For UK-based professional services firms with global ambitions, Australia offers more than sunshine and surf. It’s a strategic, high-value market that rewards local insight and thoughtful planning.
Despite the strong ties between the UK and Australia, expanding here takes more than a copy-paste approach. It’s a market with its own rhythm, trends, and expectations, and the firms that thrive are the ones who take the time to truly understand it.
Australia ranks as the 13th largest economy in the world, with projected GDP growth of 2.5% per year over the next five years (OECD, 2024). Its professional services industry, covering law, consulting, accountancy, and engineering, is a powerhouse, generating over $300 billion annually (ABS, 2024).
With growing infrastructure investment, globalised business operations, and a stable, affluent client base, there’s a clear appetite for specialist expertise. But it’s also a mature, competitive landscape where firms must earn their reputation – and their place.
Why a UK Strategy Won’t Always Land Down Under
Success in the UK doesn’t guarantee traction in Australia. The Australian market operates differently, from regulatory frameworks and business culture to buying behaviour and even the holiday calendar.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Relationships are everything. Australians are wary of the hard sell and favour trust built over time.
- Local laws, especially around data privacy and legal practice, differ significantly from the UK.
- Expect business to slow down in January – it’s peak summer there and many companies effectively shut down.
Everything from marketing tone to client engagement strategies must be tailored. The good news? With the right insight and support, that local relevance is well within reach.
Why Local Presence Matters
Having someone on the ground who knows the landscape can fast-track success. Whether it’s refining your messaging, navigating compliance, or simply knowing which local events to show up at, local context makes all the difference.
It doesn’t always require a full-blown office setup. A trusted in-market partner can help firms build credibility, make the right connections, and avoid the pitfalls of “going in blind.”
How We Can Help Your Firm Succeed
At Consortium, we help UK professional services firms expand into Australia with confidence.
Our team offers:
- Market entry support tailored specifically to professional services
- Brand localisation that resonates with Australian audiences
- Strategic introductions and business development advice
- On-the-ground expertise without the need for a full in-house team
We also help firms sidestep costly missteps. According to Harvard Business Review, 68% of international expansions fail due to a lack of local knowledge. A partnership with Consortium mitigates that risk dramatically.
Opportunity Meets Strategy
Australia is open for business – but it’s not an automatic win. Success here takes more than ambition. It takes insight, adaptability, and a partner who knows how things work on the ground.
Thinking of expanding? Get in touch with Bree Back today. Bree is a senior marketing and business development specialist with 18+ years’ global experience across professional services, construction and charity sectors. After two decades in the UK, Bree has returned to Australia with a fresh perspective and a passion for impactful, results-driven marketing.
Connect with Bree on LinkedIn here.