King Lifting Overview and Context

• King Lifting, a family-run business with 40 years’ heritage, had outgrown its legacy Operations and Finance system ​

• The company needed a modern, scalable ERP platform to support its expanding fleet and operations across the UK and Europe, and to drive efficiency, compliance, and future growth​

Searchlights Role

• Engaged with the Exec team to establish a guiding coalition – to shape a change programme​

• Conducted a structured market analysis and vendor selection process, including detailed demo scripts and scenario-based evaluations​

• Supported commercial negotiations and contract finalisation​

• Designed the project delivery approach, confirming services to be delivered by 3rd parties and internal delivery teams (supported by client-side consultants)​

• Led the negotiation and contracting of software, implementation and support partner to deliver cost savings for a 5-year commercial arrangement with clear price increase controls in place for subsequent years​

Outcomes Achieved

• Shortlisted and evaluated leading ERP solutions tailored for the specialist rental sector​

• Facilitated vendor demonstrations and reference checks, ensuring a robust, evidence-based selection process​

• Defined a clear implementation roadmap, including contract negotiation and mobilisation planning​

• Provided project management and executive alignment services to ensure successful programme launch​

“Searchlight brought structure and clarity to a complex selection process, helping us make informed decisions at every step. Their experience and flexible approach gave us real confidence as we embark on this transformation”​ John McLellan, Finance Director, King Lifting​