Boutique consultancies battle headwinds in 2025: Key findings from Consultancy BenchPress

The latest Consultancy BenchPress 2025 report – the UK and Ireland’s leading benchmarking survey for boutique consultancies – reveals a stark reality: growth is stalling, confidence is waning, and financial performance is under pressure. Yet amid the turbulence, a growing number of consultancies are charting a course forward – proving that with focus, adaptability and the right strategies, success is still well within reach.

Run jointly by The Consultancy Growth Network (TCGN) and The Wow Company, the report has gathered data from some 300 independent consulting businesses with revenues up to £50m. It offers benchmarks insights, tools and strategies tailored to founder-led consultancies looking to grow sustainably or prepare for exit.

The state of the market

Confidence is declining and expectations haven’t matched reality. From revenue growth and utilisation to overheads and cash flow, the core metrics tell a story that’s difficult to ignore. But not every consultancy is stuck.

More importantly, the report shows how these metrics are connected – and what consultancy leaders can do to change the narrative.

What the best are doing differently

The report highlights a cohort of firms that are not only weathering the storm but outperforming the market by a considerable margin. What are they doing differently?

This year’s Consultancy BenchPress reveals the specific mindset shifts, operational choices and leadership behaviours that give these firms the edge. Expect to get answers to questions such as:

• What is the single trait that makes a consultancy twice as likely to grow quickly and profitably?
• How are some firms fully embracing technology and AI to become more profitable?
• Which resourcing models are paying off, and which are proving a drag on performance?
• Why does confidence matter and how do you build it, even in tough conditions?
• What’s the link between internal culture and financial performance?

These aren’t abstract ideas – they’re backed by data, examples, and case studies from firms already putting them into practice.

Insights you can act on

Consultancy BenchPress 2025 doesn’t just benchmark performance, it equips leaders to take action. Whether you’re building a legacy business or considering an exit, the report provides tools and recommendations you can put to work immediately.

And with access to TCGN’s Growth Hub, TCGN members can go even deeper into practical resources tailored to each stage of the consultancy journey – from sales and marketing to people, operations, AI and leadership.

From The Network

Marc Jantzen | Founder & DEO

Consultancy leaders are having to make braver, smarter decisions than ever. The good news is, we have clear evidence about what works. For those willing to invest time working on their business, there’s still a clear path to prosperity.

Consultancy leaders are having to make braver, smarter decisions than ever. The good news is, we have clear evidence about what works. For those willing to invest time working on their business, there’s still a clear path to prosperity.

Get the report

The full Consultancy BenchPress 2025 report is available exclusively to TCGN members and survey participants. Members can access the full report via the Growth Hub.

An abridged version of the Consultancy BenchPress report is available to download below. It’s packed with insight, case studies and resources that can change the trajectory of your consultancy.