SSE Retail
Supported strategic separation aligned to strict Transfer Service Agreements, and supported on enterprise transformation with end-to-end delivery across architecture, service management, cyber, data, procurement and agile enablement.
The Background
SSE Retail was being separated from SSE plc. As part of its separation, there were a number of Transfer agreements that had to be met with strict deadlines.
S&S were engaged to initially support on the separation. Upon successful acquisition by OVO Energy, S&S were engaged to support on key integration activities into OVO. This meant supporting an enterprise transformation to modernise an otherwise legacy energy firm into a digital-first utility company.
Our Approach
Sullivan & Stanley worked as an embedded partner throughout SSE’s transformation, providing expert consulting, delivery and capacity across multiple strategic workstreams.
Our role spanned programme delivery, capability uplift, operating model design and commercial optimisation — all while ensuring momentum and sustainability.
Key interventions included:
- Architecture & Strategy: Defined the IT strategy, target architecture, and roadmap for separation — covering infrastructure, data, applications, ERP and cloud — with clear governance and delivery guardrails.
- Agile & Product Enablement: Ran capability-building workshops on Agile assurance, product ways of working, DevOps, and Agile leadership — shifting SSE towards modern delivery and faster time to value.
- Service Management Transformation: Designed future-state models for service design and transition, documented key processes and artefacts (RACI, templates, policies), and facilitated cross-functional governance via a Service Excellence Committee.
- Cybersecurity & Regulatory Advisory: Conducted a cyber procurement review and aligned contracts with new risk and governance standards. Delivered advisory services to help SSE meet Smart Energy Code compliance and built a people strategy for cybersecurity across the enterprise.
- Procurement Optimisation: Delivered cost savings in excess of £4.5 million through vendor analysis, prioritisation of contract renegotiations, and sourcing strategy development. Supported exit planning from legacy Group contracts and third-party supplier agreements.
- Software Asset Management (SAM): Assessed ITAM operating models, processes and governance against ITIL4 standards, and recommended TOM options to improve compliance, efficiency and performance.
- Coaching & Leadership Support: Delivered 1:1 executive coaching and support for senior leaders to strengthen their confidence and communication during key transformation milestones.
- Security Assurance & Programme Governance: Developed KPI/KRI frameworks, programme-level risk governance, ISO 27701 integration, and information security policies as part of an accelerated transformation programme.
Across all engagements, S&S took a collaborative, mission-based approach — embedding experienced consultants into delivery and advisory roles, transferring knowledge, and enabling SSE teams to sustain the change.
The Outcome
By flexing across capability, consulting and delivery, S&S enabled SSE to build the modern foundations needed for a more autonomous, agile and value-driven utility business.
- Strategic separation achieved, with clear architecture and operating models across IT, service management and procurement
- Over £4.5m+ in identified cost savings delivered through targeted vendor renegotiations
- Agile delivery practices embedded, accelerating digital capability and delivery speed
- Cybersecurity uplifted, with embedded standards, contract updates and governance across functions
- ITAM and service functions matured, increasing alignment with ITIL4 and improving business assurance
- Improved cross-functional governance, including service excellence frameworks and executive-level reporting
- Regulatory compliance supported, including Smart Energy Code alignment and security advisory for smart metering operations
- Internal capability strengthened, with leadership coaching, training and embedded delivery support
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