Deltek has introduced a new framework designed to help UK small and mid-sized professional services firms pursue sustainable growth in 2026. The launch coincides with the publication of its latest report, *The Growth Blueprint*, which sets out how project-based businesses can scale more intelligently, win work more effectively and improve profitability.
Deltek’s research indicates that confidence among UK SMEs is under strain from operational and technology-related pressures. Some 73% of UK SMEs report being extremely concerned about managing sustainable growth, while 47% of financial leaders identify controlling that growth as their primary challenge over the next three years. In parallel, 70% of firms are worried about their inability to automate key processes, and 81% fear competitors are adopting new technologies faster than they can.
In response, Deltek has developed its Growth Formula, a five-pillar model aimed at helping smaller firms overcome these barriers and “scale smarter”. The framework is built around clarity, control, cash, clients and connection, translating the findings of *The Growth Blueprint* into a practical structure that firms can apply to their own operations.
Under the clarity pillar, the model emphasises visibility of business performance and project progress to support confident decision-making. Control focuses on tightening operational discipline through better management of resources, costs and workflows, while the cash element targets stronger forecasting and more robust cash flow management to underpin financial resilience.
The clients pillar encourages firms to prioritise the right opportunities, concentrating on profitable work rather than simply increasing volume. Finally, connection is about integrating people, processes and technology to drive efficiency and collaboration across the organisation, reflecting growing pressure on SMEs to keep pace with digital transformation and AI adoption.
“The Growth Formula brings together the priorities every growing firm needs to master,” says Neil Davidson, group vice president of the Professional Services Sector at Deltek. He notes that while small and mid-sized firms remain optimistic, they must be equipped with the tools and guidance required to compete in a market where AI adoption is becoming a necessity, not a differentiator.
For existing Deltek users, the framework is already being felt in day-to-day operations. “Having everything connected in one system has completely changed how we work,” says Jon Anderson, director at Cameron + Ross. “We can access the latest project information instantly and make decisions with far more confidence. The visibility and efficiency we’ve gained with Deltek have helped us deliver a more professional level of service as we continue to grow.”
The Growth Formula sits at the heart of Deltek’s *Growth Blueprint* whitepaper, which offers practical guidance for UK SMEs seeking to address operational challenges and build more resilient growth strategies. The report is aimed at leaders looking to move beyond short-term recovery and focus on long-term stability in an increasingly technology-driven project environment.
