Private Equity UK: A Proven Partner for Operational Value Creation with

VA Innovation

Welcome, private equity professionals! At VA Innovation, we specialise in delivering measurable EBITDA improvements, eradicating inefficiencies and scaling performance across lower mid-market UK SMEs. If you’re seeking credible Private Equity UK deal flow coupled with hands-on operational expertise, you’re in the right place.

VA Innovation: Your Operational Value Creation Partner

Who We Are

We’re a team of chartered management consultants and Lean Six Sigma Black Belts with over five years’ experience embedded inside private equity-backed businesses. Our track record is clear: we deliver tangible operational improvements that drive multiple expansions and stronger exit outcomes.

What We Offer

  • Proactive Deal Flow

    Our in-house sourcing specialists identify under-managed, high-potential UK SMEs off-market, aligned to your fund’s strategy.

  • Hands-On Delivery

    Post-deal, our consultants are embedded into leadership teams to apply lean consulting tools, optimise processes, eliminate waste, and boost cash conversion.

  • Performance-Aligned Equity

    We earn sweat equity through delivery, ensuring our incentives are fully aligned with your returns

How It Works

  • Target Identification

    Our sourcing team proactively uncovers niche, off-market Private Equity UK opportunities that match your investment criteria.

  • Deal Structure

    You fund the acquisition; we provide operational leadership and take a minority, performance-based stake

  • Sweat Equity Model

    We tie our upside directly to business performance and your fund’s outcomes, ensuring true alignment.

  • Embedded Operational Support

    Once the deal closes, our consultants join full-time to:

    • Implement lean process optimisation (5S, value-stream mapping, Kaizen)
    • Drive cost-to-serve reductions and working capital improvements
    • Install data-driven KPI dashboards for transparent performance tracking

    A straightforward monthly consultancy retainer covers this phase, with fees reflecting the value delivered.

Why It Works

We’re operationally embedded from day one, not distant advisers.

Our rewards rise and fall with your fund’s success

Years of sector experience plus proactive sourcing = quality targets.

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Strong operational fundamentals de-risk your portfolio and command higher exit multiples

Our Services for Private Equity Firms

Lean-Driven Due Diligence

  • Operational gap analysis to quantify hidden costs and upside potential
  • Value-stream mapping of supply chains, service models and cash cycles
  • Commercial deep dives to validate revenue assumptions and pricing levers

Post-Investment Value Creation

  • 5S & Visual Management for rapid performance uplift
  • Cost-to-Serve optimisation targeting margin boosts
  • Digital & Automation Roadmaps to accelerate decision-making

Exit Planning & Execution

  • Performance storyboarding to showcase sustained improvements
  • Sell-side readiness with robust, scalable processes
  • Investor decks built on data-driven KPIs and lean metrics

Key Benefits for PE Professionals

  1. 10–20% EBITDA Uplifts
    Typical lean interventions pay back quickly and lift IRR.
  2. De-Risked Investments
    Improved cash conversion and resilience guard against market volatility.
  3. Accelerated Timelines
    Substantial gains within 3–6 months, fitting tight holding periods.

FAQs: Lean Consulting & Private Equity UK

  • What is lean consulting in a private equity context?

    Lean consulting applies structured improvement methods, like value-stream mapping and Kaizen, to optimise processes, cut waste and boost margins across portfolio companies.

  • How does the sweat equity model work?

    We take a minority, performance-based stake in the business, aligning our rewards directly with your fund’s success.

  • When should we involve lean consultants?

    Early involvement during commercial and operational due diligence ensures you capture the full spectrum of value-creation opportunities and validate your investment thesis.

  • What ROI can we expect from lean initiatives?

    Clients typically see 10–20% EBITDA improvements within 3–6 months, often yielding multiples of consulting fees in value.

  • How do you measure success?

    We track metrics that matter to GPs: EBITDA uplift, cash conversion cycle reduction, working capital release and project ROIC.


    As well as the metrics that directly or indirectly influence the above.

VA Innovationx Phenna Group

We leverage our extensive experience and innovative methodologies to optimise companies within the diverse portfolio of Phenna Group, a distinguished entity owned by Oakley Capital. Our tailored solutions and strategic interventions are designed to drive tangible returns on investment and robust growth, enabling these companies to navigate transitions seamlessly, whether they are integrating or capturing increased market share through refined processes. By implementing our proven Lean Six Sigma methodologies and cutting-edge solutions, we empower companies to achieve operational excellence, enhanced efficiency, and sustainable growth, positioning them for value creation and competitive leadership in their respective markets.


With our combined expertise and shared values, we are optimistic about unlocking new possibilities and driving sustained growth and operational excellence for the companies within Phenna Group's diverse portfolio throughout 2023 and beyond.

Interested in any of our services? We’re here to help!

We want to know your needs exactly so that we can provide the perfect solution. Let us know what you want and we’ll do our best to help.

Contact us Today!