Brighter Mansfield
Helping a community charity cut costs and plan for the future.
Founded in 1973, Cowens Group has built its reputation not only on deep expertise in insurance but also on the strength of its culture, valuing both its clients and its people.
Based at Inbro House, the company made a significant investment in 2020 to modernise its headquarters, creating a more collaborative, future-ready environment for its team. This move was a reflection of Cowens’ belief that people are at the heart of everything they do, and that providing the right environment is key to delivering the best outcomes for clients.
With their sights firmly set on becoming a leading national independent chartered insurance broker, Cowens wanted to ensure that their physical workspace reflected their ambitions.
Working closely with the Cowens leadership team, we developed a tailored plan to further enhance their headquarters, focusing on efficiency, comfort enhancement, and long-term value. The project was designed not only to reduce operational costs but also to create an environment that empowers employees while staying focused on Cowens long-term goals.
R2G identified cost-effective alternatives to the existing plan for fabric upgrades and hot water improvements. These delivered equal or better results at lower cost, proving that a more efficient path forward was available.
Analysis showed strong potential for solar PV at Inbro House. By integrating this into the roadmap, R2G positioned Cowens to reduce long-term energy costs and reliance on grid supply, while boosting sustainability credentials.
By revising Cowen’s existing strategy, R2G ensured Inbro House could achieve an EPC rating of B rather than remaining at C. This uplift not only secures compliance with tightening regulations but also increases long-term property value.
With Cowens already working from an existing plan, we started by analysing the projected impact of their proposed changes, providing clear, data-driven insight into how each measure would affect both their EPC rating and operational costs.
At the same time, we carried out a full review of the property and suggested additional cost-effective improvements. By combining strategic analysis with practical recommendations, R2G gave Cowens a roadmap that built on the existing plan and uncovered new opportunities at a lower cost.
Engaging with R2G on this project has been a genuinely positive experience.
The detailed analysis they provided helped us see where we could achieve both short-term efficiencies and long-term cost savings without compromising staff comfort or disrupting day-to-day operations.
For us, this wasn’t just about cutting costs; it was about investing intelligently in our workspace, aligning with our sustainability ambitions, and continuing to create an environment where our people can thrive. The insight and professionalism they brought to the table have made this a valuable strategic step for Cowens, and we look forward to seeing the benefits of their involvement.
R2G evaluated Cowens’ existing plan line by line, identifying where it fell short and proposing alternative solutions that delivered better outcomes at a lower cost.
By combining building fabric upgrades with smarter hot water solutions, R2G created a tailored roadmap that cut costs, accelerated the EPC uplift, and aligned with Cowens’ operational needs.
A transparent business case gave Cowens confidence to pivot from their existing plan. The revised strategy delivered stronger financial returns, improved comfort, and supported long-term sustainability ambitions.
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