The 2018 Fastest Growing Firms: Elixirr

Consulting: What were the main factors that contributed to your firm's exceptional growth?

Newton: We've always invested heavily and strategically in talent attraction and retention—our people are our business. Our team has grown 45 percent in just over a year and this has been a major factor in our evolution as a firm. We're growing fast in the US, and have been able to attract an extremely high caliber of talent, testament to our existing team and our forward-thinking client base. We have continued to grow our client base and we are proud to say we now work with over 100 organizations across 15 industries and 25 countries. 

Consulting: How is this year shaping up for your firm?

Newton: It's a very exciting time for Elixirr, and a great time to join our firm if you're thinking of applying! We feel like we're at a bit of a tipping point and as always, we've got big ambition. Elixirr Capital, the investment arm of our firm now has a portfolio of 8 investments and it's looking like some of the bigger ones may start to see returns over the next 12 to 24 months. 

Consulting: How would you describe your firm's outlook for 2019? Where do you see the most opportunities?

Newton: Continue to expand into new industries, building on our existing capabilities through hiring and acquisition. And importantly, maintaining our traction in the US and Africa. Clients continue to love our bespoke approach, and with the acquisition of Medius and den this has only intensified our ability to meet their needs and offer them an end-to-end solution. 

Consulting: What would you say are your firm's biggest challenges in 2019?

Newton: I think the consulting industry as a whole is starting to change and it's ripe for disruption. That's why we exist! It's the smaller, nimbler firms like ours that are gaining real traction and we're definitely seeing a growth in the number of challenger consulting brands that are appearing and doing well. And that to me makes perfect sense in today's (and tomorrow's) business environment with all of its fast-paced and ever-changing challenges. 

Consulting: What does being named one of Consulting's Fastest Growing Firms mean to your firm, your employees and your clients?

Newton: To be named as one of Consulting's Fastest Growing Firms for the 2nd year running confirms the fact that we haven't lost momentum on a hugely successful year in 2017/18. And that is something that we, as a whole team, are very proud of. We have taken risks (and made many mistakes!) to get to where we are, and we'll continue to do so. I've never played for second place and without risk, there is no reward—and this award is testament to that.