Associate Interview: Reflections on 10 Years of Platform Smart
At the heart of Platform Smart’s approach is our Associate Programme. Without our associates, we couldn’t offer the breadth of capability and flexibility we provide to our customers.
As part of our 10-year anniversary celebrations, we wanted to hear from those who have helped shape the Associate Programme and have been on the journey with us over the years.
From associates who have been with us since day one to those who have joined more recently, read below to see what our associates say about their experiences with Platform Smart, what makes us unique, and how they see the world of consulting evolving in the years ahead.
Why do you choose to work with Platform Smart, and what sets them apart in the value they bring to associates and clients?
David Rees: "I joined Platform Smart in 2015, and for me, it offered the opportunity to really focus on what I do best - make a meaningful impact. Platform Smart has given me the platform to apply my expertise fully and work in a way that aligns with my strengths.
The organisation differentiates itself by allowing associates to use their knowledge and experience directly, in a collaborative way. I can provide guidance and solutions that genuinely make a difference, giving me the autonomy to deliver outcomes that matter."
Matt Gordon-Smith: “Platform Smart trades on its reputation for which I see it held in high regard – associates come back to work on multiple accounts and customers can come back again as they need to flex and adapt to changes and seek to find the best people for the job.
As an independent consultant, I must ensure that my reputation is maintained, not only by me but by those with whom I am associated. I hope that by continuing to work with Platform Smart, we both continue to cement our reputations and bring in more business.
This is why I not only come back to contract with Platform Smart, but I have also brought Platform Smart in to deliver for me with new clients.”
Michael Wilton: "For me, Platform Smart stands out as a very modern consultancy, able to adapt to the market and operate in line with strong principles and values. I only work with organisations where the ethos aligns with my own, which means doing the right thing, listening to what people actually want, and delivering outcomes that match those needs.
From the start, the engagement with me was excellent. The onboarding process was smooth, communication has been consistent, and there are clear ways to stay connected. The LinkedIn private channel, newsletters and updates keep associates informed, while also making it easy to ask questions and share knowledge. Having access to a broad network of consultants is very powerful because no one has all the answers, but together there is always someone who can provide the right expertise.
Another differentiator is the support of a Managing Consultant throughout an engagement. They bring additional insight and are always available to bounce ideas off, which is invaluable when navigating challenges. That level of support and collaboration is something that sets Platform Smart apart."
Simon Houghton: “I have always felt that Platform Smart genuinely cares about associates. We are not treated as just numbers or a resource to be placed, but as individuals. It feels like they want to know who we are, both professionally and personally, and that creates a real sense of community. Over the years I have always been recognised for what I bring, rather than just being labelled as a change person to be slotted into a role.
Another differentiator is that associates get to know the individual members of the team. That personal connection has made me feel comfortable recommending people I know, because I trust the organisation and the culture. If I did not feel that sense of personality and care, I would not promote others to work here. It is that community and relationship-driven approach that makes it stand out.”
Matt Kemp: “I run my own consultancy as well, so I have a clear view of the values that matter in client engagement. What stands out about Platform Smart is that those values align with my own. They place real emphasis on client engagement, ensuring requirements are clear and that delivery genuinely meets expectations. It is not about being a faceless consultancy; it is about caring about the outcomes and following through.
The Managing Consultants take time to visit clients and work closely with associates, which strengthens delivery and builds trust. Another real benefit is the associate network itself, which brings together people who know each other, who have worked together before, and who have a proven history of successful delivery. That makes collaboration more effective and adds value for both associates and clients.”
Jo Scott: “As a contractor, a lot comes down to timing, availability of contracts, and whether a role ticks the right boxes in terms of skills, rates, and working conditions. Platform Smart often has opportunities that align with what I am looking for such as strong remote working options which is important to me.
Compared with other consultancies I have worked with, Platform Smart provides solid support around contracts and is very clear in its focus. The networking element is also a strength. Although I cannot take full advantage since moving to Devon, I can see the value for others in being part of that community. Working alongside other Platform Smart associates on client projects is also beneficial, as it creates a sense of shared understanding and support that you do not always get elsewhere.”
