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Case Study:
Real Life Options

Find out how a data driven approach can transform large, fragmented organisations.
Real Life Options is a charity that supports people with learning disabilities and autism to live the life they want. The organisation has been supporting people for more than 25 years across England and Scotland and is today one of the leading providers of social care. I-Tel began working with Real Life options in 2020 and were initially tasked with conducting a full indirect procurement audit, with a view to improving overall strategy, costs and efficiency. In addition we were asked to look at the potential for implementing a purchase order system.

2000 staff

150 sites

£60 million turnover

Solutions summary

Utilising the data we had collected we had an understanding of the day to day requirements of the organisation however given the nature of their business and the changing circumstances the focus and priority was solely on PPE. Our starting point was to narrow down a critical list of essential items and look at a 3 month usage forecast. We presented are findings to leadership along with recommendations going forward. The financial implications were huge. Pricing was increasing daily by significant amounts therefore swift decisive action was required. I-Tel leveraged bulk buying opportunities from their care sector clients to include RLO’s requirements. Our warehousing and stock management facility proved decisive and we were able to mitigate risk for our clients and ourselves.

What our clients say

Storing several months’ worth of essential items and facilitating a call off, next day delivery service provided a blanket of security which has led to a full integration with RLO providing for all their operational requirements. Today we provide goods and services to all 150 sites along with comprehensive data and spend analysis for the leadership team.
“I-Tel are forward thinking problem solvers, reducing risk through innovative, cost-effective solutions which are easily deployed. They go the extra mile and have proven to be a valued partner.”

David Sargant

CEO

Gareth Shaw, I-Tel Group

Gareth Shaw

Senior Procurement Consultant

Gareth has over 19 years’ experience in commercial procurement contract management across both public and private sector. Holding senior positions at the Ministry of Justice and Turner and Townsend Gareth has overseen several multi million-pound contracts.
Guiding I-Tel in best practice and sustainability while offering practical solutions to steer our procurement team towards red tape reduction and compliant, efficient services.

Gareth Thompson

Legal & Compliance

Gareth is a qualified, senior commercial solicitor with 30 years’ experience. As counsel to the directors Gareth brings a wealth of experience to enhance I-Tel’s legal compliance and ensure supply chain legitimacy.
Overseeing all our commercial agreements and supporting the individual requirements of our clients, Gareth brings tremendous credibility to the whole organisation.
Dee Sarikaya, Head of Marketing, I-Tel Group

Dee Sarikaya

Head of Marketing

An impressive background with blue chip companies Dee is a former global B2B Commercial manager for Dyson. A proven track record in marketing and communications Dee is responsible for I-Tel’s client onboarding and messaging.
With huge experience in strategic international campaigns and working effectively in cross-functional teams Dee brings strong commercial acumen alongside an excellent ability to interact and influence at all levels.
Paul Keenan, Head of Client Services, I-Tel Group

Paul Keenan

Head of Client Services

Paul has over 30 years’ experience in B2B sales in both the public and private sector and heads up our client services division. Overseeing high value public and private sector contracts Paul has in depth knowledge of the industry.
Key contact to senior management and C suite clients with a problem solving, customer service excellence ideology.
Andrew Plummer, Operations Director, I-Tel Group

Andrew Plummer

Operation Director

A co-founder from the outset Andy has headed the operations team for I-Tel group. An engineer by trade Andy has a vast experience in manufacturing, logistics and warehousing.
Overseeing the day to day complexities of our hybrid model and ensuring all the individual parts function to produce the seamless highly efficient business model we see today.
Melvin Gauci, MD, I-Tel Group

Melvin Gauci

Managing Director

Managing Director and founding partner at I-Tel Group. Mel has been instrumental in transforming the business from a start-up cartridge manufacturing facility to an innovative forward thinking procurement company.
With 15 years at the helm and in depth knowledge of I.T. infrastructure and data analysis I-Tel Group is today one of the latest key players in the indirect procurement space.

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