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2020 was a difficult year for the independent advisory market – with specialist operators struggling to weather the storm in the same way that the bigger generalists of the cash-rich industry could. With that in mind, the fact that Facets Commercial Consulting – regardless of its size – has made a profit since it launched amid the UK’s initial lockdown is hardly surprising.

Everyone knows that Rome wasn’t built in a day – and with a little perspective behind it, even seemingly small short-term successes can become very meaningful in the years to come. This is likely the hope of veteran commercial sales director Guy Littlejohn, who decided to start his new independent firm, Facets Commercial Consulting, amid a global pandemic. While its solid land is unlikely to land on the Fast Track 100 anytime soon, the consulting firm has seen exponential growth after eight months of trading – a remarkable feat during the Covid-19 crisis that had such a profound impact on the independent consulting scene.

In booming times, the specialized skills of independent consultants can help them gain work from high-profile clients and increase the market share of top consultants. However, in times of crisis, gambling in a niche can adversely affect the financial health of a small consulting firm. If clients within this area of ​​expertise decide to tighten their belts and postpone projects, it is unlikely that independent firms could fall back on a second industry – unlike generalists like the Big Four, who relied heavily on their restructuring wings during the pandemic to have.

According to a survey by Comatch in 2020, the coronavirus is having a profound impact on independent advice, leaving many with less income and delaying project work. About 30% of independent consultants indicated that their ongoing and / or planned project had been postponed. Despite this pressure – and without outside investment – Facets managed to grow into a team of five seasoned consultants and ended 2020 with monthly sales of £ 22,513.

Facets is a trading consultancy that works with marketing, creative, digital and technology companies to help them grow and attract new customers. At a time when businesses are turning to outside sales support to fuel their recovery from the pandemic downturn, Facets has managed to get work done with a number of established agencies while adding two new clients. Studio LWD and Remotestar. The company, which now has 11 customers, hopes to continue building its early momentum over the course of 2021.

Littlejohn, Founder of Facets, commented, “Our customers openly admit that sales are a bottleneck to growth. Some even admit that managing their own salespeople can pose a range of challenges, from motivation to time, to the resources required to train them. Our goal as “part time” consultants is to eliminate all of these problems, take the first steps, and get the results when assistance is needed. Our biggest challenge is making sure we have the right consultants on board and I am now very happy with the dynamic and hardworking team we have put together. “

With 2021 already in full swing, Facets growth is likely to accelerate further as it works towards a 2021 forecast of £ 350,000 plus commission (around £ 75,000) – with an expected profit of 50%. To meet this demand, Facets has already started a comprehensive recruiting process to add more experienced consultants to the workforce.

“As the year goes on, we’ll grow the team, but not without making sure we’re getting the right people for our customers,” said Littlejohn. “Our customers, both existing and future customers, will always come first, and we strive to give them the best results that won’t change. Keeping it simple is key, and I truly believe the sky is the limit for facets! “