Fraz Hamid: “For me, it comes down to the people and the opportunities. I’ve worked with some excellent colleagues and a broad network of associates, and that talent is what keeps me coming back. Platform Smart offers a variety of assignments across sectors and types of problems, from deep technical challenges to strategic business change, which keeps the work engaging. What also sets Platform Smart apart is the trust given to associates to deliver in the way they see fit. There is rarely a rigid, one size fits all methodology imposed, which allows for pragmatic, outcome-focused delivery. That combination of variety, trust, and focus on results is what differentiates Platform Smart.”
Can you share your journey with Platform Smart, including key challenges overcome or project highlights that stand out?
David Rees: "My journey with Platform Smart has included a variety of projects, allowing me to lead complex programmes and deliver significant outcomes.
I've developed extensive technical and business expertise along the way, and I take pride in bringing practical, up-to-date knowledge and honesty to everything I do. Being able to make a real difference in my work has been a highlight of my time here."
Matt Gordon-Smith: “My very first contracting role, after 25 years of continuous permanent employment was with Platform Smart. This was a new world for me, with all the nuances of running my own business, doing my own business development, and managing all my own back-office admin. It was a steep learning curve. However, Platform Smart gave me a lot of support and made the transition from the life of permanent employment to the world of contracting, so much easier than it could have been.
My first contract ran for a year, and it was not long afterwards I returned to deliver Platform Smart’s first vCISO engagement, which ran for another 10 months. Earlier this year, I was engaged by the original client to deliver more work for them – they asked for me specifically based on my previous work – there are deliverables which are 2 years old now, which are still valid and being used or referred to, which is very satisfying.
For the last year I have been working as Interim CISO for a customer who didn’t have a previous relationship with Platform Smart. I know they could help me out, so I brought in two resources to work within the Cybersecurity Transformation Programme.”
Michael Wilton: "My journey began when I became aware of Platform Smart while working on a large programme that involved several consultancies. Over time, I got to know more about the way they worked and the principles they operated by. The alignment of values really stood out to me. When the opportunity came up to join them, it felt like a natural step.
Since then, I have had the chance to work on a number of complex pieces of work. These have involved reviewing organisational capabilities, supporting operating model design, and delivering targeted outcomes under challenging circumstances. A key highlight for me has been the ability to re-energise organisations by showing them what is possible, while ensuring that delivery is always practical and outcome focused."
Simon Houghton: “I first became involved around eight or nine years ago. One of the early highlights for me was being trusted to help grow and manage an account, despite the practical challenges of geography and travel. That trust gave me the opportunity to work closely with teams and to support delivery in a meaningful way, which I really valued.
Another standout was a long-term project focused on business change in a new area for me. I had not worked in that space before, so it was a real leap of faith for the team to put me forward. Within a few months I found myself leading a key workstream, and although it was demanding, I learned an enormous amount. What struck me most throughout was the culture: people were supportive, willing to help, and genuinely collaborative. That consistency across projects is what has kept me engaged over the years.”
Matt Kemp: “My first engagement was on a very large and complex cloud migration programme. It was an enormous challenge involving multiple third parties, tight integration demands, and significant security considerations. Working with a small team, we delivered a secure cloud solution that supported the client’s needs, and it was a real highlight to be part of something of that scale right at the start.
Another achievement I am proud of was creating a security strategy and supporting security architecture framework that went on to shape delivery for several years. Many of the key elements of that strategy were subsequently implemented as part of further engagements. More recently, I worked on a shorter but very intensive engagement focused on identity and access management. In a relatively short space of time, we were able to put in place robust controls and harden the environment, which had a lasting impact. Each of these pieces of work came with its own challenges, but what has been consistent is the ability to deliver outcomes that make a real difference.”
Jo Scott: “I first worked through Platform Smart just before the first lockdown, and since then I have delivered projects for several organisations. The experiences have been varied. In some cases, such as at Sedgwick, I have worked more independently with fewer associates around me. In others, such as Gatwick, Platform Smart has been much more hands on, and there is a greater sense of being part of a team that includes both the client and associates.
My work has always been project management across IT and business change, but what I particularly value is the variety. It is not just the same type of role repeated in different companies. The mix of sectors and projects keeps the work interesting and makes good use of my ability to step into challenging situations. In fact, many of my contracts involve being brought in to stabilise or turn around projects that are already in difficulty, so challenges are part and parcel of the work. That is something I enjoy, even if no single story stands out as especially newsworthy.”
