GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Business Consulting Industry Statistics

The business consulting industry is projected to grow at a steady rate, driven by increasing demand for specialized services and digital transformation solutions.

🔥 Brand New

Our Free Guide: Master the Art of AI-Assisted Research

In our guide, we’ll show you how small tweaks and additions to your research process with AI can significantly improve your academic work.

Highlights: Business Consulting Industry Statistics

  • Global management consulting market size was expected to reach $295 billion in 2020.
  • In 2019, the consulting market of the United States was estimated to be worth $59.6 billion.
  • The Big Four (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) account for around 40% of total market share in the management consulting industry.
  • IT consulting accounted for more than 20% of the total consulting market in 2020.
  • 75% of business owners admit they should be seeking more professional advice for their business operations.
  • The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of the consulting market is projected to be 4.1% over the period of 2020-2025.
  • The business consulting industry is expected to reach $343.52 billion by 2025.
  • Strategy consulting accounted for 15% of the total consulting market in 2019.
  • 33% of consulting firms reported implementing artificial intelligence models in their business operations in 2019.
  • In 2019, consulting businesses with one owner and no employees averaged revenues of $60,000.
  • In 2020, more than 700,000 consulting businesses were operating in the U.S.
  • In the UK, the consulting market grew by 7% in 2019.
  • In 2020, Deloitte was the largest management consulting service company in the world, with revenues exceeding $46 billion.
  • In 2019, Asia-Pacific's consulting market was worth over $50 billion.
  • The global operations consulting market size was valued at $70.3 billion in 2019.
  • Strategic change and HR consulting are the key services predicted to drive future growth in the consulting industry, at a CAGR of 3.2% until 2025.
  • Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) advisory is the third largest market in the management consulting industry, accounting for around 10% of revenues.
  • By 2025, the financial consulting market is expected to be worth over $75 billion.

Discover our favorite AI Writing Tool

Speed up your source research process with AI

Jenni's AI-powered text editor helps you write, edit, and cite with confidence. Save hours on your next paper

Table of Contents

The Latest Business Consulting Industry Statistics Explained

Global management consulting market size was expected to reach $295 billion in 2020.

The statistic that the global management consulting market size was expected to reach $295 billion in 2020 indicates the estimated total value of all consulting services provided by management consulting firms worldwide during that year. This figure reflects the significant demand for strategic guidance and expertise from businesses seeking to improve their operations, make informed decisions, and navigate complex challenges in a rapidly evolving business environment. The growth in the market size suggests a continued reliance on management consulting services to drive innovation, optimize performance, and adapt to changing market dynamics on a global scale.

In 2019, the consulting market of the United States was estimated to be worth $59.6 billion.

The statistic that in 2019, the consulting market of the United States was estimated to be worth $59.6 billion indicates the total value of consulting services provided within the country during that year. This figure encompasses a wide range of consulting services across various industries, such as management, technology, strategy, and human resources. The significant monetary value highlights the importance of consulting in the American business landscape, demonstrating the demand for expert advice and services to help organizations improve their operations, solve problems, and achieve their business objectives. Furthermore, the size of the consulting market reflects the reliance of businesses on external expertise to navigate complex challenges and drive growth in today’s highly competitive and dynamic business environment.

The Big Four (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) account for around 40% of total market share in the management consulting industry.

The statistic indicates that the four largest management consulting firms, namely Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG, collectively hold a significant portion of the market share in the industry, accounting for approximately 40% of the total market. This dominance by the Big Four firms highlights their strong presence and influence within the industry, as they are trusted by a wide range of clients for their consulting services. This concentration of market share suggests that these firms have established themselves as key players in the industry, potentially influencing trends and standards in management consulting practices. Their substantial market share also underscores the competitive landscape within the industry, where smaller consulting firms may face challenges in competing with these major players.

IT consulting accounted for more than 20% of the total consulting market in 2020.

The statistic that IT consulting accounted for more than 20% of the total consulting market in 2020 indicates that the Information Technology (IT) consulting sector held a significant share of the overall consulting industry last year. This suggests a growing demand for IT consulting services, likely due to the increasing reliance on technology and digital transformation efforts across businesses. The prominence of IT consulting highlights the importance of leveraging expertise in technology strategy, software implementation, cybersecurity, and other IT-related areas to address the challenges and opportunities presented in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

75% of business owners admit they should be seeking more professional advice for their business operations.

The statistic that 75% of business owners admit they should be seeking more professional advice for their business operations suggests a prevalent recognition among business owners of the importance and potential benefits of seeking expert guidance in running their businesses. This finding highlights a widespread acknowledgment that professional advice can play a crucial role in improving business operations, decision-making, and overall success. The high percentage of business owners expressing this sentiment indicates a potential opportunity for professional advisory services to contribute significantly to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of business management strategies and practices across various industries.

The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of the consulting market is projected to be 4.1% over the period of 2020-2025.

The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of the consulting market projected to be 4.1% over the period of 2020-2025 indicates the average annual growth rate of the market over that specific timeframe when considering compounding effects. This statistic suggests that the consulting market is expected to expand at a steady pace, with an annual growth rate of 4.1%. Investors, stakeholders, and industry experts can use this projection to understand the potential growth trajectory of the consulting market and make informed decisions regarding investments, market strategies, and business planning for the future.

The business consulting industry is expected to reach $343.52 billion by 2025.

This statistic indicates the projected growth and expansion of the business consulting industry, forecasting a market size of $343.52 billion by the year 2025. The expected increase in revenue suggests a growing demand for consulting services to help businesses improve efficiency, solve problems, and drive growth. Factors driving this growth may include increased globalization, rapid technological advancements, and the need for specialized expertise in areas such as digital transformation and sustainability. This statistic serves as a key indicator of the industry’s potential for lucrative opportunities and significant contributions to the economy in the coming years.

Strategy consulting accounted for 15% of the total consulting market in 2019.

This statistic indicates that strategy consulting services held a significant portion of the overall consulting market in 2019, representing 15% of the total market share. Strategy consulting typically involves providing expert advice and guidance to organizations on matters related to strategy formulation, organizational development, market positioning, and competitive analysis. The fact that strategy consulting accounted for 15% of the total consulting market suggests that there was a high demand for these specialized services, highlighting the importance that organizations place on strategic planning and decision-making. This statistic also underscores the competitiveness and diversification within the consulting industry, with strategy consulting playing a key role in supporting businesses in achieving their objectives and staying competitive in the market.

33% of consulting firms reported implementing artificial intelligence models in their business operations in 2019.

The statistic “33% of consulting firms reported implementing artificial intelligence models in their business operations in 2019” indicates that a significant minority of consulting firms have embraced artificial intelligence technology to improve their operations. This suggests a growing trend towards leveraging AI for tasks such as data analysis, decision-making, and automation within the consulting industry. The adoption of AI models can potentially enhance efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness for consulting firms, allowing them to better meet client needs and stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving business environment.

In 2019, consulting businesses with one owner and no employees averaged revenues of $60,000.

The statistic indicates that in 2019, consulting businesses owned by one individual and without any employees achieved an average revenue of $60,000. This suggests that sole proprietors in the consulting industry were able to generate a moderate level of income without the overhead costs associated with hiring employees. The revenue figure serves as a benchmark for the financial performance of one-person consulting firms and highlights the potential profitability of solo entrepreneurship in the consulting sector. It could be attributed to various factors such as specializations in high-demand services, effective marketing strategies, or a loyal client base. Understanding this statistic provides insights into the economic landscape of small consulting businesses and can be useful for entrepreneurs looking to enter or expand within this industry.

In 2020, more than 700,000 consulting businesses were operating in the U.S.

The statistic that in 2020, more than 700,000 consulting businesses were operating in the U.S. indicates a significant presence and impact of the consulting industry within the country’s economy. This large number demonstrates the widespread demand for consulting services across various sectors and highlights the diverse range of expertise and specialties offered by consulting firms. The sheer volume of consulting businesses also suggests a competitive landscape within the industry, where businesses strive to differentiate themselves and offer unique value propositions to attract clients. Additionally, the statistic points towards a trend of businesses seeking external expertise and guidance to navigate complex challenges and optimize their operations in an increasingly competitive and dynamic business environment.

In the UK, the consulting market grew by 7% in 2019.

The statistic indicates that the consulting market in the UK experienced a growth rate of 7% in 2019 compared to the previous year. This growth suggests that there was an increase in the demand for consulting services in various sectors such as management, finance, technology, and healthcare. The expansion of the consulting market could be attributed to factors such as companies seeking expert advice to navigate through economic uncertainties, digital transformations, and market disruptions. The 7% growth rate reflects a positive trend in the consulting industry in the UK and signifies opportunities for both consulting firms and businesses looking to leverage external expertise for strategic decision-making and problem-solving.

