Downturn in Diversified Consulting Market during Q2 2023
19.9.2023 08:06:00 CEST | Cinode (Int) | Press Release
The growth of consulting firms has significantly decelerated during the second quarter. On average, growth was at 8.5 percent, which is lower than inflation. This is in contrast to 15 percent just a quarter ago. The operating margin has also dropped considerably. This is according to Cinode's compilation of the Q2 reports from publicly traded consulting firms

"The consulting industry's slowdown is now reflected in the companies' numbers. However, what we see is not a complete picture, but a very differentiated market. IT-heavy companies, which previously had strong tailwinds, have had it much tougher. Real estate, retail, and HR have also faced significant challenges," says Mattias Loxi, co-founder of Cinode, the leading platform for consulting companies.
Despite these challenges, some companies and sectors continue to show strength.
"Cybersecurity/defense, industry, and energy have performed very well. Also, public investments in, for example, infrastructure remain at a stable level," points out Mattias.
Gofore, CombinedX, Innofactor, and Sweco show the strongest growth. A fifth of the companies have reduced revenue compared to last year, even though prices have increased.
"Another reason for the slowed growth among these consulting firms is that there have been significantly fewer acquisitions recently."
Three-quarters of the companies have lower margins compared to the previous year. Exsitec, Gofore, and CAG Group have the highest margins.
Contacts
Mattias LoxiCo-founder & CMO
Tel:+46 73-514 21 70mattias.loxi@cinode.comImages
About us
Founded in Stockholm in 2010, Cinode is the leading SaaS platform for consulting firms in the Nordics. We bring CRM, skills management, and resource planning together in one AI driven platform built specifically for the consulting industry. Close to 300 consultancies use Cinode to grow profitably by improving sales, delivery, and talent management, while more than 9,000 consulting firms collaborate within the Cinode network to find the right expertise and create new business opportunities. The result is faster responses to client demand, higher utilization, and smarter data driven decisions.
Subscribe to releases from Cinode (Int)
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Cinode (Int) by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Cinode (Int)
Consulting industry recovery slows in Q1 as global uncertainty grows22.5.2026 08:42:00 CEST | Press Release
2026 got off to a positive start for the Swedish and Finnish consulting industry. But as the uncertain global situation has worsened, not least as a result of the war in Iran, clients have once again become more hesitant. Growth remains slightly negative and headcount has started declining again after last autumn's trend reversal. This is shown in Cinode's latest compilation of the listed consulting companies' Q1 reports
The Nordic Consulting Industry Stabilizes in Q4 – More Firms Are Growing and Signals Point Toward a Recovery in 20265.3.2026 08:04:00 CET | Press Release
The Nordic consulting industry shows clear signs of stabilization in the fourth quarter of 2025. Following the trend shift in Q3, when more firms began returning to growth, the growth rate in Q4 remains subdued but stable. At the same time, several underlying indicators suggest that conditions are improving ahead of 2026. This is shown in Cinode’s latest compilation of quarterly reports from publicly listed consulting firms.
Kvadrat Modernizes with Cinode – Consolidating Everything in One Platform for Sweden’s Largest Consultant Network10.2.2026 08:02:00 CET | Press Release
Kvadrat, Sweden’s largest network of independent consultants, has chosen Cinode as its strategic platform. With over 500 active independent consultants, competency management and CV administration are now consolidated in a modern solution. The decision means Kvadrat is replacing its previous system with Cinode’s AI-driven platform – an important step toward streamlining work with its extensive network.
Consulting industry remains challenged in Q3 – but more firms are growing and signs point to recovery16.11.2025 08:15:00 CET | Press Release
The latest quarter shows the first indications that the consulting industry in Sweden and Finland may be starting to leave its most difficult period behind. A new summary from Cinode reveals that more than half of the listed consulting firms increased their headcount during the quarter – something that has not happened in the past two years.
Consulting Industry in Sweden Finland Faces Continued Decline in Q2 – Growth Slows, Margins Under Pressure29.8.2025 08:17:00 CEST | Press Release
The publicly traded consulting firms continue to report weak performance in Q2 2025. According to Cinode’s aggregated Q2 financial reports, the majority of firms are experiencing negative growth, compressed profit margins, , and workforce reductions. Calendar effects — such as fewer working days and late Easter — have adversely impacted the results.
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom



