Insight: Our approach to the data and reporting

Our approach to data and reporting: Sullivan Street Partners is focused on creating change-oriented growth businesses. The type of acquired company varies significantly and the cultures and recent stories of those businesses are also wide-ranging. However, there are some basics that form a necessary foundation for any Sullivan Street business and must be implemented early to be able to move forwards.

Richard Sanders, Managing Partner and Co-Founder: “Information is often talked about in terms of deep data analytics and data insight. It’s hard to deny that such a level of reporting and insight is critical, but often there is an underlying lack of information for decision makers across a company which restricts flexibility. Many of the companies we have acquired have not shared margin levels for services and have kept profit and loss data to just the board; meaning that everyone else is guessing how to make a difference to performance.”

Sullivan Street’s approach to creating successful transformations comes from understanding each business from a deep operational perspective. We know how to work within a company and how to make change happen. As a result, we focus on the essentials that make a good business and don’t stop until those building blocks are in place.

Transparency and trust are key to any major change programme and also lead to better work environments and much more pleasant days of work. “I have seen managers and staff come alive when given the most basic information to allow them to do their job. Many people will do the best thing for the business if given the right feedback. Enabling other people’s development and decision making is one of the most fulfilling and sustainable ways of improving performance.”