Why Bigger isn't Better for Change Delivery

Change projects fail because organisations have not invested in their people. Organisations often invest in the technology to change but forget about the people element. The result? The investment is never realised. In this blog, Dawn Rutherford, Principal Change Architect for Marbral Advisory, says clients should look to bring in a specialist SME change consultancy to bring their teams on the change journey and ensure benefits are realised.

When organisations are going through high periods of change, they need to focus on the people - 70% of projects fail because organisations have not invested in their people.  You need change professionals who are specialists in the people side of change; empathetic, confident, curious and able to adapt their style to align with your organisation’s values and culture.

So why choose a smaller change consultancy over a larger organisation?

With a smaller specialist change consultancy, you get honed change skills combined with practical experience – not project managers double hatting as change professionals. This ensures that the solutions are tailored to the client’s problem and culture rather than the ‘rinse and repeat’ generic framework.

Clients get direct access to experienced practitioners who run the work from design to adoption, rather than handing this activity to more junior members. In taking this approach, clients get higher quality design and delivery combined with consistent leadership through implementation and adoption.

Small companies have fewer layers and lighter governance, which leads to quicker decision-making and escalations, especially when needing access to senior people. They also focus on building client relationships; they care about their clients and work in partnership, meaning deeper stakeholder relationships, clearer ownership of outcomes, and higher follow‑through on adoption activities.

Additionally, lower overhead and lean head office staffing allow for more competitive and flexible pricing and a reduction in billable work that doesn’t contribute to adoption, so clients pay for outcomes rather than a brand. On average, SME’s charge 35% less than larger consultancies.

All these advantages are true, but what’s key for me is that as a Jersey islander, I am part of the community that I support.  I know and personally care about my clients, I see them in St Helier on a Saturday shopping with their family, I see them on St Brelade’s beach walking the dogs on a Sunday and maybe even in St Aubin on a Friday night after a hectic week! I am fully invested in their success, as it is to my benefit as an islander that we have a strong infrastructure for our health and wellbeing, a productive and future-focused government, and a robust finance sector that will grow and retain talent on our island. 

When you are invested in the change, it provides extra motivation to go the extra mile, to listen and engage people to ensure strong adoption, and to stay alongside them through the difficult times that change can bring long after the go-live date.

If this blog resonates with you, then get in touch with our team today - Email: hello@marbraladvisory.com / Tel: 01534 744303.