Ecorys enjoys its best performance in a decade

International research and consultancy firm Ecorys has achieved strong performance in its latest financial year. “We look back at a successful period and are proud of the projects we have been working on, addressing society’s key challenges,” said Manon Janssen, chief executive officer and chair of the board of management. 

Net turnover of the professional services group (excluding turnover allocated to internal transactions) jumped by 11% to €97 million, some €20 million than three years ago. Strong performance in the firm’s two most important markets – the UK and the Netherlands – drove revenue growth. 

In its annual report, Janssen explained the key reasons behind the growth. First, amid a rapidly changing economic, business and societal environment, demand for policy evaluation and transformation services has been on the rise. 

“We address some of society's most pressing challenges. We advise our regional, national and international clients that are mainly in the public sector on policies, support our clients in implementing programmes and help them deliver these,” Janssen explained.

Winning larger projects was another factor which enabled Ecorys to expand its footprint. Initiatives were taken to facilitate better and faster collaboration between different units and countries, enabling the consultancy to offer more integral solutions, a feat which has bolstered both business development and engagement delivery.

Among the projects the consulting firm has worked on in the past year include a study on the financial consequences of the transition to sustainable sources for heating and cooking in the Netherlands (commissioned by Milieudefensie), a public expenditure and financial accountability (PEFA) assessment in Uzbekistan commissioned by the European Union Delegation to Uzbekistan and a study for UNICEF on fiscal space for children in Eastern and Southern Africa. 

Ecorys is also supporting the design and implementation of a results-based monitoring system for the EU’s facility for refugees in Turkey. This project aims to enhance the efficiency, complementarity, and accountability of €3 billion in financial support provided to Turkey, funds used to temporarily protect some 3.9 million Syrian refugees. 

Looking ahead, Janssen said that she expects the firm to continue a moderate growth path while monitoring a number of relevant external challenges, such as the uncertainties surrounding Brexit negotiations and the growing political tensions between the EU and Turkey. Growing unrest in a number of developing countries in which Ecorys is active means the firm is introducing higher security and safety measures for its staff in these regions.

Across its footprint, Ecorys has over 550 employees working from offices in 15 countries. The company is one of the oldest economic research and consulting firms in Europe, with its history tracing back to 1929. The consulting firm operates under the Ecorys brand since 2000, following the merger between Netherlands-based NEI Kolpron and UK-based Ecotec Research and Consulting.