Data Analytics tops execs' consulting wishlist

Data Analytics (DA) tops a ten-strong suite of consulting skills that mid-size organisations are going to increase their use of independent consultants to secure.

Almost a third of such outfits’ senior executives say they have plans to increase their use of independent consultants in DA over the next three years, found Odgers Connect.

The consultancy group’s finding follows a London-based recruiter’s disclosure that the hiring of Business and Data Analytics contractors recently hit an “all-time high.”

Interestingly, when such agencies are evaluated to supply freelance consultants, it is the “skills available” of those supplied that is key; not the agency’s brand, price or geographic spread.

Next to DA, the other “sweet spot” for single-person consultants -- in terms of where 500+ staff outfits want them the most -- is ‘digital technology,’” Odgers also found.

Almost as many executives say their three-year wishlist will prioritise consultants supplying ‘Risk and Regulation’ services, in a finding that represents a breaking of the mould.

“Long seen as a safe haven and reliable source of income by the biggest management consulting firms, most companies actually think the quality of [risk and regulation] work delivered by independent consultants is higher”.

Odgers added: “Twenty-seven per cent of organisations expect to increase their use of independent consultants in this area…. [so] Risk & Regulation [billings] are primed for rapid growth”

When pitted against their corporate consulting rivals, independent consultants had the edge on ‘flexibility’ --- the most popular reason that the executives opted for an individual over an organisation.

Almost a third of the bosses also cited “an innovative approach” as one of the most important factors they consider when selecting an independent consultant over the bigger, traditional management consulting firms.