With a reserved level of optimism slowly returning to the UK consulting sector, many smaller and boutique firms—unrestricted by company-wide mandates—are well-poised to take the initiative to grow their teams ahead of anticipated demand.
Smaller firms often have the agility to adapt quickly to market changes and client needs, providing customised solutions that larger firms might not be able to offer. This flexibility can be a significant selling point for both potential hires and clients.
When pursuing recruitment, it’s important to be able to articulate your company’s strengths clearly. This is a two-way process, after all. Broadly speaking, there are three key points that most boutique consulting firms can build upon when making a positive case for themselves.
- Career Progression: Boutique consultancies typically offer more opportunities for mentorship from senior leadership at an earlier stage. For more junior candidates, this can be a decisive factor when weighing the benefits against working within a larger consultancy. A good consultant will be thinking about career progression, so being able to articulate the advantages of a smaller team with direct management is key to attracting these individuals.
- Specialisation Opportunities: One commonly cited reason for joining a boutique consulting firm is the opportunity to specialise within a given industry or functional area of consulting. Whether a fresh graduate with an interest in a particular industry or a more seasoned consultant looking to focus on a functional area they have accumulated broad experience in, being able to effectively highlight your company’s specialisms will help draw in this talent.
- Client Engagements: Clients often look to smaller consulting firms because they provide a more personalised approach, with a focus on relationship building and the ability to embed within their organisational structure. Naturally, consultants working within these smaller firms can expect to deal directly with clients at an earlier stage in their careers. Demonstrating the ability to own more of these relationships will increase the attractiveness of your offer.
Of course, there will be other selling points that will depend on the particular service offering of your firm. However, emphasising the structural benefits of working within a boutique environment is crucial when competing for talent with larger organisations.
Large firms have dedicated recruitment and marketing functions, constantly promoting themselves within the market. To level out the playing field, it’s crucial to partner with specialist recruiters who have built their own unrivalled brand within the consulting space so you can get access to the best and most appropriate talent within the market.
Here at BLT, we’ve a great track record in helping boutiques achieve that next stage of growth, by tapping into a vast network of contacts built up over many decades recruiting in the Management Consulting arena. We help bridge the gap between firms looking to grow and top-level talent who may not be aware of the less well-known names in the market. We know what works!
If you would like to discuss your company's recruitment plans moving forward, please reach out to me via jhb@blt.co.uk.
- John Barker