Business consulting has changed quite a bit this year.
Not long ago, conversations with business consultants often started with strategy, growth plans and digital transformation. Those things still matter, of course. But in September 2026, businesses are asking a much more practical question:
“How do we actually make this work?”
And that is where modern business consulting is heading.
AI Has Moved From Experiment to Everyday Business
AI is no longer something businesses can simply “look into” when they have time. It is already being used across marketing, customer service, administration, software development and decision-making.
But there is an important catch.
The European Union’s AI Act has now entered a new phase, with transparency obligations applying from 2 August 2026. Businesses using certain AI systems need to understand what they are using, how it affects customers and employees, and where human oversight is still required.
That makes AI strategy and AI governance increasingly important parts of business consulting.
The goal isn’t to use AI everywhere. It is to use it where it genuinely improves the business.
The Best Strategy Is the One You Can Actually Implement
One trend I find particularly encouraging is the move away from endless strategy documents.
A beautifully written business plan is useful. But if nobody implements it, it is just an expensive document.
Businesses increasingly want consultants who can help them move from:
Assess → Plan → Implement → Measure → Improve
That means looking at processes, technology, people and finances together — then turning recommendations into measurable improvements.
Sometimes the answer might be AI. Sometimes it might be better software, a simpler process, stronger cybersecurity or simply stopping something that no longer makes sense.
Businesses Are Looking for Results, Not More Jargon
The consulting industry itself is under pressure to demonstrate value. AI is making research and analysis faster, while businesses are becoming more comfortable bringing some capabilities in-house.
That means good business consulting needs to offer something more valuable than information.
It needs to provide experience, independent thinking and practical implementation support.
For SMEs in particular, having access to experienced expertise when you need it can make a significant difference without the cost of building every capability internally.
So, What Should Your Business Do Now?
My advice is simple: don’t chase every new trend.
Start by identifying where your business is losing time, money or opportunities. Then ask what is causing the problem and what would realistically improve it.
Maybe you need a clearer growth strategy. Perhaps your processes are holding your team back. Or maybe you know AI could help but aren’t sure where to start.
That is where the right business consultant can add real value — not by throwing buzzwords at you, but by helping you make better decisions and turn those decisions into results.
At Digitus Consulting, we believe business consulting should be practical, collaborative and focused on your actual business — not a generic template.
If your business is ready for its next step, let’s have a conversation about what that could look like.
