Consultancy / Definition and business case
Turn a mandate into an investable, deliverable project.
M4Forge brings the strategic, economic, commercial, financial, operational and technical case into one project definition. The result is a supported basis for approval, finance, procurement and delivery.
01 / The buyer test
Can the decision maker see why this project, why this option and how it can be delivered?
A project is not ready for approval because a preferred solution has been named. The sponsor needs a clear mandate, credible options, an affordable commercial and financial basis, a workable operating model and a route through procurement, implementation and use.
02 / When it adds value
Use integrated definition before momentum hardens an unsupported option.
01
Mandate
An ambition, policy objective, operational need or investment idea has not yet become a defined commission.
02
Case
A preferred option is moving forward without a joined commercial, financial, operational and technical basis.
03
Delivery
The approval material does not yet explain procurement, governance, capability, transition or how benefits will be realised.
03 / Consultancy disciplines
Assemble the evidence around the decision, not around departmental boundaries.
The commission records which disciplines M4Forge provides, leads or coordinates and which authorities remain independent or client-held.
- 01Business case and appraisalCase for change, options, benefits, approval strategy and proportionate Five Case Model support where applicable.
- 02Finance, cost and commercialCost planning and consultancy, financial and funding models, affordability, sensitivity, procurement and commercial structure.
- 03Operations and organisationOperating model, users, process, workforce, capability, change, training, transition and benefits ownership.
- 04Property and masterplanningEstate strategy, site and location options, accommodation, masterplanning, phasing, surveys and asset information.
- 05Security, technology and technicalProtective security, digital and IT, engineering, specialist equipment, utilities, evidence and interface control.
- 06Procurement, bids and deliveryProcurement support, bid strategy and writing, work packaging, governance, programme, assurance, implementation and acceptance.
04 / Decision basis
Treat the business case as one connected argument.
Where the Five Case Model applies, its five dimensions are developed together. Other commissions use the client’s applicable approval framework.
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01
Strategic
Define the case for change, intended outcomes, dependencies and fit with the sponsoring organisation.
Question: is the project needed? -
02
Economic
Appraise credible options, costs, benefits, risks and material uncertainty.
Question: is this the best-value response? -
03
Commercial
Test market capacity, procurement, packaging, contracting and risk allocation.
Question: can it be procured? -
04
Financial
Set affordability, funding, cash flow, revenue, sensitivity and financing conditions.
Question: can it be funded and sustained? -
05
Management
Define governance, programme, capability, assurance, implementation, transition and benefits ownership.
Question: can it be delivered?
05 / Defined result
The sponsor receives one traceable basis for investment, procurement and delivery.
- A project or programme definition tied to stated outcomes.
- A proportionate business case, options appraisal and approval strategy.
- A cost, commercial and financial model with assumptions, sensitivities and funding conditions stated.
- An operating, property, technology and security basis proportionate to the decision.
- A procurement, delivery and transition roadmap with responsibilities and decision gates.
Where a public-sector business case is required, the applicable client and HM Treasury framework is agreed at appointment. A financial model supports scrutiny; it does not guarantee funding or finance.
Consultancy
Which decision does the project need to earn?
Start with the mandate, approval route, evidence already available and the result required next.