Reflections on 10 Years of Platform Smart
As part of our 10th anniversary, we sat down with our two Directors to reflect on the journey so far. We asked them three key questions about the achievements of the past decade, what Platform Smart has brought to the market, and their hopes for the next ten years. Here’s what they had to say.
Over the past 10 years, what do you consider our greatest achievement(s) to be?
Steven Sperling: “Two major achievements stand out. The first is our client base and the strength of the relationships we’ve built. Many of the clients we secured in the early days - HSBC, Heathrow, P&O etc - are still with us today. That longevity speaks volumes. It’s rare that we work with a client only once; more often, we develop partnerships that grow and deepen over time. That’s a credit both to the quality of our associates and to the back-office processes we’ve put in place to support them. When you look at our client list, you recognize the logos instantly, and that’s something I’m very proud of.
The second is our Associate Programme, which has been absolutely critical to our success. Without clients there’s no opportunity, but without our associates there’s no delivery. Over the past decade, the programme has expanded significantly - particularly in the last couple of years, always through referrals. That growth brings challenges, especially around engagement and community, but it remains our most valuable asset and one that we are dedicated to protecting and enhancing. The Programme has created a trusted community of professionals who are able to retain their independence whilst also being able to feel a part of something, we know that our associates will feel different levels of belonging and association with our Programme, that’s fine and we strive to allow our Programme to be what each Associate desires it to be.”
Shane Colombo: “For me, the answer also comes down to two things: Team and Growth - and the two are completely intertwined.
One of our greatest achievements is the significant growth we’ve had over the years and starting from zero, That phenomenal growth has only been possible because of the second part: the team. And by team, I mean both our permanent internal staff and our Associates, without these that growth would not have been possible.
It’s been a cyclical growth strategy and cycle: we’ve had an incredible team of some of the best talent in the market, which has created more growth and opportunities. Those opportunities have then been delivered by that same high-calibre talent, which in turn drives even more opportunity. Without the strength of our people - both in the early years and today - that growth simply wouldn’t have happened.”
In your view, what has Platform Smart brought to the market?
Shane Colombo: “I think one of the most obvious areas is our unique position in the marketplace, which has been one of the biggest differentiators. The way it resonates with clients, old and new, Associates, and stakeholders has been refreshing and distinctive.
We’ve built a reputation for taking responsibility for outcomes and deliverables, for helping clients beyond the commercials, and for making a tangible difference to their business and objectives, all of which is delivered through the highest-calibre expertise. That combination is something no other organisations were delivering then - and very few are delivering now.
It’s a proposition that has been genuinely different, almost disruptive, and it has been a key driver of the growth we’ve seen over the past decade.”
Steven Sperling: “I’d highlight two things: pragmatism and the Associate Programme.
From a client perspective, we’ve always taken a flexible approach. We’ve never tried to impose a one-size-fits-all model. Some clients need straightforward resource augmentation; others want a more consultative, outcome-based solution, some require both and everything in between. We endeavour to adapt accordingly, and be pragmatic, transparent and fair in how we approach fees and value. That pragmatism and always doing what’s right for the client, has helped us win trust and build long-term relationships.
The second is the Associate Programme. The UK market relies heavily on independent subcontractors, and we’ve worked with them for over 20 years. Many associates choose independence because they value flexibility, variety, and freedom from corporate politics. What we’ve created offers the best of both worlds: independence, but with the opportunity to feel a part of something bigger. We’re not an agency with a database - we work hard to know our associates, value them, and we try to foster a sense of community. We feel that is a genuinely unique proposition, and helps set us apart.”
What are your hopes and aspirations for the next ten years?
Steven Sperling: “In the short to medium term, our priorities remain much the same as when we started: delivering consistently for clients, supporting our associates, and running the business in line with our values. As we’ve grown, delivering that same experience at scale has without doubt become more challenging, so one of our key goals is ensuring we continue to do what we promise in a consistent and reliable manner.
Looking further ahead, there are two big opportunities. First, becoming more proactive in everything we do. The last decade can be divided into phases - startup, pre-Covid, Covid, and post-Covid - and at times we’ve been more reactive than we’d like. By building capacity and putting the right people in the right roles, we’ll be able to ensure a more proactive approach in everything we do: serving clients, developing the Associate Programme, and running the business day to day.
Second, there’s a huge opportunity in marketing. We can do more to tell our story - who we are, what we’ve achieved, and the value we bring. That means being more visible, more vocal, and engaging with our clients and associates. Done correctly, this will help us grow, attract new opportunities, and reinforce the brand we’ve built over the past 10 years.
Ultimately, my aspiration is simple: to build on what we’ve created, deliver consistently for clients, strengthen our Associate Programme, and ensure Platform Smart remains a company people want to work with - not just once, but again and again.”
Shane Colombo: “Looking ahead, our ambition is to continue growing Platform Smart so that we are recognised as one of the highest-quality technology professional services organisations in the UK - and beyond.
While we will always focus on delivering the very best for our UK clients, we are looking at ways and opportunities to expand beyond the UK, across Europe and possibly internationally. That might come through organic growth or through acquisition, particularly in markets where we already have strong foundations, such as aviation or financial services.
The aspiration is clear: to scale further, broaden our reach, and keep delivering the same high standards of service and expertise that have defined our first 10 years.”
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.
