Sometimes you just have to be honest and explain things exactly as they are. Then work with the stakeholders and help them find savings, whilst also capturing the potential business impact of those cost cutting initiatives. For example, if reducing the marketing budget by £10k will have a sales impact of £100k, that's something worth knowing so informed decisions can be made.

Sometimes you just have to tell it how it is and be honest. Next, get everyone involved in finding cost cutting opportunities, and don't forget to document any impact these initiatives may have on the bottom line. Knowing things like how a reduction in marketing spending would influence sales can help in making informed decisions.

I've been through my share of lean times, and here's what I've learned: transparency is your best ally. Don't sugarcoat the situation, but frame it as a challenge we're tackling together. Share the bigger picture – why these cuts are necessary and how they fit into our survival strategy. Get your team involved in finding solutions. You'd be amazed at the creative ways people can optimize when they understand the why. And here's the key: protect what matters most to them – whether it's learning opportunities, core tools, or flexible work arrangements. Show them you're fighting for what they value. Teams will rally through tough times if they trust you're being straight with them and fighting in their corner.

To gain buy-in on budget cuts, clearly communicate the reasons and benefits, emphasizing long-term stability. Involve the team in decision-making, allowing them to suggest cost-saving ideas. Prioritize transparency, showing how cuts align with company goals. Focus on preserving essential resources that impact quality. Highlight how this challenge can foster creativity and innovation. Recognize their concerns, show appreciation, and reassure them of support during the transition. Keep morale high by celebrating small wins as adjustments are made.