The 5 best consulting firms in London that can help you and your business thrive
Not everyone is born a natural entrepreneur or raised in a family of business owners. Many didn’t grow up in households where family meals revolved around business discussions, shaping them for a future in the corporate world.
There are those who discover their passion for business three years into nursing school or start their own ventures out of necessity. More often than not, they find themselves asking, “Where do I begin?”
If this sounds like you, start here by exploring the best consulting firms in London. With expert guidance in management, strategy, and more, you can bring your business ideas to fruition and set the foundation for long-term success.
How much do consulting services cost in London?
Consulting services in London cost £100 to £500 per hour for general assistance, with specialized areas like management or IT ranging from £200 to £600 per hour. For project-based work, fees start at £5,000 and can exceed £100,000, depending on the project’s complexity.
1. Growth Idea
Address: Trident House, 46 – 48 Webber St
Phone: +44 20 7627 1234
Business hours: Monday-Friday, 8:45 AM to 5:30 PM
Experienced across multiple sectors, Growth Idea helps businesses become profitable powerhouses in their industries. With the right plans, people, and processes, they’re able to boost your profits—often in as little as six months.
If your profit doesn’t exceed your investment within the said time, their Return on Investment (ROI) Guarantee lets you claim the difference. But most small business owners never need it—many have doubled their revenue by simply following Growth Idea’s strategy.
Recognized in SME News’ UK Enterprise Awards and by Global Gurus in 2023, long-term clients say that the firm’s impact on their business has been phenomenal. Many also credit their supportive consultants with giving them a clearer direction and mindset.
Like any service, this firm has areas where it may not be the best fit for everyone. For instance, one client mentioned a lack of focus on long-term profitability, along with coaching issues where the consultant was underprepared for the presentation.
The impact on my business has been truly phenomenal
“I’ve been working with Growth Idea for nearly three years now, and the impact on my business has been truly phenomenal. During this time, we’ve doubled our revenue, more than doubled our profit, and established solid systems. On a personal level, I’ve grown in confidence, skills, and overall business mindset. The structure of their support—through coaching, training, workshops, and quarterly planning sessions—is outstanding. I wholeheartedly recommend Growth Idea to any business seeking support for ambitious growth.”
- Rob Mackley, Google Review
A turning point for me and my business
“Shweta from The Growth Idea is absolutely brilliant. I’ve loved every moment of working with her. Over the past few months, we’ve done some real “trojan work,” and it’s been a turning point not just for my business but for me personally as well. From our very first session, I knew she truly understands the unique challenges that small business owners face. What sets Shweta apart is her laser focus—she helps you concentrate on the things that actually matter and guides you to let go of what doesn’t. Working with Shweta has given me a sharper business mindset, a clearer sense of direction, and a new level of motivation.”
- David Barden, Google Review
2. Carnegie Consulting Ltd
Address: 25 Gerrard St
Phone: +44 20 3427 5661
Business hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
If your business is to carve out a career in industries such as private equity, asset management, and insurance, Carnegie Consulting Ltd knows how to identify the right opportunity for you. They have an in-depth understanding of the markets they operate within.
Carnegie’s honesty and integrity show in their contingent recruitment model, where clients only pay upon a successful hire. With no upfront research fees, this approach is a cost-effective solution for most clients, including senior hires.
But what clients like most about them are their highly experienced market specialists who are also warm and approachable. Their flexible, efficient approach combined with honest advice and genuine care has helped many professionals land their dream roles.
On the downside, some candidates have felt uncomfortable with the firm’s strong emphasis on in-person meetings, raising concerns about being judged on appearance. Also, scheduling changes to accommodate other candidates have left some feeling undervalued.
Warm, approachable, and incredibly supportive
“I had the pleasure of working with Guy Steel from Carnegie Consulting, and I can’t recommend him highly enough! From the very beginning, Guy was warm, approachable, and incredibly supportive. He not only connected me with fantastic opportunities but also actively championed me to his network. Throughout the process, he acted as my trusted soundboard, providing honest advice, valuable insights, and unwavering support. Thanks to his efforts, I broke into the industry I wanted to and secured a role that I ultimately accepted—and I couldn’t be happier.”
