Resource sharing in IT consulting: Optimise your bench

As we navigate the beginnings of 2025, consultancies are discovering that effective workforce planning isn’t about maintaining a costly talent buffer – it’s about creating resource sharing networks that transform idle time into opportunity.

The problem with traditional bench management

The current approach to bench management – keeping skilled consultants on standby for upcoming projects – is increasingly unsustainable. With the UK IT consulting market growing by 11% in the last year alone, consultancies need smarter approaches to resource management. Resource sharing is the strategic solution, enabling firms to maintain agility while minimising bench costs.

Why resource sharing matters now more than ever

2025 has brought new challenges for IT consultancies. Project demands swing wildly from month to month, while technical skills become increasingly specialised. This combination makes it harder than ever to maintain the right bench strength without burning through profits.

With traditional bench management costing between £15,000-25,000 per consultant monthly, consultancies need smarter approaches. Add to this the growing client demand for faster project delivery and diverse technical expertise, and it’s clear why firms are rethinking their resourcing models entirely.

What is resource sharing, and why does it matter?

Resource sharing is the future of bench management. Instead of consultants sitting idle, consultancies can dynamically match their available talent to projects across a network, keeping teams engaged and revenue flowing.

Key benefits include: 

• Reduced bench costs through better utilisation
• Smarter workforce planning with real-time visibility
• Faster project staffing with on-demand resource allocation

How BenchBee revolutionises bench management

Current bench management systems are outdated. BenchBee is designed to enable:

1. Dynamic resource optimisation

• Quickly match available consultants with project needs
• Enable flexible allocation across multiple projects
• Rapidly scale teams when demand spikes

2. Strategic bench management

• Convert bench time into revenue opportunities
• Avoid unnecessary overheads while maintaining agility
• Access specialised skills when needed

3. Network-based collaboration

• Facilitate knowledge sharing across firms
• Enable partnerships for complex projects
• Foster innovation through shared expertise

Measuring success in resource sharing

When implementing resource sharing, consultancies will need to track specific metrics to ensure success:

Essential metrics:

• Resource utilisation rates
• Time-to-staff measurements
• Cost comparisons with traditional bench management
• Revenue potential from shared resources

Strategic considerations:

• Network engagement levels
• Skills coverage possibilities
• Project delivery targets
• Client satisfaction goals

These metrics will be crucial for measuring the effectiveness of any resource sharing initiative and ensuring it delivers real value to your consultancy.

Building your resource sharing strategy

Successfully implementing resource sharing requires a methodical approach. The journey typically begins with a thorough assessment of your current bench management practices. This initial phase helps identify where sharing opportunities exist and what technology you’ll need to support them. Many consultancies find surprising gaps – and opportunities – during this review process.

With this foundation in place, the focus shifts to developing your sharing network. This means carefully considering what you need in potential partners, creating clear frameworks for collaboration, and establishing governance structures that protect all parties. Think of it as building the rulebook for your future partnerships.

The final phase focuses on bringing your strategy to life. This means deploying the right technology, ensuring your team understands how to use it effectively, and putting monitoring systems in place to track and optimise your processes. Successful implementation isn’t only about the technology – it’s about bringing your people along on the journey and defining new ways of working across your organisation.

Overcoming common challenges

Successful resource sharing requires addressing key concerns:

1. Quality assurance

• Establish clear performance standards
• Implement robust vetting processes
• Maintain consistent delivery quality

2. Intellectual property

• Define clear IP protection frameworks
• Establish confidentiality protocols
• Create secure sharing environments

3. Cultural alignment

• Foster collaborative mindsets
• Build trust across organisations
• Maintain professional standards

The future of bench management in IT consulting

AI, automation, and data-driven decision-making are changing how IT consultancies approach workforce planning. Yet, few firms have fully adopted technology-driven bench management or resource sharing solutions.

BenchBee is changing that.

For firms looking to reduce costs, improve resource allocation, and drive workforce efficiency, BenchBee provides a new approach to bench management.

Is your consultancy ready for smarter bench management?

The future of IT consulting belongs to firms that optimise their workforce, reduce costs, and share resources effectively. BenchBee gives consultancies the technology to stay competitive while keeping their talent engaged and profitable.

Take the next step:

• Learn more about BenchBee’s platform
• Book a consultation to see how it fits your firm’s needs
• Start optimising your bench today

Ready to optimise your bench management? Learn more about BenchBee today.