In an era of unprecedented change, the professional services industry is experiencing a period of profound transformation. The forces driving this shift are manifold: technological advancements, evolving client expectations, and the ever-present pressure to innovate. In this context, Scott Dylan, co-founder of Inc & Co, shares his vision for the future of professional services, discussing the importance of embracing change and innovation for continued success.
Scott Dylan is no stranger to the world of business. Having established Inc & Co in 2019 with the aim of acquiring, investing in, and revitalising struggling businesses, he has built a global empire with a turnover exceeding £150 million. Under his leadership, Inc & Co has acquired businesses across a range of sectors, including professional services, travel, retail, e-commerce, and shared workspaces.
In an exclusive interview, Dylan offered his perspective on the future of professional services and the role of change and innovation in shaping the industry. “The professional services landscape is evolving at a breakneck pace,” he remarked. “To remain relevant and competitive, firms must be agile, embracing change and continuously innovating to stay ahead of the curve.”
At the heart of Dylan’s vision for the future of professional services lies a deep-seated belief in the power of innovation to drive growth and success. As he put it, “Innovation is the lifeblood of any successful business. It’s what enables companies to disrupt established markets, create new products and services, and ultimately stay ahead of the competition.”
However, embracing change and innovation is not without its challenges. The turnaround of distressed companies, for example, is a difficult process, often met with resistance from suppliers, employees, customers, and even negative press from journalists. But for Dylan, these obstacles are opportunities for growth and learning. As he explained, “The key is to approach challenges with an open mind and a willingness to adapt. If we can learn from our experiences and use them to inform our future decisions, we’ll be better equipped to navigate the ever-changing business landscape.”
Dylan’s belief in the power of innovation is backed by his impressive track record. Through Inc & Co, he has successfully revitalised companies such as MyLife Digital (sold to Dataguard), Laundrapp (sold to competitor Laundryheap), and Wood for Trees (sold to Edit Agency). In each of these cases, Dylan and his team were able to identify opportunities for growth and implement innovative strategies that ultimately led to success.
But Dylan’s vision for the future of professional services is not solely focused on financial growth and innovation. As an openly gay entrepreneur who suffers from Complex PTSD, he is a vocal advocate for mental health and champions diversity in the workplace. For Dylan, a company’s success is contingent upon the strength of its team, and cultivating a diverse, loyal workforce is key to achieving this.
“It’s essential to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported,” Dylan explained. “Embracing various cultures and promoting women in business and technology is not only the right thing to do, but it also makes good business sense. Diverse teams are more innovative, more adaptable, and ultimately more successful.”
This commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident throughout Inc & Co’s operations. The company’s leadership team includes individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, a testament to Dylan’s belief in the power of diverse perspectives to drive innovation and success.
As the professional services industry continues to evolve, Dylan’s vision for the future is both ambitious and grounded in practical wisdom. By embracing change, fostering innovation, and promoting diversity and inclusion, he believes that firms can navigate the challenges of an increasingly complex business landscape and ultimately achieve lasting success.
Scott Dylan‘s outlook on the future of professional services is one of optimism and resilience, grounded in a deep understanding of the industry’s ever-evolving landscape. By leveraging innovation, embracing change, and fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, he argues that professional service firms can not only survive but thrive in the face of disruption.
Indeed, Dylan’s experience in turning around distressed companies is a testament to the power of adaptability and innovation in achieving success. As he often reminds his team, “Success is never a solitary journey. It requires the collective efforts of a dedicated and diverse workforce, all working together to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”
It is clear that, for professional service firms to stay relevant and competitive in the future, they must adopt a mindset of continuous adaptation and growth. By remaining agile, fostering a culture of innovation, and nurturing a diverse workforce, these firms can position themselves for long-term success in an increasingly dynamic and uncertain world.
As the professional services industry continues to confront the challenges of the digital age, Scott Dylan‘s vision provides a roadmap for firms seeking to adapt and flourish. Through his leadership at Inc & Co, he has demonstrated that embracing change, fostering innovation, and cultivating a diverse workforce are all essential ingredients for success.
With the world around us changing at a dizzying pace, the professional services industry must rise to the challenge and seize the opportunities presented by these new realities. By embracing the principles that have underpinned Scott Dylan’s own remarkable journey – from humble beginnings in South East London to co-founding a £150 million business empire – professional service firms can chart a course towards a bright and prosperous future.