In 2020, Deloitte was the largest management consulting service company in the world, with revenues exceeding $46 billion.

The statistic stating that Deloitte was the largest management consulting service company in the world in 2020 with revenues exceeding $46 billion indicates the company’s significant market dominance and financial success within the industry. This information highlights Deloitte’s leading position in providing management consulting services to a wide range of clients globally. The revenue figure not only reflects the scale of Deloitte’s operations but also underscores the trust and reliance that clients place in the company for strategic advice and guidance. As the largest player in the field, Deloitte’s performance in 2020 demonstrates its competitiveness, expertise, and ability to drive value for its clients, making it a formidable force in the management consulting sector.

In 2019, Asia-Pacific’s consulting market was worth over $50 billion.

The statistic ‘In 2019, Asia-Pacific’s consulting market was worth over $50 billion’ indicates the substantial economic value of the consulting industry in the Asia-Pacific region during the specified year. This figure represents the total revenue generated by consulting services such as management, strategy, technology, and various other advisory services provided by consulting firms operating in the Asia-Pacific market. The fact that the market was valued at over $50 billion demonstrates the significant demand for consulting expertise and solutions in this region, highlighting the importance of consulting services in helping businesses navigate complex challenges, improve performance, and drive growth in an evolving business environment.

The global operations consulting market size was valued at $70.3 billion in 2019.

The statistic indicates that the global operations consulting market generated revenues amounting to $70.3 billion in 2019. This market size figure represents the total value of all services provided by operations consulting firms worldwide during that year. Operations consulting involves assisting businesses in improving and optimizing their operational processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. The substantial market size underscores the demand for such services from organizations seeking to streamline their operations and drive growth.

Strategic change and HR consulting are the key services predicted to drive future growth in the consulting industry, at a CAGR of 3.2% until 2025.

The statistic suggests that strategic change and HR consulting services are expected to be the main drivers of growth in the consulting industry, with a predicted Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.2% until the year 2025. This indicates that organizations are increasingly seeking assistance with navigating strategic transformations and optimizing their human resources functions. The projected growth in these areas highlights a growing recognition of the importance of strategic planning and effective management of human capital in achieving long-term business success. As such, consulting firms specializing in strategic change and HR services are anticipated to experience notable growth opportunities in the coming years.

Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) advisory is the third largest market in the management consulting industry, accounting for around 10% of revenues.

The statistic indicates that within the management consulting industry, Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) advisory services represent the third largest market in terms of revenue generation, contributing approximately 10% of total industry revenues. This highlights the significant role that M&A advisory plays within the broader consulting landscape, reflecting the ongoing importance of strategic corporate transactions such as mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures. Companies often seek the expertise of M&A advisors to navigate complex deals, assess potential investment opportunities, and maximize value creation through strategic transactions. The prominence of M&A advisory underscores its value as a specialized service offering that helps organizations drive growth, expansion, and restructuring efforts in an increasingly competitive and dynamic business environment.

By 2025, the financial consulting market is expected to be worth over $75 billion.

The statistic states that by the year 2025, the financial consulting market is projected to exceed a value of $75 billion. This implies a significant growth and expansion in the financial consulting sector, indicating a high demand for financial advisory services in the coming years. The increasing complexity of financial markets, evolving regulatory requirements, and the need for strategic financial guidance are likely driving the expected growth in this market. This statistic suggests opportunities for financial consulting firms to capitalize on this growing market and provides insights for stakeholders to anticipate and prepare for the future trends and developments in the financial consulting industry.

Conclusion

Thank you for exploring the valuable insights and trends within the Business Consulting Industry Statistics. This data serves as a foundational resource for understanding the evolving landscape of consultancy services and can guide businesses towards informed decision-making. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis in the dynamic world of business consulting.

References

0. – https://www.www2.deloitte.com

1. – https://www.www.statista.com

2. – https://www.www.sba.gov

3. – https://www.www.marketsandmarkets.com

4. – https://www.www.ibisworld.com

5. – https://www.www.gminsights.com

6. – https://www.www.bloomberg.com

7. – https://www.www.prnewswire.com

8. – https://www.www.consultancy.uk

9. – https://www.www.consultancy.asia

10. – https://www.www.technavio.com

11. – https://www.www.globenewswire.com

12. – https://www.www.cnbc.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!