The customer
ISBA is the UK’s leading trade association representing advertisers across the advertising and marketing sector.
Background to the project
GetSavi provided a structured and thoughtful approach to an important decision about our digital future
As the organisation looked ahead to future digital transformation, its leadership team wanted to explore how technology could better support both members and staff while ensuring any future investment aligned with long-term organisational objectives.
Rather than beginning with a predetermined technology solution, ISBA recognised the importance of first developing a clear strategic understanding of its needs, priorities and future direction. The organisation wanted confidence that any future investment would be based on evidence rather than assumptions.
GetSavi was engaged to facilitate this process, working closely with stakeholders to develop a structured business case that would provide strategic clarity, evaluate potential approaches and support informed leadership decision-making.
The challenge
Like many membership organisations, ISBA understood that technology had the potential to improve services, streamline operations and support future growth. However, before embarking on any significant investment, the organisation wanted to ensure it had a clear understanding of both its current position and future requirements.
The leadership team wanted confidence that any future change would be driven by organisational need rather than technology for technology’s sake.
Key challenges included:
- Understanding how technology could better support members and internal teams
- Aligning future investment with organisational strategy and priorities
- Capturing stakeholder perspectives across different areas of the organisation
- Evaluating potential approaches before committing to a specific solution
- Building a structured business case capable of supporting strategic decision-making
- Creating confidence among senior leadership regarding future investment decisions
The organisation required an independent partner capable of bringing objectivity, structure and strategic thinking to what was ultimately a significant organisational decision.
The advice from GetSavi really helped us clarify where we were at and where we wanted to be digitally for our members
Our approach
GetSavi worked alongside ISBA’s leadership team and key stakeholders to build a comprehensive business case that could support future technology planning and investment decisions.
Stakeholder engagement
We conducted structured engagement with stakeholders from across the organisation to understand existing challenges, operational requirements, strategic objectives and future aspirations.
This collaborative approach ensured that the business case reflected a broad range of organisational perspectives rather than focusing solely on technical considerations.
Strategic business case development
Using the information gathered during discovery, GetSavi developed a structured business case that clearly articulated the organisation’s current position, future objectives and the strategic drivers for change.
Rather than recommending technology in isolation, the business case established a framework for evaluating future investment against agreed organisational priorities.
Options evaluation
The business case set out a range of potential approaches, identifying the benefits, considerations and implications associated with each option.
This enabled ISBA’s leadership team to compare alternatives objectively and understand the strategic trade-offs involved before progressing to implementation decisions.
Executive presentation and recommendations
The findings and recommendations were presented to senior leadership in a clear and accessible format, providing decision-makers with the information required to assess future opportunities with confidence.
The resulting business case became a practical decision-making tool rather than simply a report, helping to guide future strategic planning and investment discussions.
The results
The engagement provided ISBA with a clear, evidence-based foundation for future technology planning.
Key outcomes included:
- A structured business case aligned to organisational priorities
- Clear documentation of strategic options and associated considerations
- Improved understanding of stakeholder needs and organisational objectives
- Greater confidence among senior leadership when evaluating future investment opportunities
- A stronger framework for strategic planning and decision-making
- Increased organisational alignment around future technology direction
By focusing first on organisational needs rather than individual systems, ISBA was able to build confidence in its future direction while creating a robust foundation for subsequent technology decisions.
Key takeaways
- Successful technology transformation begins with organisational strategy rather than software selection.
- Early stakeholder engagement helps ensure future investment reflects genuine organisational priorities.
- A structured business case provides clarity when evaluating complex technology decisions.
- Independent facilitation can help organisations navigate competing priorities and build leadership confidence.
- Evidence-based decision-making creates stronger foundations for future investment and long-term success.
