Two, the design-led D&B studio delivering an office refurbishment at The Shard, were progressing procurement when they identified an opportunity to review the finishes package for potential cost efficiencies. With tight timelines and limited visibility of the wider market, the team turned to VE+ to conduct a rapid, like-for-like review that could reduce spend without compromising the project’s design intent or technical performance.
How we helped
VE+ received two flooring specifications requiring immediate review – a carpet tile for circulation areas and a terrazzo tile for the reception, kitchen and dining spaces. Within three working days, VE+ surveyed dozens of suppliers, reviewed compliant like-for-like options, and benchmarked each against the original aesthetic, technical and installation requirements.
The result was a set of fully verified, ready-to-procure alternates complete with supplier links, technical data and cost comparisons. Across both specifications, VE+ delivered £33,895 in savings, averaging 16.8%, all achieved without compromising design intent or performance.
“VE+ gave us a real insight into cost-saving opportunities without compromising on product quality. It’s clear their service would save us serious time and money on future projects.”
Lawrence Davis, Commercial Director @Two
Example - Terrazzo flooring (Reception, Kitchen & Dining)
The original specification called for 600×600mm terrazzo tile from a well-known market brand. VE+ presented 5 compliant options from leading UK suppliers, including InOpera, Love Terrazzo, and Mosaic Factory, to identify true like-for-like alternatives. The preferred alternate delivered a £29,686 saving, equivalent to 24.4%, while maintaining the same aesthetic character and performance criteria as the original.
Outcome
The alternates identified by VE+ delivered a combined potential saving of £33,895 across the two flooring packages.
For Two, the return on investment was exceptional – an ROI in excess of 56× – achieved in just three working days, with no disruption to design intent, specification quality or procurement timelines.
