BrazilHomecoming for Alba Partners with launch of new office in Edinburgh
Alba Partners, a management consultancy firm with offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and London, is opening a new office in Scotland – a homecoming for company founders Richard Jacobs and Carol Jacobs.
The Scottish-origin siblings launched Alba Partners in 2021, having previously gained years of experience at global giant Accenture.
The consulting firm, which describes itself as a talent-focused transformation specialist, started out in London, initially focused on the financial services sector. In 2022, Alba Partners expanded to the United Arab Emirates and this year the firm also opened for business in Saudi Arabia.
Since its inception, Alba Partners has grown to a team of 40-plus consultants, and a track record that spans sectors including financial services, public sector, and energy. Key offerings within its portfolio include: organisation consulting, programme and project management, and bringing digital transformation to life including change management.
According to Richard, a major role for Alba Partners is helping an organisation tackle a difficult problem with no obvious solution initially. “Figuring out what to do, and then helping a client deliver it, that’s where we really come to life.”
The firm’s client impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. In the United Kingdom, Alba Partners was earlier this year named a finalist at the MCA Awards, an awards competition organised by the UK’s association for the management consulting industry. And last week, the firm also made its debut in a list of the Middle East’s leading Management consulting firms compiled by Consultancy.org.
“These recognitions are a testament to our team’s dedication and expertise. It highlights our commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and excellence. Thank you also to our clients for their trust, support, and partnership,” said Carol. “As a boutique management consultancy, we value all our clients and offer a personal and tailored service,” Richard added.
Next chapter
Building on its momentum, Alba Partners is embarking on its next chapter of growth, said Richard. “Now we’re at the point where we’re ready to expand our offering, we’ve got good solid client bases in our jurisdictions.”
Alba Partners intends to hire more than 20 consultants over the next 18 months. Part of this growth will occur in Scotland, where the consultancy has launched its fourth office in Edinburgh.
“As our name suggests, Scotland has always been a major influence on Alba Partners, and we are delighted to be returning home. In fact, Scotland will become our headquarters,” said Carol.
Helping drive the ambition in Scotland is financial services veteran Graeme Jones, who has been hired to chair Alba Partners. His previous roles include chairing Alba Bank, holding the CEO reins at Scottish Financial Enterprise, and senior posts at Experian, Aviva, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Standard Life.
Commenting on his appointment, Jones said he is happy to see Alba Partners launch in Scotland. “The firm will be a valuable and exciting addition to the professional services marketplace in Scotland, and it is a real statement of intent that they have decided to make Edinburgh their global headquarters.”
Across its footprint, Alba Partners has the ambition to become a “really credible alternative” to the Big Four firms for change and transformation work. “While we are growing rapidly, we wouldn’t want to dilute our culture, which would happen if we double in size overnight. We’re focused on organic growth and maintaining our unique culture.”
