• Winning a contract that’s larger or more complex than previous deals
• Taking on a project in a sector with new risks and unknowns
• Clients requesting bespoke solutions that haven’t been done before
• When dealing with something that hasn’t been done before, the risks are unknown.

That’s where a Commercial Contracts Manager or Procurement expert becomes essential—both for the supplier, who’s defining and selling the solution, and for the client, who needs to protect their interests.

• Focusing on the wrong risks – Legal teams may tighten contracts to the nth degree but miss operational or financial risks that could derail a project
• Scope creep – Suppliers may find themselves delivering far more than they signed up for, absorbing hidden costs. Meanwhile, clients might pay extra for work that was already covered in the contract but poorly defined

Many businesses think they are watertight, only to realise later that key contract details—such as payment structures and delivery milestones—hadn’t been properly aligned across legal, finance, and operations teams.

If there’s likely to be scope changes, bolt-ons, or different interpretations of the contract down the line, some level of ongoing support is necessary, whether full-time, part-time, or fractional.

For businesses dealing with complex contracts, commercial support isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether it’s structuring a watertight bid, ensuring smooth delivery, or protecting margins, having a commercial expert in your corner can mean the difference between success and costly setbacks.