Case Study: WPP partners with FCM for global travel services
WPP AUNZ Limited is Australasia’s leading marketing communications services group with over 80 operating companies including Ikon, Oglivy, GPY&R, Grey, Landor and DesignWorks. The client looked to FCM for its expertise in change management to ensure a smooth implementation process for their 80+ businesses around the world.
Background
WPP AUNZ trades with FCM in Germany, India and Singapore. They had been a client of FCM since 2013. The customer awarded FCM their Australian business in 2016 when it went through a process of consolidating the number of travel management companies being used by WPP across its global operation.
In August 2016 FCM commenced implementation with WPP AUNZ with a go live date within October the same year.
Approach
WPP AUNZ’s focus was on change management and looked to FCM for our expertise in this area. WPP AUNZ sought a smooth implementation process for all of its companies, many which were new to the group.
The group’s structure meant multiple stakeholders needed to be engaged throughout implementation. Many of WPP AUNZ’s companies had complex and unique billing and accounting requirements and global regulatory compliance FCM needed to maintain.
To gain an in-depth knowledge of and map all requirements FCM coordinated Travel Forums across all of WPP AUNZ’s operations. Nine forums were held, which enabled FCM, as well as WPP AUNZ, to learn more about their own businesses and their unique travel program needs. There were a number of challenges that presented during this stage that the FCM Account Management and Implementation team worked to resolve.
FCM implemented a variety of solutions including, online booking, mobile app and reporting & analytics tools. Travel Program Roadshows were held by FCM at each of WPP AUNZ’s offices/campuses where the program was socialised and end-users were provided training.
Client Response
"FCM worked closely with WPP AUNZ to deliver a travel management solution for our 80+ companies. The FCM team was reliable, demonstrated great attention to detail and expert knowledge to deliver the right solution for the group. We greatly valued FCM’s change management expertise and their ability in aligning our group companies with the new processes, in a smooth and transparent manner. They have been great partners post implementation and continue to provide travel strategies to assist us in our travel management."
Trent Millane, Finance Director - WPP AUNZ
Results
Three months into trading with FCM, WPP AUNZ has already gained more visibility of their travel spend. The implementation process was completed in 12 weeks with extremely positive feedback from the client on FCM’s approach to change management.
Early results post implementation included:
- The consolidation of 80+ of WPP AUNZ’s businesses that were previously using a variety of different TMCs.
- The successful collaboration and negotiation with several third-party vendors including payment providers, risk management providers and a global data consolidator.
- Enabling the client to have complete control and visibility of data via FCM online reporting tool.
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