- Sachin Thaman, Google Review
Helped me get my dream role
“A firm that genuinely cares about you, John Hindley was fantastic to work with and helped me get my dream role. He provided clear guidance and told me important info about what the interviewer wants to hear so I could nail the interview. Thanks again!”
- Joel Slater, Google Review
3. McKinsey & Company – London
Address: The Post Building, 100 Museum St
Phone: +44 20 7839 8040
Business hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
McKinsey & Company’s consulting services come in the form of thoughtfully organized events, initiatives, and presentations. All of these are designed to develop clients’ skills and create an environment that fosters your growth as an industry leader.
Students, in particular, love the McKinsey Venture Academy, which allows them to pitch business plans for social enterprises. Meanwhile, Entrepreneur First supports aspiring entrepreneurs by launching their tech-based ideas in food e-commerce and education apps.
However, while their intentions are good, some clients have raised concerns about unexpected charges, even for sponsorship jobs. Others felt that certain consultants were less approachable and provided insights that lacked depth.
Very professional and welcoming
“I have been attending a series of Chapter Zero events here to help Board members get their organisations to Net Zero. The McKinsey partners involved in the event have always been very professional and welcoming, with an excellent understanding of climate topics, which they have prepared and presented well. The networking parts of the events have also been excellent and organised well and thoughtfully.”
- Vaskor Basak, Google Review
Where elite brains collaborate
“A place where elite brains collaborate to solve most difficult problems.”
- Moris A., Google Review
4. DL Business Consultancy
Address: 17 Chalton St
Phone: +44 20 3841 7010
Business hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
DL (Dario Lopez) Business Consultancy is known for its signature 3-Business Structuring Sessions (BSS). It’s a three-step approach designed to help companies or start-ups build a strong management structure or improve an existing one.
Clients appreciate how it starts with a 30-minute strategy talk, followed by Dario’s business MOT (Management by Objectives and Targets). The process then wraps up with a detailed plan and recommended next steps, making the experience smooth and convenient.
With Dario on the front lines, the consultancy reflects his deep knowledge, honesty, and friendliness. Clients often share how he has helped their businesses save money and run more efficiently while being responsive to all their needs and requests.
One drawback to consider is his limited availability. Since the consultancy is led solely by Dario, scheduling is sometimes challenging, especially during tax season (April) and the start of the fiscal year (January to March).
Helped my business save money
“Dario is an Excellent Accountant, very professional and very knowledgable. Has helped my business save money and run smoothly in the past year. He’s very friendly, honest and trustworthy, Highly Recommended A+++ Thank you!”
- Luis Meneses, Google Review
Responsive to our requests and needs
“Dario is very responsive to our requests and needs. Great service! Got excellent advice. Very happy so far, I will continue to use their services going forward.”
- Mariana Barcellos, Google Review
5. PA Consulting
Address: 10 Bressenden Pl
Phone: +44 20 7730 9000
Business hours: Monday-Friday, 24 hours
Client success stories reveal that PA Consulting has been a trusted digital partner for many years. They appreciate how PA enables them to tap into innovative technologies like AI to improve the efficiency and services of their business.
With a team of skilled consultants, designers, and digital experts, together with scientists, engineers, and technologists, clients agree that they are experts in everything. Add to this the fact that they’re delightful people who are generous with their time and advice.
Another factor that impresses clients is PA’s Global Innovation and Technology Centre, where ideas come to life physically and digitally. Visitors who have toured the facility often praise its excellent amenities and well-designed office spaces.
Although PA offers innovative solutions, some customers feel that their consulting approach is not always fully tailored to niche industries or unique business models. Additionally, small businesses or startups with limited budgets find their services less accessible.
Generous with their time and advice
“Delightful people work here. They hosted a wonderful careers visit with my 6th formers and were so generous with their time and their advice.”
- Paul Darby, Google Review
Experts in everything and very flexible
“They really are experts in everything, very flexible and well presented. Their design team is a great addition too.”
- Luke Andrews, Google Review