How Nationwide Drives Enterprise Software Cost Optimization and Value

As the 2025 winner of Anglepoint’s Client Excellence Award in Cost Optimization, Nationwide Building Society sets a new standard for ITAM strategy and enterprise-wide impact.

At Nationwide Building Society, cost optimization isn’t a tactical project, it’s a strategic priority. In an organization built to serve its members, delivering value through smart software spend is a meaningful responsibility.

That’s why the Anglepoint team is proud to recognize Nationwide as the recipient of our 2025 Client Excellence Award for Cost Optimization. Their vision, leadership, and execution across multiple strategic initiatives positioned them as a standout in the IT Asset Management (ITAM) space.

“This isn’t just an award for our team,” said Marie Davies, who leads ITAM at Nationwide. “It’s a recognition of the partnership between Nationwide and Anglepoint—and the outcomes we’ve achieved together.”

A Member-Focused Mission, A Business-Driven Approach

Nationwide’s cost optimization strategy stems from its unique position as the UK’s largest mutual financial institution. With no shareholders to satisfy, the organization focuses instead on member value ensuring every pound is spent wisely, efficiently, and transparently.

“Our mission is to deliver value to our members, and that includes making sure our technology investments are justified and effective,” said Jonathan Stewart, Nationwide’s software asset management (SAM) Manager. “Cost optimization allows us to do just that, while maintaining the service and performance our business requires.”

Backed by executive support and embedded within a culture of accountability, the SAM team has driven measurable outcomes through a well-aligned, data-driven approach to software optimization.

SAP Excellence: Driving Change with Data

One of the clearest examples of Nationwide’s success in cost optimization lies in their work with the software publisher, SAP—a complex software environment that demands precision, clarity, and influence to optimize effectively.

Nationwide’s SAM team approached the challenge strategically, working closely with Anglepoint to uncover the right data, analyze usage patterns, and collaborate with procurement and business units to act on the identified opportunities.

The result was a leaner, more accurate licensing footprint, significant cost avoidance ahead of their contract renewal, and recognition at the highest levels—including from the procurement lead and CIO of the business unit involved.

“SAP was a clear win,” said Jonathan Stewart. “We had the data, we had the insight, and we had the trust. That made all the difference.”

But it wasn’t just the outcome—it was how they got there. The team’s ability to transform complex software license data into clear, evidence-backed recommendations earned credibility across the organization. It helped shift SAP from a historical pain point into a measurable success.

“You need good solid data, good analysis, and clear calls to action. If you’ve got those, and you’re taken seriously—it’s good,” Stewart added.

Data didn’t just inform the team’s decisions. Rather, it shaped conversations, inspired action, and drove meaningful change.

Transforming Software Asset Management for Long-Term Value

For Nationwide, cost optimization isn’t a one-time achievement—it’s a long-term strategy rooted in structure, stakeholder alignment, and a vision for sustainable SAM delivery.

During a strategic ITAM Program Transformation Workshop, the team assembled key business and IT stakeholders to define priorities and clarify service expectations. The outcome was a clear ITAM roadmap that included publisher prioritization, enhanced ServiceNow alignment, and a service model designed to scale with the business.

“We’re focused on what we can control and building the foundation for what’s next,” said Marie Davies. “It’s not just about cutting costs. It’s about elevating ITAM to deliver long-term value.”

“It helped us capture what people really wanted from SAM—and how we could evolve our ServiceNow operations to meet those needs,” added Jonathan Stewart.

Though implementation is ongoing, the workshop was a pivotal step forward—providing clarity, direction, and organizational buy-in that will continue to shape the future of SAM at Nationwide.

The Meaning Behind the Cost Optimization Award

To the team at Nationwide, this was about being seen for the care, rigor, and excellence they bring to every initiative.

“It’s validation,” said Davies. “For the effort. For the outcomes. For the way we’ve worked together.”

And yes—there’s also a bit of well-earned celebration.

“I’ve still got the crystal award on my desk,” Stewart said with a grin. “It’s nice to show the team that what we’re doing is making a difference.”

Celebrating Nationwide Building Society and Raising the Bar for ITAM

In a landscape where cost pressures continue to rise and stakeholders demand more from every investment, Nationwide has shown what’s possible when ITAM is treated as a strategic discipline. Their results weren’t accidental. They were the outcome of clear priorities, executive support, cross-functional collaboration, and a relentless focus on delivering value.

For organizations looking to elevate their SAM programs, Nationwide sets the standard.

Whether you’re aiming to improve software license visibility, reduce waste, or align IT investments with business goals, take a page from Nationwide’s playbook:

• Prioritize data-driven decisions
• Partner with the right experts
• Stay persistent and collaborative

We’re proud to partner with organizations like Nationwide who are reshaping what effective ITAM looks like. If you're ready to turn your software strategy into measurable impact, let’s talk.