Department for Work & Pensions
Management Consultancy
CLIENT CONTEXT
Start Advisory partnered with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to deliver a transformative new HUB office in Newcastle. This flagship project – a modern, efficient workplace featuring a restaurant, refreshment hubs at each upper floor, sports changing and shower facilities, cycle storage, and ritual washing facilities – emphasises the wider government priorities of inclusivity and employee wellbeing. For Start Advisory, the development was a chance to showcase management consultancy expertise and practical, on-the-ground development advice.
PROCESS
Our approach was holistic. We kicked off with a feasibility study, incorporating a detailed market review and site selection exercise, to assess financial and operational viability to ensure the project aligned with DWP’s strategic objectives. We also helped DWP develop the full business case, building confidence among stakeholders that the scheme was both affordable and deliverable.
On the development side, we coordinated technical assurance reviews of the Cat A building to confirm compliance with DWP standards. Alongside this, we advised on the Agreement for Lease negotiations, which secured favourable terms and long-term flexibility.
We ensured robust governance frameworks and risk management were in place throughout the project and coordinated the Cat B design and procurement process to keep budgets on track and ensure quality was never compromised.
With our proprietary stakeholder management framework, StITCH™, keeping multiple internal and external stakeholders engaged and aligned, we ensured momentum was maintained and delays avoided.
RESULTS
10%+ savings
Agreement for Lease negotiations and proactive cost management secured savings of more than 10% against initial budget forecasts.
0 days delay
Clear management and communication strategies, paired with appropriate governance and risk frameworks, ensured that every development milestone was achieved.
Customer satisfaction
Positive feedback in stakeholder engagement surveys highlighted that the project satisfied departmental priorities and operational needs.
“Start Advisory brought the right balance of strategic insight and practical, day-to-day support to this project. They gave us confidence that every angle – from governance and risk through to lease negotiations and technical assurance – was covered. And we look forward to a workplace that truly reflects our needs and supports our people. We’d definitely work with them again.”
— Department for Work and Pensions