Lateral hiring continues to rise across professional services firms in the UK, but while it has become a core growth strategy, the success rate remains patchy. Some lateral partners thrive, unlocking new clients and fresh opportunities. Others struggle, with their early promise fading in the face of complex dynamics, cultural mismatches or lack of support.
Our latest white paper, Integrating lateral hires: what drives success in today’s professional firms?, explores why this happens – and what both firms and individuals can do to improve outcomes.
The firm’s challenge is to proactively unlock value
Firms often bring in lateral hires to access new sectors, clients or geographies. Yet mismatches can quickly appear. Business plans may be overly optimistic, client books harder to transfer than anticipated, or onboarding processes too fragmented to build real momentum. Without active support, laterals can find themselves isolated and unable to deliver on expectations.
The individual’s challenge is to smoothly navigate complexity
For many laterals, the early months are a test of resilience. Despite their seniority, they can feel left to “sink or swim” in a new environment, juggling expectations, legacy habits and the pressure to prove themselves. Without clarity on priorities or access to the right internal networks, confidence can falter – and so too can results.
What makes the difference in successful integration
Encouragingly, many firms are now moving beyond surface-level inductions towards structured, human-centred onboarding. The most effective approaches give laterals the tools, connections and confidence to contribute quickly. These include tailored induction plans, facilitated introductions, ongoing mentoring, and dedicated support over a full business cycle.
Some firms have even introduced dedicated Heads of Integration to oversee the process, recognising that effective onboarding is too important to leave to chance.
Read the white paper
To read the full analysis, download our white paper
Download: Integrating lateral hires: what drives success in today’s professional firms?
Supporting firms and laterals to thrive
In addition to this white paper, The Results Consultancy has developed our Integrate & Grow programme to help both firms and their lateral hires succeed in this high-stakes period.
Combining coaching, training and facilitated peer discussions, it provides the framework and behavioural support that ensure integration translates into long-term commercial success.
For more information contact us at:
E: results@winningbusiness.net
T: +44 (0) 207 488 4419