PA Media

PA Media is the UK’s leading provider of multimedia content and services. Enabling companies to tell their own stories with products such as Explore.

Project Context

PA Media approached Nine Feet Tall (9FT) to address several challenges they were facing in their system replacement efforts. PA sought clarity on defining the scope and making strategic decisions, as they were exploring new possibilities for their ERP and HR systems. They needed guidance on understanding the potential costs and benefits of these changes. 9FT was engaged to help PA identify their requirements through an “as-is/to-be” analysis, address existing issues, and develop a baseline project status. The project aimed to develop clear requirements, scope, and an Outline Business Case (OBC) to test transformation ambitions, ultimately enabling PA to decide on the best ERP and HR solutions to support their growth.

Project Delivery

9FT’s approach involved several key activities. They conducted an “as-is/to-be” analysis to understand PA’s current state and desired future state. This was followed by an options appraisal, which included Gartner market research and future landscaping to inform the OBC. The team managed a comprehensive RFP process, engaging 48 vendors at the RFI stage, managing 16 RFPs, and shortlisting to five vendors. These vendors offered a mix of all-in-one and best-in-class solutions to keep PA’s options open. Additionally, 9FT established programme governance, including RAID management and resource planning for the next phase. They also developed benefits, assessed change impacts, and built a vision with critical success factors. Throughout the project, they worked closely with key stakeholders, including the Finance Director, Chief People Officer, and SMEs to ensure a collaborative approach.

Project Outcome

The project was delivered on time and within budget. Both the RFP and Business Case were completed as scheduled. PA gained a deeper understanding of what such projects entail and the importance of change management. They felt they had been guided through a robust process at pace, leading to increased maturity and more demanding expectations. Significant effort was put into building genuine, trusting relationships with PA, ensuring they felt part of the process and owned the outcomes. Overall, the project successfully enabled PA to make informed decisions about their ERP and HR solutions, supporting their future growth.