Drapers’ MAT Scales with Confidence: The SBS Financial Planner Effect in Action

Drapers’ Multi-Academy Trust, based near Romford, oversees a group of schools committed to delivering quality education and nurturing the potential of every student. As a Trust, one of their core missions has been to ensure that the financial management of their schools supports their broader educational goals. Before adopting School Business Service’s Finance support and budgeting software, the Trust was navigating the complexities of growth and the limitations of a spreadsheet system that was not scalable or user-friendly. We spoke to Phil Norman, CFO at Drapers' Multi-Academy Trust about their experience with SBS Financial Planner.

Recognising the Need for Change

As the Trust expanded, their previous budgeting system couldn’t keep pace. It lacked the agility and depth of reporting necessary for a MAT. Reporting was limited in insight, and not user-friendly, leading to inefficiencies and frustrations among staff. They also faced difficulties with integration across schools and providing leadership with the real-time financial clarity they needed to make informed decisions. Phil described that their old system "didn't allow for easy reporting, wasn't insightful, and it wasn’t intuitive”.

Implementing SBS Financial Planner with Expert Support

Unlocking Efficiency, Insight, and Empowerment

According to the Trust, SBS Financial Planner has transformed it’s financial management. With its intuitive interface and comprehensive reporting capabilities, they can now operate more efficiently and strategically. The system is valued for its accurate and up-to-date handling of pay awards and staffing costs, giving its users confidence in the figures. This reliability has supported greater transparency, more informed decision-making, and allowed the Trust to focus more on driving educational outcomes.

“It’s so much more intuitive and helps us to be more efficient – we can drill into data, run insightful reports, and it saves a lot of time. The planner’s accuracy and automation give us the confidence we need to make financial decisions” Phil remarks.

Support That Understands MATs

The Trust highlights the ongoing support as a key benefit of the Financial Planner, noting that the team behind the system is responsive, knowledgeable, and proactive. This collaborative relationship has helped ensure that any challenges are quickly addressed and that the system adapts alongside the Trust’s changing requirements. “The SBS team is not just a helpdesk – they’re a partner. They understand how Trusts work, and their support has been consistently brilliant”.

Why Drapers’ MAT Recommends SBS Financial Planner to Others

Drapers’ MAT would highly recommend SBS Financial Planner to other Trusts looking to modernise their financial systems and gain greater clarity and control over their budgets. They position SBS Financial Planner as an essential tool for any Trust that wants to streamline operations, improve reporting, and empower leadership with meaningful financial data.

“SBS FP is perfect for growing Trusts. It’s scalable, easy to use, and offers the kind of insights you need to lead effectively. It’s not just a product – it’s a strategic solution"- Phil Norman, CFO at Drapers' Multi Academy Trust.

SBS Financial Planner also offers additional support services tailored to each Trust’s needs, including bespoke training, consultancy, and hands-on assistance to ensure you get the most from your financial system.

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