UK Consulting Market Takes a Step Back
Source Global Research released a fresh snapshot: the UK consulting scene shrank by 3.4% last year—the first dip since the pandemic began.
Why the slump matters
Big firms had been ramping up hires, thinking the demand would keep rolling in. Instead, the story has turned into another round of layoffs aimed at keeping partner profits afloat.
What this means for businesses
- Small‑and‑mid‑size companies now need a consultancy that truly cares about their growth, not just the bottom line.
- “With falling market revenues, UK consultancies have a hole to fill for their shareholders,” says Jon Bance, COO of Leading Resolutions.
- That hole translates into higher fees, even when the service quality doesn’t match.
Bance on the future
“Investing in UK consulting made sense post‑pandemic. The market was hungry for tech solutions and, more importantly, how to implement them on a budget.”
But big names started thinking more heads equals better results. “It’s like having too many chefs in the kitchen, and the broth ends up a mess.”
Businesses face “tech spaghetti” – tangled, outdated systems that slow things down and inflate costs. Ironically, many consultancies still give generic, redundant advice that only adds to that mess.
In short, we need a quality‑first approach: tech expertise that actually matters, coupled with strategic empathy that fits each client’s unique context.
“In 2025 and beyond, the consultancies that listen will lead. Otherwise, more layoffs are inevitable.”
Key takeaways
- Quality trumps quantity – especially when budgets are tightening.
- Clients deserve to see the value of every penny spent.
- Smaller, leaner firms already have the edge, as they cut through bureaucracy and sharpen solutions quickly.
The Call to Action
Change the approach to consulting. Let firms focus on cost‑effective, tailored solutions that bring real revenue back. This isn’t just a 2025 plan; it’s a roadmap for the years ahead.
