A small sample of the things we do

These examples have been made anonymous to protect the identities of our valued clients

THE YACHT

Our client was looking to purchase a 60 metre yacht. He had received some patchy advice from luxury consultants and some input from friends with yachts of their own but was blown away by the amount of choice across Europe and the U.S. He wanted to be personally involved in the selection but only had time to view a few.

He hired us. We helped him shortlist Benetti, Lürssen and Trinity yachts based on his primary needs and we conducted on-site visits (Germany, Italy & the Gulf Coast) for pre-conditioning meetings with the suppliers and to get indicative costs and lead times against different models. We initiated the sourcing of crew and moorings in addition to the boat itself and ensured that the manufacturer remained contractually responsible for several aspects of the yacht over an extended warranty period. We procured the yacht on the Client's terms rather than the Manufacturer's terms.

THE PROPERTY PORTFOLIO

Our client wanted to extend her property portfolio in Europe for investment purposes. She had found it difficult to manage the time needed to co-ordinate multiple estate agents and lawyers for transactions in different countries. She enjoyed visiting some properties to make a personal choice and was less bothered about others.

She hired us. We agreed the property criteria and countries of interest (South of France, Majorca, Amalfi Coast, Portugal) and conducted initial desktop research to narrow down the advertised options. We held meetings with overseas agents to gather additional intelligence. From our extensive knowledge of legal firms, their specialities and costs, we appointed lawyers with European acquisition experience and tied into our client’s existing accountant. We had shortlisted and visited properties within a 2-week period and presented the results for the Client to carry out a final visit and make selections. Once any remaining questions were addressed we accompanied the Client to any final visits that she requested.

THE LEARJET

Our client owned a Bombardier Learjet with a dedicated crew. Maintenance of the aircraft was an issue as it got older; in this case not so much the cost but how it affected availability of the aircraft which was critical for the client. Initially the client wanted us to assess the options of a complete overhaul of the aircraft versus investing in a brand new model.

He hired us. Our team did a full review of all historic maintenance costs, aircraft availability, whole life cost and those associated with the crew. We looked at the client’s typical travel patterns and those that he anticipated in the future. We compared overhaul costs against a new aircraft. We visited manufacturers to understand all aspects of buying a new aircraft of that type and maintenance companies to understand any overhaul options. Our investigation led us to a different conclusion, in this case, that neither option was the best solution for the client.

Given his diverse travel needs, range of airports visited and short notice requirements, with his endorsement we pursued a review into an alternative charter arrangement. We selected a leading charter provider with coverage across all countries of relevance and entered into a service contract upon our client’s terms. He now gets private jet services on-demand across 15 countries and is paying 28% less than he was previously.

As part of the deal, some of his valued crew were transferred to the charter company and are now actively employed on a range of routes.

THE ENGINEER

Our client is a South London entrepreneur who had sold his engineering business for a considerable sum and wanted to take 6 months off after the transaction completed. He was conscious that over the years his estate had grown as had his fleet of private cars and his range of advisors. His energy bills were significant. Over the 6 months before his return he wanted a list of activities concluded including: property disposal, a classic care renovation, a period property restoration and an overhaul of his personal accountants and lawyers. The building company he was using on his estate had also become unreliable and costly.

He wanted to begin retirement with an organised personal estate which he could enjoy.

He hired us. Although he was happy to stay in touch over the 6 months by contacting us, when he wanted to, he preferred minimal disturbance so that he could relax. As such we ensured that we were very clear about the outputs of his list of requirements before he left and who was empowered to make decisions when he was away. Given the relationship with this client, he was happy for us to make some of those decisions for him. We agreed a fixed price for the work we undertook for him up-front and he continued to pay his existing suppliers directly. Overall our involvement saved him 26% across the areas he commissioned us for and substantially improved the quality and performance of his assets.

We concluded the assignment and then went on to act for the Client in the purchase of a Cessna Skyhawk light aircraft. Whilst he was away he had decided to start training for a private pilot’s licence to enjoy during his retirement.

CITY LIVING

Our client is based in Oman with a property portfolio additionally in London, Riyadh, Paris, Tel Aviv and New York. He was concerned about increasing costs but poor standards of maintenance and too many suppliers for his staff to interact with. Some properties were tenanted, some were for his personal use on-demand. The Client felt that people were taking advantage of his team's inability to closely manage a substantial, diverse estate.

He hired us. We spent time understanding his estate by talking to his team. The key priority areas and his personal preferences became clear. In this case we did most of this through his Executive Assistant.

We targeted the areas of initial focus and completely overhauled the arrangements for facilities management in all regions. Some incumbent suppliers were re-selected under direct negotiation, some were changed. All suppliers were put under strict performance regimes with penalties under contract. For our client, his reputation was of paramount importance and therefore an ultra high standard of service needed to be embedded across all properties.

The maintenance costs of the estate decreases by 19% in the first year and 23% in the second year as well as a material increase in quality, finishing standards and performance. We still assist him by ensuring that the same high quality solution is put into place for any newly acquired properties across his growing estate.

GOOD FORTUNE

Our client was fortunate enough to have won a significant sum of money on a European lottery and had contacted us by recommendation.

Clearly, they wanted to enjoy spending their own money and making their own choices but they were concerned about 2 main things. Firstly, selecting the right accountant and bank account arrangements. Secondly, they were new to major purchases and wanted some advice for certain acquisitions. The client was bombarded with offers from advisors and third parties.

She hired us. For a period, we acted as a single contact point for her and her partner, effectively representing them facing off to a range of potential suppliers, estate agents and consultants.

We helped them to define what they wanted to achieve, prioritise and enjoy their good fortune.

We continue to serve them on a regular basis as we do for the majority of our clients.

FAMILY MATTERS

Our client owns a major corporation and therefore usually uses his corporate procurement people to source anything he needs.

In this case he needed to commission some services for himself and his family of a private and personal nature, which could not be disclosed to employees.

He hired us. As usual we signed up to a confidentiality agreement and nominated key staff for the assignment who did the same.

In this case we used staff who were also security -cleared, given the nature of the assignment.

We fulfilled the assignment swiftly and went on to do more work for his corporation and for him personally.

IN DISPUTE

An existing client had been in dispute with a technology company who had installed faulty equipment into one of his properties in the past.

The company had failed to respond to requests and had already been paid for the work before our involvement.

The legal fees to resolve the dispute would have been significant for both parties.

He hired us. We reviewed the arrangements in place and concluded that there was limited contractual leverage for the Client. 

We met with the supplier several times over a 6 week period. Legislation within the UK meant that the supplier was under certain obligations (notwithstanding the contract) to rectify the problems. Also our company's involvement with a broader client base and our network of procurement contacts in the wider property and systems industries meant that they risked serious reputational damage by not responding well to our requests.

We were able to settle the dispute within 8 weeks of being assigned.

STILL LOOKING?

At Bothwell Regis our services are dedicated to wealthy individuals and families. 

If you are a business customer (small or large) looking for excellent procurement or commercial services, our sister company will be able to assist you.

Please access the following link for more information.