Fraz Hamid: “I joined in the first year and have been involved in many assignments since. One particularly memorable engagement started as a short, fixed-term piece of work but extended into a multi-year programme because the fit and the work were right. I’ve often been brought into projects that needed stabilising or transformation rather than starting from scratch, and those situations are both challenging and rewarding. Over the years, I’ve worked across different types of delivery and technical depth, which has kept the work interesting. The culture and quality of the people I’ve worked with have always stood out.”
Looking ahead, how do you see the technology consultancy landscape evolving?
David Rees: "Looking ahead, I think it's crucial for Platform Smart to continue understanding its purpose and the direction it wants to take. Sustaining strong relationships and maintaining a clear vision will be key.
I see an opportunity for the organisation to keep growing and evolving. Still, it must remain true to its core values: delivering tangible outcomes, supporting associates to use their expertise fully, and fostering a culture of collaboration and impact."
Matt Gordon-Smith: “Platform Smart is in a really good position, as I’m seeing a lot of companies move away from the big consulting firms. Customers are looking for skilled, capable people, with real-world experiences that can be applied to their own challenges, for a reasonable day-rate. This is something Platform Smart can deliver well, whereas others cannot.
Customers looking for nuanced solutions, tailored specifically to their own requirements, and with ability to flex up and down, will be looking to companies like Platform Smart to deliver this. I’m seeing this in the Interim and vCISO space too – small boutique consultancies and independent contractors like me are picking up a lot more of this work now, as the end client places greater value in real-world experience and battle scars.”
Michael Wilton: "I think organisations today are more informed than ever about how to work with consultancies. Procurement has a bigger role than it once did, which means consultancies need to demonstrate clear value, not just cost. The successful firms will be those that can talk in terms of outcomes and investment, rather than day rates and headcount.”
Simon Houghton: “My background has always been on the people side of change, and I think that is going to become even more important as artificial intelligence continues to evolve. AI is moving fast, and its impact on teams, departments and roles is going to be significant. This is not just about implementing a system and running some training, it is about managing transformation at a deeper level, helping people adapt to a very different future of work.
For consultancies, that means supporting organisations not just with technical delivery, but with the people change that comes alongside it. I do not see AI as a short-term trend. It will reshape the types of services in demand, but it will also open up new opportunities. The consultancy of five years’ time will not look the same as it does today, and the ability to combine expertise in both technology and people change will be critical.”
Matt Kemp: “Artificial intelligence is going to be one of the biggest drivers of change in the consultancy market over the next two to five years. There is huge opportunity in AI, but with that comes significant risk. Organisations will need guidance on how to adopt AI responsibly, how to manage the risks, and how to protect themselves. That is where consultancy will play a key role.
At the same time, cloud delivery will remain a constant. While AI attracts much of the attention, organisations still need to get the basics right, and that work will continue to underpin many projects. I see the consultancy landscape staying strong, with plenty of opportunity, but the firms that succeed will be those that can balance expertise in emerging technologies like AI with solid delivery of core services.”
Jo Scott: “I think the industry is still being shaped by the impact of Covid. Remote working has become much more established, and organisations are cautious about carrying large in-house teams when external shocks are possible. That has worked in favour of contractors for the time being.
Looking forward, I expect things to settle back towards how they were pre-Covid, with fewer contractors overall and a shift towards more office-based working. That change will have an impact on the type of work contractors seek out, but I see the balance eventually resetting rather than consultancy being fundamentally transformed.”
Fraz Hamid: “Technology landscapes are increasingly complex and interconnected. Clients now have multiple systems, clouds, and data flows, so there is growing demand for consultants who can navigate this complexity and align technology with business goals. Consultancy is evolving from single-technology expertise to broader, outcome-focused problem solving. Disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and, in the future, quantum computing will continue to drive demand, alongside compliance and regulatory challenges. Consultancies that combine technical understanding with pragmatic delivery and a focus on outcomes will be the most valuable.”
As we celebrate 10 years of growth and success, we’d like to thank our clients, associates, and partners who have been part of this journey. To learn more about how Platform Smart can support your organisation - and to stay up to date with our latest news and updates - get in touch or sign up here for regular updates.
