“External consultants are now an essential asset for businesses”
What is the role of an external consultant or freelancer? And what value do they add to an existing team? These are two key questions businesses have asked over the past decades, with increasingly clear answers emerging. Each freelancer or consultant brings specific expertise that complements a team or process. Moreover, freelancers are often valued for offering a fresh, external perspective on entrenched challenges. This remarkable shift is something Brainbridge, a specialist in (IT) consultancy and staffing, has observed over the years.
Freelancers: an evolving perception
The world of consultancy has undergone significant transformations over the past two decades. Chief among them has been the recognition of the value independent consultants bring to businesses. While perceptions still vary across different specialisations, many consultants have now become indispensable.
“The perception of independent IT consultants, for instance—those who are temporarily placed on projects within companies—has changed dramatically. Where there was once scepticism towards external staff, their fresh perspective on long-standing processes and strategies is now increasingly appreciated,” explains Peter Wens, CEO of Brainbridge.
Total workforce management
This growing appreciation for external talent has prompted many companies to rethink their internal processes. Hybrid teams, comprising both permanent employees and independent consultants, are becoming the norm. This approach is referred to as ‘Total Workforce Management’.
“Total Workforce Management shifts the focus in HR policies away from the type of employment contract and towards engaging the right talent, regardless of contract form. This is exactly what today’s labour market needs: the right people in the right roles. As a result, workforces are increasingly made up of a mix of permanent employees and flexible workers such as freelancers, part-timers, and temporary staff. Their contributions are becoming ever more indispensable,” says Wens.
25 years of Brainbridge
For 25 years, Brainbridge has been bridging the gap between freelancers and businesses with specific needs. What began as a small operation with relevant expertise has grown into a well-established player in the consultancy sector. Over the years, Brainbridge has expanded its portfolio significantly and supported several startups, each focusing on a specific pool of freelancers with expertise in particular fields.
Brainbridge itself specialises in the IT sector, while Brainbridge Technics recruits engineering and technical consultants for industries such as construction, infrastructure, energy, utilities, oil and gas, and maritime sectors. Anoa Care focuses on freelance healthcare professionals, and Akindra connects IT consultants with businesses in Romania.
Brainbridge’s dual mission is clear: to support businesses in finding the perfect consultant for their projects and to relieve independent consultants of administrative burdens, ensuring they can focus entirely on their work.