Case Study:
Asset Management

Real Life Options (RLO) has partnered with I-Tel Group since early 2020, beginning with procurement and evolving to include asset and facilities management. As the relationship deepened, I-Tel recognised RLO’s growing need for more structured facilities management (FM) services, particularly in compliance and routine maintenance, which were previously managed reactively due to internal resource constraints.
Real Life Options Group operates across four companies and over 200 sites in the UK. Facility management and compliance are largely decentralised, being managed by service managers and staff. The absence of a centralised Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) system exposed them to compliance risks and inadequate oversight of its estate. Many contractors lacked the necessary accreditations, posing additional compliance and safety challenges in a care environment.

200 sites

9 asset types for compliance

998 assets collected to date

Our solution

Our collaboration began with a review and streamlining of RLO’s contractor list, ensuring all met stringent compliance standards. Following a successful pilot demonstrating our asset management system, we moved to digitise and centralise Real Life Options’ entire estate, providing them with a comprehensive oversight and management capabilities for the first time.

 

This centralised depository facilitated compliance and business intelligence reporting, spotlighting expenditure, certification, and routines. Prioritising critical services such as fire, gas, electricity, and water safety, we ensured compliance across the entire group.

 

Our asset management system now efficiently manages ongoing routines and FM requirements. Leadership is empowered with detailed reporting features, enabling services to concentrate on their primary goal – to deliver exceptional care.

I-Tel Maintenance Supporte-procurement with I-TelLogistics & WarehousingRecycling

The results

With the implementation of our solutions, RLO are experiencing significant improvements across their facilities and asset management processes. Compliance gaps were addressed, and oversight was enhanced, leading to a more streamlined and efficient operation. Key outcomes include:

 

Enhanced Compliance:

Achieved through stringent contractor vetting and the digitisation of compliance documents, ensuring the safety of their residents and staff.

 

Improved Oversight:

The centralised asset management system provides RLO with a clear picture of its property portfolio, enabling better decision-making and resource allocation.

 

Efficient Management:

Routine tasks and facilities management requirements are now efficiently managed through the asset management system, freeing up resources and enabling staff to focus on core care services.

 

Cost Savings:

By streamlining processes and optimising contractor relationships, RLO are realising cost savings while ensuring quality service delivery.

 

This comprehensive management solution has allowed RLO to enhance operational efficiencies and maintain compliance across its extensive network, reaffirming the trust and strengthening the partnership with I-Tel Group.

What our clients say

“I-Tel’s professional approach and attention to detail built up tremendous trust within our leadership team.”

Ian Hardcastle

COO

Gareth Shaw, I-Tel Group

Gareth Shaw

Senior Procurement Consultant

Gareth has over 19 years’ experience in commercial procurement contract management across both public and private sector. Holding senior positions at the Ministry of Justice and Turner and Townsend Gareth has overseen several multi million-pound contracts.
Guiding I-Tel in best practice and sustainability while offering practical solutions to steer our procurement team towards red tape reduction and compliant, efficient services.

Gareth Thompson

Legal & Compliance

Gareth is a qualified, senior commercial solicitor with 30 years’ experience. As counsel to the directors Gareth brings a wealth of experience to enhance I-Tel’s legal compliance and ensure supply chain legitimacy.
Overseeing all our commercial agreements and supporting the individual requirements of our clients, Gareth brings tremendous credibility to the whole organisation.
Dee Sarikaya, Head of Marketing, I-Tel Group

Dee Sarikaya

Head of Marketing

An impressive background with blue chip companies Dee is a former global B2B Commercial manager for Dyson. A proven track record in marketing and communications Dee is responsible for I-Tel’s client onboarding and messaging.
With huge experience in strategic international campaigns and working effectively in cross-functional teams Dee brings strong commercial acumen alongside an excellent ability to interact and influence at all levels.
Paul Keenan, Head of Client Services, I-Tel Group

Paul Keenan

Head of Client Services

Paul has over 30 years’ experience in B2B sales in both the public and private sector and heads up our client services division. Overseeing high value public and private sector contracts Paul has in depth knowledge of the industry.
Key contact to senior management and C suite clients with a problem solving, customer service excellence ideology.
Andrew Plummer, Operations Director, I-Tel Group

Andrew Plummer

Operation Director

A co-founder from the outset Andy has headed the operations team for I-Tel group. An engineer by trade Andy has a vast experience in manufacturing, logistics and warehousing.
Overseeing the day to day complexities of our hybrid model and ensuring all the individual parts function to produce the seamless highly efficient business model we see today.
Melvin Gauci, MD, I-Tel Group

Melvin Gauci

Managing Director

Managing Director and founding partner at I-Tel Group. Mel has been instrumental in transforming the business from a start-up cartridge manufacturing facility to an innovative forward thinking procurement company.
With 15 years at the helm and in depth knowledge of I.T. infrastructure and data analysis I-Tel Group is today one of the latest key players in the indirect procurement space.

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