Streamline Your Small Business Operations with Doufa Partners' Independent Contract Management
Expert Contract Management Tailored for Small Businesses
Doufa Partners, based in London, specializes in providing bespoke independent contract management services designed specifically for small businesses. Understanding the unique challenges faced by smaller enterprises, Doufa Partners offers a flexible solution that removes the need for a full or part-time contract manager employee, thereby eliminating the associated overhead costs.
Cases Explored
Case One 01: Risk and Time
Problem Identified: "Reducing contract risk and freeing up founder time"
Business Type: Professional Service
Size: 5-10 employees
Situation: Founder-led, growing client base
Challenge
Business owner was personally handling all contracts alongside sales and delivery. Contracts were stored across email threads and shared folders, and reviews were rushed to keep work moving
Lacked clarity on important contract terms and dates
Late payment occurrences
Hours spent chasing payment and issues, and hours re-reading terms
DoufaPartners Input: Contract and Performance Health Check
Review of key client contracts and highlighted
Payment and notice risks
Scope ambiguity that led to disputes
Created a contracts register with reminders, with clear summaries and reports that the founder could understand. Flagged performance risks linked to unclear delivery expectations
Outcome
Founder reduced time spend on contract admin by over 50%
Improved confidence signing new client agreements
Clear expectations reduced back and forth with clients
Case 02: Clarity and Pressure
Problem: "Improve cash-flow and reducing day-to-day stress"
Business Type: Independent Coffee Shop
Size: 5-15 (mixed FT and PT)
Situation: Owner led experiencing growth
Challenge
Experienced growth and popularity quickly, but rising costs, staffing issues and demanding supplier relationships.
Supplier agreements unclear with pricing and terms
Staff contracts had not been updated as business evolved
Inconsistent performance and expectations across shifts
Time spent firefighting instead of running shop
DoufaPartners Input
Contract and Performance Health Check
Reviewed key agreements inc
Coffee supplier and equipment contracts
Cleaning and waste collection agreements
Core staff contracts and shift arrangements
This flagged
Unfavourable notice periods
Automatic price increases
Risks affecting cash-flow
Created a plan that inc
Contract Summary
Contract Register
New Supplier engagement
Outcome
Better visibility of supplier terms and renewals
New suppliers with clear objectives summary for the owner, felt more in control and less reactive