Comatch ramps up UK ambition, hires Charlotte Gregson and William Jones
Just months after first launching operations in UK, Comatch has shifted gears. The platform has brought in an experienced management consultant in the form of Charlotte Gregson to lead its London operation, and William Jones as Senior Business Development Manager for the country.
The UK’s freelance consulting sector is experiencing a period of rapid expansion, as former employees turn their backs on life at firms amid the allure of a better work-life balance and the suggestion of better pay. A recent survey found a majority of 58% earn more money as an independent consultant than as an employee. In part, this is likely due to the fact that there is no longer a middleman to tap into the fees incurred by consulting work.
Capitalising on that demand, Comatch is a disruptive start-up, aimed at providing independent consultants with a platform through which to reach clients. The group, which has swiftly assembled a network spanning Europe, recently entered the UK consulting industry, as it looks to boost its growth with access to Britain’s burgeoning freelance scene.
As the firm bids to maintain its impressive expansion path, Comatch raised €8 million to be invested in its growth plans earlier in 2018. However, while the firm seems well-positioned for a bright future, it faces stiff competition from the likes of B2E Consulting, Odgers Interim, Talmix and many more who also operate in the UK – a market where independent consultants now hold 20% of the industry’s business.
As the firm looks to maintain its position as one of Europe’s leading marketplaces for independent consultants and to cement its expansion into the UK market, Comatch has confirmed the hiring of Charlotte Gregson as its new UK&I Managing Director, and William Jones as Senior Manager Business Development & Sales for the UK&I. The pair will now work to fortify the company’s new London office, and spearhead the development of UK operations, acting as the primary contacts for both client businesses and consultants.
Gregson brings a wealth of capability to the role, having formerly been a management consultant with L.E.K. and IMS Health (which has since become IQVIA). With significant experience in assessing and deploying independent consultants, since 2011 she has built networks and specialised in placing consultants as executive advisors, leaders and supplemental expert resources into national and international clients across industries.
Jones, meanwhile, has previously worked with FMCG and public sector organisations to deliver Organisational Transformation, Product Innovation, and IT Deployments. As a consultant with a background in engineering, Jones brings both professionalism and hands-on practicality to his role at the match-making organisation.
Comatch co-Founder Christoph Hardt said of the pair, “While Comatch operates globally, we believe the UK presents unique opportunities for consultancies and companies alike to utilise independent experts, especially with regards to Brexit and a changing job landscape. In securing the support of Charlotte and Will, Comatch is in prime position to penetrate the UK market further, and provide companies with the experts they need."
Charlotte Gregson commented, “In the digital age, Comatch embodies the flexible needs for businesses to quickly access expert resources. I am excited to join them and I look forward to being part of cementing their international presence in the independent consulting market.”
William Jones added, “I’m looking forward to working with some incredibly gifted and passionate people as we establish Comatch in the UK market. The company perfectly combines the benefits of the gig economy with the consultant desire for greater autonomy. The result is a great success for clients, consultants, and Comatch.”
