
Built leadership capability beneath the executive team to reduce dependency on individuals
Embedded a culture of ownership, transparency and performance

Investor & Stakeholder Confidence

Provided board-level reporting and insight to support investor oversight
Ensured the business could demonstrate control, scalability and resilience
Helped align operational strategy with long-term value creation goals

Key Lessons & Insights

Scaling requires structure, not just ambition
Rapid growth and frequent acquisitions amplify weaknesses. Putting robust operating frameworks and governance in place early is essential to avoid complexity becoming a constraint.

Integration is as much about people as systems
Successful M&A integration depends on cultural sensitivity, clear communication and leadership alignment — not just technical consolidation.

Data changes the quality of decision-making
Real-time, trusted management information enables leaders to move from reactive problem-solving to proactive, value-led decision-making.

Investor confidence is built through clarity
Boards and investors value transparency, consistency and evidence of control as much as headline growth

Crucially, the systems and frameworks implemented continue to underpin the business today, supporting significant ongoing turnover and enabling a successful transition through ownership change.

Cornerstone Exeutive Ltd

Reg’d In England & Wales

Email

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