IT. To many business leaders, the term still conjures up visions of servers, software costs, downtime, and “another system update.” But that is changing — and quickly.

In a world where efficiency, resilience, and scalability are non-negotiable, IT consulting is no longer a support function. It’s a strategic lever. For organisations struggling with rising costs, cybersecurity threats, and digital competition, IT consulting is already delivering returns — not another line item.

1. What is it consulting and why IT matters

2. When do businesses need IT consultancy?

3. How IT consulting delivers measurable ROI

4. Real Results: What UK Organisations Are Achieving

5. How to Choose the Perfect IT Consulting Partner

6. Final Word

7. FAQs About IT Consultancy

A quick definition — minus the jargon

IT consulting (or technology advisory) is all about helping businesses make smarter technology decisions. Consultants examine your current environment, find inefficiencies or risks, and develop a strategy to improve performance, reduce cost, or increase resilience — usually all three.

It’s not break/fix service or IT maintenance routine. Think of it as hiring an expert guide to rescue you from making expensive mistakes and reach your goals faster.

What’s the situation in the UK?

UK organisations are facing growing pressure to modernise — and to get it right.

74% of UK executives have digital transformation as their top priority, yet 45% of IT projects fail to meet ROI expectations (Deloitte UK Tech Trends)

The average cost of a cyberattack to UK medium-sized businesses is £19,400, with 32% having reported breaches in 2023 (UK Government Cyber Breaches Survey 2023)

Many UK SMEs overspend on cloud — a recent study found that 78% of organisations report significant cloud waste, with some losing over £40,000 per month due to mismanagement and lack of visibility (Tech Monitor, 2023).

That’s where strategic IT consultancy adds true value — by helping businesses prevent wastage, achieve resilience, and unleash smarter ways of working.

IT consulting is often brought in when something’s broken. But that’s a missed opportunity. The highest returns usually come when IT consultants are engaged proactively — not reactively.

• Here are some key signs it might be time to speak to a consultant:
• Your IT costs are rising, but performance isn’t
• You’re unsure if your data is properly protected
• Teams are using too many disjointed systems
• There’s no clear IT roadmap tied to business growth
• You’re preparing for a merger, scale-up or digital transformation

These challenges face both large and small businesses in the UK. Take, for example, Advanced Computer Software Group Ltd, a leader in enterprise software based in Birmingham. Following a spurt of acquisitions and high growth, Advanced made significant investments in IT consultancy and cloud migration, re-engineering their infrastructure to support scalability and modernisation. The result was significantly improved operational efficiency and the ability to supply more than 20,000 UK organisations with cloud-first solutions (source).

This kind of transformation is exactly what IT consulting does — by transforming underperforming systems into future-proof solutions that facilitate growth.

To be worthwhile, any investment has to deliver a payoff — and IT consulting is no exception. The good news? If executed strategically, it does. In fact, IT consulting pays off on multiple levels: direct cost savings, improved efficiency, and better decision-making.

The return may not be immediate — but it is typically real. especially when contrasted with the cost of inaction: rising overheads, growing security risks, outmoded systems frustrating people, or possibilities lost due to a lack of responsiveness.

1. Cost optimisation

Consultants are likely to spot what in-house teams don’t — legacy systems that are bleeding money, underutilised software licenses, over-provisioned cloud environments. A detailed audit typically reveals rapid opportunities to reduce spend without impacting performance.

2. Efficiency and productivity gains

Simplified workflows, system integration, and smart automation can reduce manual admin, speed up tasks, and remove duplication. The result? Teams focus on higher-value work, and the business moves faster.

3. Risk reduction

Data breaches, non-compliance, and downtime are expensive. Consulting allows for the implementation of proper security and disaster recovery frameworks — avoiding fines, reputational damage, and lost business.

4. Scalability

Businesses grow, and their technology needs to grow with them. IT consultants ensure infrastructure is scalable and flexible, so that future growth doesn’t require a total rebuild.

5. Smarter decision-making

By developing an explicit IT strategy aligned with business objectives, consultants enable leaders to invest in what truly creates value. That equates to less wastage on purchases and more technology creating impact.

In brief: IT consulting makes your technology work for your company — not vice versa. And in a market with narrow margins and resilience as a key success factor, that adds up to a tangible difference.

The consultant you hire can make or break the value of the engagement. Here’s what to look for:

Relevant experience

Have they worked with businesses like yours — in your industry, at your scale, under similar constraints? Ask for references or examples.

A focus on outcomes

Do they talk about solutions — or about results? Look for a partner who talks in terms of value, ROI, and business performance.

Ability to deliver

Strategy is only half the battle. Can they help implement the plan and manage change across your teams?

Local knowledge

UK businesses are bound by special compliance, privacy, and market forces. A UK-based or local partner delivers context and quicker support.

Blue Saffron works with organisations in finance, recruitment, legal, and the third sector to empower them to make IT a strategic differentiator — rather than a support function. Our work is based upon deep technical knowledge and pragmatic awareness of UK business agendas. Read our case studies to see what that looks like in reality.

There was a moment when IT consulting was a “nice-to-have” — a luxury for the largest businesses only. That moment has passed.

Today, technology is at the centre of how organisations operate, deliver value, and transform. IT consulting is no longer about fixing what’s broken — it’s about building systems that are secure, scalable, and guided by long-term business goals.

Whether it is reducing unnecessary spending, managing risk, or enabling more efficient ways of working, the value of IT consulting can be measured.

The organisations that are getting the most out of technology are those that are leveraging IT consulting as a driver of growth — not merely an expense of services.

If you’d like tailored advice on where IT can deliver the most value in your business, explore our IT advice hub or contact us to speak with one of our consultants.

1. What does an IT consultant do?

An IT consultant helps businesses use technology more effectively. This includes reviewing your current systems, identifying inefficiencies or risks, and designing an IT strategy that supports business goals — whether that’s growth, security, or cost reduction.

2. How do I know if my business needs IT consulting?

If you’re dealing with rising IT costs, outdated systems, or you’re unsure how your IT supports business growth, it may be time to speak to a consultant. Many businesses also bring in consultants before scaling, restructuring, or undergoing a digital transformation.

3. Is IT consulting just for large companies?

Not at all. Many small and mid-sized businesses use IT consultants to get expert input without hiring full-time. Consultants offer flexible, strategic support — ideal for SMEs without in-house IT leadership.

4. What kind of return can I expect?

Returns vary, but often include lower IT costs, improved productivity, fewer outages, and better cybersecurity. A good IT consultant will help define expected outcomes and track performance against them.

5. How is IT consulting different from IT support?

IT support deals with day-to-day technical issues. IT consulting focuses on the bigger picture — helping you plan, optimise, and align your technology with your business objectives.

6. What should I look for in a consulting partner?

Look for industry experience, a track record of results, and clear communication. You’ll also want someone who understands UK regulations and can support you beyond just the planning phase.