First Consulting celebrates its 1-year anniversary in the UK
Having just passed the year mark since First Consulting started their UK operations, it seems the right moment to check-in and see how the consultancy firm has progressed. Consultancy.uk spoke to Jon Nelmes and Jorrit Stegenga, who have led the charge for First Consulting UK in its opening year.
One year completed, how do you reflect on the past 12 months?
Jon: “It has been an incredible journey for us so far. To think where we were this time last year, and then fast forward to today, we have made great progress across all aspects of our business. The start of something new always has its challenges, even with a formula that has proven successful before, but we have really gone from strength to strength. I can’t wait for the next 12 months and beyond!”
Jorrit: “We have really been focused on doing the right things for our clients and our people. We have developed our client portfolio, cemented strong technology partnerships, and started to build our UK team. Crucially, we have demonstrated that we can make a measurable difference for our clients, which is a testament to the excellent work that our consultants deliver for their clients. Our growth means that we still have openings in our UK team for new consultants at all experience levels.”
To what extent do you think you have succeeded in establishing the First Consulting DNA in the UK?
Jon: “In the Netherlands, First Consulting has built up a reputation as a no-nonsense consultancy firm who believe that, by collaborating onsite with our clients, we deliver rapid and lasting results. We follow the same approach in the UK and I have found that clients appreciate our level of honesty and directness, as well as our sharp and no-nonsense way of working. Put simply, we say it how it is and consistently deliver high quality work. Our personal approach and attitude differentiates us, and provides a fresh alternative to your typical consultancy firm.”
Jorrit: “We continue to see that our consultants are able to understand our clients’ demands, whilst at the same time, building up the right level of trust and rapport. This means that people are starting to recognise and value us for our sharp-minded approach in the UK. I think we have built a strong foundation in year one of our operations, and I am proud to see how far we have progressed. I really look forward to building upon our early success at First Consulting UK.”
You outlined a clear intention to build a high quality local team. How has your recruitment drive progressed over the past 12 months?
Jon: “Really well. We have built a team of high-quality consultants at all levels in our organisation. As I said last year, and will continue to say going forward, we will not sacrifice the quality of our people for faster team growth. We have stayed true to that intention, and have been pleased at the significant number of high-quality applications we receive. First Consulting is built upon a foundation of smart, driven and social individuals; we are very selective with who we recruit. Our core values are vital for maintaining who we are and how we deliver for our clients - we only recruit people who are a living example of our core values!”
Jorrit: “In addition to our recruitment, we have also worked closely alongside our Dutch colleagues, and will continue to do so, as they have helped us to supplement and strengthen the local team with specific capabilities that have enhanced our client delivery. We have been able to build up a very close knit local team of consultants in a short period of time, and enjoy a good celebration or two along the way!”
Lastly, going into the next 12 months, are you still on the lookout for more consultants?
Jon: “Yes, we recruit all year round. We are always on the lookout for smart, driven consultants at all levels. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our UK team members to find out more.”
Jorrit: “I recommend that you read some of our earlier published articles and interviews (with Emmy and Joe & Joe), to give you a feel for who we are and what we do. If you like what you read and want to apply, please email our recruitment team.”
