How to choose an AI consultancy
Choose an AI consultancy on evidence of delivery, not hype. Look for a clear, low-risk starting point (like a readiness assessment or pilot), named senior consultants, real outcomes, strong governance, and honesty about what AI can't do. Avoid firms that promise guaranteed results, hide who does the work, or lead with technology instead of your goals.
What a good AI consultancy looks like
- Starts with your goals, not tools. They ask what you’re trying to achieve first.
- Offers a low-risk start. A readiness assessment or pilot before a big commitment.
- Names the people doing the work. Senior consultants, not an anonymous team.
- Shows real outcomes. Case studies with actual, measurable results.
- Takes governance seriously. Data protection, risk and compliance built in.
- Is honest. Clear about limitations, risks and what AI won’t fix.
Questions to ask an AI consultancy
- Who exactly will work on our project, and what’s their experience?
- What’s the smallest, lowest-risk way to start with you?
- Can you show outcomes from similar clients or sectors?
- How do you handle data protection, security and compliance?
- How do you measure success and ROI?
- What happens if a pilot doesn’t work?
- Do you help with adoption and training, not just the build?
Red flags to avoid
- Guarantees of specific results or “AI will transform everything” hype.
- No clear starting point — pushing straight to a large, expensive build.
- Vagueness about who does the work or how success is measured.
- Ignoring governance, data and change management.
- No willingness to say what AI can’t do for you.
Talk to a consultancy that starts small
Alugence begins with a low-risk assessment and names the consultants who’ll do your work. Book a discovery call.